I asked my old man on the subject of the removal of carry handles & sling mounts & he stated that it was a multitude of issues, ranging from it making more noise, getting in the way, catching on brush when on operations & just being completely unnecessary or down to individual troopers simply having a personal preference! He was former RLI / Selous Scout just for context.
Interesting video, I didn't realise that people were still interested in the Rhodesian bush war. I still have some of my old Rhodesian army uniform and kit in storage and I wondered if you could suggest some forum where I could advertise it for sale?
Nice video and in the main factually correct. Couple of issues, RLI never had carrying handles or slings on their FN’s and finally the song at the end is called Sweet Banana which is the Battalion song of the Rhodesian African Rifles and not the RLI. Sorry, just one more thing, many of the ouens like myself had their chest webbing or operational vests made by some of the many independent tailors working out of shops in Manica Road in Salisbury. It became a lucrative business for them. Stay safe
Sometimes The British troops would also remove the carrying handles on their L1A1s. I worked with a guy here in The UK whose stepson had been in the RLI back in the day.
@pamberinehondo9447 Larry Vickers on forgotten weapons said they cut the carry handles Off because a buyer ricocheted and took a soldiers eye out , and it also shows the bit cut out and grinds to hide the fact they were weapons from South Africa
@@charliecharliecharliecharl8554 Never heard the story of the ricochet but could be plausible but unlikely. Never used a South African R1 as after 18 months of carrying the MAG I was fortunate enough to be issued with an original FN out of Belgium. No handle!! Keep well
I am not sure the RLI were "outgunned", at least within the country. The Terrs had to walk in all their weaponry. As a result, they were largely restricted to rifles, submachine guns, pistols, grenades and RPG7s, most of which were inferior to their RSF equivalents. The Terrs were also often short of ammunition for the same reason. Even bloodless contacts could paralyse them until their next ammo was walked in from Moczambique. By contrast, the RLI arrived fresh by air and were backed by G-cars and other aerial support. So, almost always the RLI considerably outgunned its opponents on internal operations. The problem for the RLI was that, although they usually had every advantage in firefights and extracted high kill ratios, doing this day in, day out, on limited resources was extremely wearing, even with low casualties. It took a hell of a tough mindset to do this day after day, sometimes more than once. It is also worth looking at the Terrs. At a meeting in Melsetter in the second half of 1978, SB told us that the life expectancy of a Terr inside the country was only nine months. To keep on coming despite this required another sort of tough mindset. The RLI never faced anything remotely resembling the loss rates suffered by the Terrs and white society could never have borne it. Indeed, the white population was draining away rather than risk it. About 80 times as many Whites emigrated during the war as were killed in it.
I agree Mark...the Gooks were more successfull in scaring Whites away then killing them. On the other side surviving 9 month (average) inside Rhodesia is not to bad. The average lifespan of a German Infantry Lt. at the Eastern Front was 14 Battledays/Grosskampftage
Interesting to see the film Front Line Rhodesia about A Coy 2 RAR filmed by Lord Cecil and Nick Downey. Unfortunately Lord Cecil was killed making the film. Music - 'Sweet Banana' regimental march of the Rhodesian African Rifles.
I absolutely love this video and the rest of your channel, please if you can keep up the content, it's top notch and very relaxing and interesting to watch! God bless friend!
Thanks mate! I do this for fun so it's hard to get the equipment and time to go to interesting locations with friends. That being said I have a car video almost done, and another weapon and equipment video is in the works, just waiting on paperwork.
There were quite a few branches of the RSF. I for one never saw a sling on a rifle, but that does not say they were not used. A lot of the carry handles on the rifle, mine included, remained on the weapon but we were trained to never carry the weapon by the handle when on operations as it would slow down your reaction time in a contact. Weapons were generally held across your chest by both hands. One thing about the FAL it became damn heavy after lugging it the whole day, but once you started firing the weapon in earnest, man, what a comforting sound it gave out!
He says, "most people today have no real understanding of the war or political situation....", and he is definitely one of them. The rest of his commentary on kit is better but misses a lot. The most common rifle in the RSF was the German H&K G3. BATA in Rhodesia reportedly had the largest shoe factory in the southern hemisphere at the time, so boots from down south were not needed. We used to have to jump up and down before a patrol so that we could stifle anything that rattled. I bought a different model of Fereday's ammunition vest but had to dump it on a night follow up because something on it rattled. I picked it upon the way back but didn't use it again because it was also too hot during the day. And when did Rhodie camo become "brushstroke"? I don't recall anyone calling it that out there.
