PAST EVENTS
The first meeting in our 1992 programme was addressed by Lt Col Roy Matkovich on the subject of his own regiment: The Rhodesian Light Infantry. In support he had arranged a small but very interesting and colourful exhibit of badges, emblems and artefacts relating to the regiment. Its history began in 1960 when it was decided to include, for the first time, a regular European battalion in the army of the Federation of Rhodesia/Nyasaland's order of battle. As a result, No 1 Training Unit was established in Bulawayo with the task of forming, not only the RLI but also SAS and an armoured car unit. Thus the RLI was officially formed on the 1st February 1961 and this day has been recognised as the Regimental Birthday. The Colours were consecrated and laid up in the Anglican Cathedral, Harare in October 1980. In their short history of 19 years the Regiment suffered 84 members killed in action, 14 were killed on operational service and a further 32 killed in service, bringing the total casualties to 130. Four members of the Regiment were awarded the Silver Cross of Rhodesia for gallantry, 42 the Bronze Cross and 43 Military Forces Commendation. In addition, 2 officers were made Officers of the Legion of Merit, and 7 Members of the Legion of Merit. There were, in all, 11 Commanding Officers and 3 RSMs. The colours' of the regimemat were green and silver and the badge was made up of a light infantry bugle in which stood erect the lion and tusk of Rhodesia, originally under the Royal Crown and after Rhodesia became a republic, the crown was replaced with an infantry knot.
In 1977 RLI converted to a para-role and in all, carried out over 4(frac12; thousand operational jumps, which is more than any other regiment in history, including the British Parachute Regiment, the Red Devils. Another world first was scored when members of 1 Commando completed 3 operational jumps within a 24 hour period. On 1 February 1979 the Regimental War Memorial (the first of its kind in Rhodesia) was unveiled. It depicts a typical RLI trooper dressed in traditional bush kit. The figure faces North and is situated in the centre of the Holy Ground. On the 25th July 1980 the battalion paraded before the War Memorial for the last time.
The Colonel discussed the War history in 3 phases. Firstly, the early days which saw the battalion adopt a defensive position on the then Northern Rhodesia/Congo border. In 1964 the battalion switched to a commando role. The first phase of the war was characterised by the inability of the terrorists to melt into the local population. As a result, pitched battles were fought and the battalion enjoyed spectacular successes. During one of these battles a veteran Sgt Major from the RAR said: "We in the RAR used to laugh at your soldiers for to us they looked like boys but you have shown us how to fight. They have the faces of boys but they fight like lions". By the middle of 1968 the RLI had accounted for 69 terrorists and had lost 4 of their own forces.
The final phase of the war started with the terrorists operating in small groups and avoiding any sign of prolonged contact unless it was on favourable terms. There was great frustration in the early days until the development of Fire Force, which was a heliborne reaction force. The RLI's soldiers' ability to assault and advance under fire, earned for them the privilege of being permanent fire force troops. The development of para capabilities led to external raids with the SAS or the Selous Scouts. During the final stages of the war when the battalion was not involved on external operations, it operated as a battle group under the command of battalion headquarters.
At the Regimental Birthday in 1968 the Hon. I D Smith toasted the Regiment and said: "The Incredible Light Infantry", thus giving birth to the unit's unofficial nickname of "The Incredibles". The composer of the Regimental slow march later requested that it be renamed 'The Incredibles' and as such it is known toay.
Following a brief question time a warm word of thanks was expressed on behalf of the audience by fellow-member Dr Jack Hickman.
FUTURE EVENTS
Programme of Monthly Meetings:
FEBRUARY l3TH PROF. DONAL McCRACKEN will give a talk on "THE IRISH INVOLVEMENT IN THE BOER WAR".
March 12th WO I R. Francis, JCD, will give a talk on his experiences and the activities of the Durban Light Infantry in the Operational Area over a number of years.
The venue for all meetings is the functions room, first floor, Westville North Library, 167 Blair Atholl Road, Westville. The Library is on the corner of Blair Atholl and Iver Roads, at the robot-controlled intersection of Blair Atholl - Iver - Dunkeld Roads. Meetings are held on the second Thursday in the month commencing at 19H45 (7.45 p.m.). Please bring your own GLASS and canned or bottled refreshments. Ice supplied. FRIENDS AND INTERESTED PEPSONS ARE WELCOME TO COME ALONG.
NATAL SPECIAL INTEREST WEEKENDS arranged by Mrs Pam Brink, PO Box NN Sarnia 36l5 Tel (031)821nmnm
Anglo-Boer War History in the Free State Feb 28 to Mar 1 Steve Watt will give slide shows and talks in the evenings as well as leading the expeditions during the day. Accom is on a historic farm at Van Reenen. Sat. drive to Groenkop near Bethlehem and maybe Surrender Hill. Sun. explore Kings Hill near Harrismith and historical sites in town. R440.
Anglo-Boer War Military History, Ladysmith, April 3 to 6 (Mon) Under the guidance of Yvonne Williams of Ladysmith Publicity Assoc. visit historical places in and around Ladysmith, Elandslaagte, Wasbank, Wenkommando Pass, Chieveley, Colenso and Tugela Heights. Accom. at Royal Hotel. R492 for 3 nights.
(Mrs) Tania van der Watt
Secretary: Durban Branch
S.A. Military History Society
Box 870 Hillcrest 3650
Tel. 74mmmm