HOME | DD

Description
A private of the Rhodesian Light Infantry Regiment (RLI) during the Rhodesian Bush war 1965-80. That saw the white colonial minority population of Rhodesia attempt to cling on to political power against the aspirations of the black native majority. While the white Rhodesians won the war militarily, politically and economically they were doomed due to a lack of support from the majority of the indigenous population (who understandably didn't see what skin colour had to do with political rights) international economic sanctions and diplomatic hostility/indifference.

The Rhodesian Light infantry was heavily involved in the successful airborne 'Fireforce', and cross border operations against the guerrilla forces fighting for majority rule. The regiment had an enviable combat reputation and attracted volunteers who had served in the armies of Britain the USA and Australia (among others) as well as Rhodesian settlers. The RLI was one of only two units of the Rhodesian Army not to be racially integrated.

This 'troopie', wears the iconic 'cammies', Rhodesian camouflage pattern uniform and the regiment's commando green beret. He is armed with a copy of the FN FAL rifle (either the British SLR or a South African R1) His equipment includes belt kit and a privately purchased or 'liberated', chest rig to carry his rifle magazines.

--
Wiki: Rhodesian Security Forces.
[link]
Wiki: Rhodesian Bush War.
[link]
Wiki: Rhodesia.
[link]

Description
A private of the Rhodesian Light Infantry Regiment (RLI) during the Rhodesian Bush war 1965-80. That saw the white colonial minority population of Rhodesia attempt to cling on to political power against the aspirations of the black native majority. While the white Rhodesians won the war militarily, politically and economically they were doomed due to a lack of support from the majority of the indigenous population (who understandably didn't see what skin colour had to do with political rights) international economic sanctions and diplomatic hostility/indifference.

The Rhodesian Light infantry was heavily involved in the successful airborne 'Fireforce', and cross border operations against the guerrilla forces fighting for majority rule. The regiment had an enviable combat reputation and attracted volunteers who had served in the armies of Britain the USA and Australia (among others) as well as Rhodesian settlers. The RLI was one of only two units of the Rhodesian Army not to be racially integrated.

This 'troopie', wears the iconic 'cammies', Rhodesian camouflage pattern uniform and the regiment's commando green beret. He is armed with a copy of the FN FAL rifle (either the British SLR or a South African R1) His equipment includes belt kit and a privately purchased or 'liberated', chest rig to carry his rifle magazines.

--
Wiki: Rhodesian Security Forces.
[link]
Wiki: Rhodesian Bush War.
[link]
Wiki: Rhodesia.
[link]