Yes there was a boiler suit version which was buttoned. I will see if I can get a photo of it. The jump suit was used by the RAR as well especially paratroopers. The boiler suit was used by mechanics and others but masodja/soldiers of the RAR used them on operations. RAR NO1 Sharp.
Hi John, did a FF call out on the Dak with 2 sticks of RAR and we were chatting about jumps and landings etc. The RAR cpl next to me said landing after exiting the door at 600ft was like “falling off a bicycle “. Nice to read your RAT No1 Sharp. It’s all we have left is memories 👍🙏
As you continue learning the truth about how Rhodesia survived all those years you’ll learn how small Rhodesian units could easily wipeout thousands of communists/socialists invading their land. I’m just a retired US Army Infantryman so I’m familiar with light infantry tactics and the Rhodies did things right. If Rhodesia lost the war, every white citizen would likely be killed so yes, they were fighting for their lives and failure wasn’t an option. I find it comical that the new Zimbabwe government can’t even get clean drinking water or feed their population since they failed,to do simple repairs to sustain the infrastructure they inherited from the whites, and this was while the UN and other agencies was pumping in billions to assist them but as usual, it was squandered by the corrupt politicians that plague every African country today. I also own a nice FAL, Arizona Response Systems is a great help on parts. I hope I’m wrong but it’s pretty clear an open conflict will occur in our own country thanks to politicians and the media. So ensure you’re well prepared but hope,for the best. Most Infantry Veterans/Retirees like myself acquire weapons, field gear and other supplies so we’re able to group together to defend certain areas in event of a domestic crisis. And no matter how hard they try, Infantry is filled with conservatives but a majority of non-combat arms jobs are populated with liberals which are just plain embarrassing, lol. You put a lot of effort into your representation and did well. The FAL is a rifle you should NEVER get rid of in any way, they’re slowly drying up on the secondary markets and prices climb accordingly.
Errrrr..... Rhodesia DID lose the war and every white citizen was NOT killed. The Terrs were not primarily communists/socialists. They were African nationalists who could only get weaponry from Communist countries. There was precious little evidence of "socialism" after independence.
Most of my mother's side of the family are Rhodesian born and we had a family friend who had Many stories about the war and knew all the Rhodesians in the area he unfortunately passed away last year and as for the carry handle I seem to remember a story about one of the soldiers losing an an eye when his carry handle was shot off
I must disagree with quite a lot. Once most of us had completed our basic training and went operational, we discarded most of our issued webbing and purchased our own equipment it was more comfortable and practical. There were many manufacturers in Rhodesia servicing these needs. Our cannot kit would be cut and reshaped to suit our personal needs. Operationally we were kitted very differently, there certainly was not a standard uniform. As for the overalls, yes I did see them on occasions but they were useless, do you know how much effort it would take to take a crap in the bush. But generally a decent article on our history
Nice video, very based. I bought a pair of anti-track waxi boots from Kommandostore in a pre-order. Never received the pair, after a few emails they refunded my money and accidently sent me a free pair of lug sole and anti-track sole waxi's kek. And 100% need to size down, I will still enjoy them though.
Whilst the majority of front line troop s (RLI/SAS/RR) used the FN/FAL more and more units were forced to adopt the H+K G3 7.62mm. (Greys, POU, Intaf, Guard Force etc) I must admit carrying handles were taboo. Also having worked closely with Intaf, I never witnessed any member wearing coveralls.
Best reproduction and affordable proper for wear that actually comes from Zim is Cortney boot company. They do make many boots not on there sight just ask and they will make. I got my old style shoes in the very rare waffle soal from them. I don’t know if she will make double buckles, but I still have mine and don’t wear them any more. And my Villies are not periods appropriate since they have a new modern tag on them but except for the price tag of that tag same same. Look them up. I say “she” because my contact is a woman. I hated the leather double buckle boots to no end. I also hated the ‘Nike” canvas style boots. Boy I was hard to satisfy for being poor. Easy way to decide if you like my style is look up Rigby and Sons rifles and find there “Jungle Jim’s” boots. She will make them MUCH less expensive because you won’t get the blue tag…same boot just no tag
The South African border war happend during the same time & often crossed over into Rhodisian. All so a lot of the Rhodesian FAL came from South Africa.
@@tokoloshimampara9932 You will need to take that up with Fabrique Nationale they decided on the name, but in general if someone states " I have a FAL" most people know what they mean regardless if it is a true FN FAL or a licenced copy or reproduction like the DS ARMS models. If someone says " I have an FN" it is more open to interpretation or question. Which FN are you referring to? an FN FAL, an FN MAG, an FN CAL, an FN FNC, an FN F2000, an FN SCAR or any of the 100'ss of weapon designs FN has produced since 1889.
"overalls" i would have thought the Rhodesian army would have called them. Possibly even dungarees. It's amusing that every you tube maker outside the US makes an effort, for some reason,to use "American English" presumably to make the majority number of viewers feel more culturally at ease etc. But it never works the other way around does it ?
I asked my old man on the subject of the removal of carry handles & sling mounts & he stated that it was a multitude of issues, ranging from it making more noise, getting in the way, catching on brush when on operations & just being completely unnecessary or down to individual troopers simply having a personal preference! He was former RLI / Selous Scout just for context.
God bless your old man for his service
God Bless y’all for your family’s service
based.. so funkcning zased...
just realized how kino this ending is, you deserve more views
Interesting video, I didn't realise that people were still interested in the Rhodesian bush war. I still have some of my old Rhodesian army uniform and kit in storage and I wondered if you could suggest some forum where I could advertise it for sale?
New Rhodesia forum is the best place I can think of
Nice video and in the main factually correct. Couple of issues, RLI never had carrying handles or slings on their FN’s and finally the song at the end is called Sweet Banana which is the Battalion song of the Rhodesian African Rifles and not the RLI. Sorry, just one more thing, many of the ouens like myself had their chest webbing or operational vests made by some of the many independent tailors working out of shops in Manica Road in Salisbury. It became a lucrative business for them. Stay safe
Sometimes The British troops would also remove the carrying handles on their L1A1s. I worked with a guy here in The UK whose stepson had been in the RLI back in the day.
@pamberinehondo9447 Larry Vickers on forgotten weapons said they cut the carry handles Off because a buyer ricocheted and took a soldiers eye out , and it also shows the bit cut out and grinds to hide the fact they were weapons from South Africa
@@charliecharliecharliecharl8554 Never heard the story of the ricochet but could be plausible but unlikely. Never used a South African R1 as after 18 months of carrying the MAG I was fortunate enough to be issued with an original FN out of Belgium. No handle!! Keep well
@pamberinehondo9447 that's what Larry vickers said on forgotten weapons went into detail of the file, were u in Rhodesia If so Much respect
@pamberinehondo9447
Just looked at the video he says a peice of brass deflected of carry hanle and blinded a guy
I am not sure the RLI were "outgunned", at least within the country. The Terrs had to walk in all their weaponry. As a result, they were largely restricted to rifles, submachine guns, pistols, grenades and RPG7s, most of which were inferior to their RSF equivalents. The Terrs were also often short of ammunition for the same reason. Even bloodless contacts could paralyse them until their next ammo was walked in from Moczambique.
By contrast, the RLI arrived fresh by air and were backed by G-cars and other aerial support. So, almost always the RLI considerably outgunned its opponents on internal operations. The problem for the RLI was that, although they usually had every advantage in firefights and extracted high kill ratios, doing this day in, day out, on limited resources was extremely wearing, even with low casualties. It took a hell of a tough mindset to do this day after day, sometimes more than once.
It is also worth looking at the Terrs. At a meeting in Melsetter in the second half of 1978, SB told us that the life expectancy of a Terr inside the country was only nine months. To keep on coming despite this required another sort of tough mindset. The RLI never faced anything remotely resembling the loss rates suffered by the Terrs and white society could never have borne it. Indeed, the white population was draining away rather than risk it. About 80 times as many Whites emigrated during the war as were killed in it.
I agree Mark...the Gooks were more successfull in scaring Whites away then killing them. On the other side surviving 9 month (average) inside Rhodesia is not to bad. The average lifespan of a German Infantry Lt. at the Eastern Front was 14 Battledays/Grosskampftage
Time to slot some floppies
Really? Are you aware what 'floppy' means?
I can't believe 8 please upvoted this? Sad smh@@ggpp4898
@@ggpp4898yes
My god! I haven't heard that phrase for forty years!! Happy days,
@@ggpp4898 yes
Interesting to see the film Front Line Rhodesia about A Coy 2 RAR filmed by Lord Cecil and Nick Downey. Unfortunately Lord Cecil was killed making the film. Music - 'Sweet Banana' regimental march of the Rhodesian African Rifles.
Top quality as always man. Definitely my favorite channel.
I absolutely love this video and the rest of your channel, please if you can keep up the content, it's top notch and very relaxing and interesting to watch! God bless friend!
Thanks mate! I do this for fun so it's hard to get the equipment and time to go to interesting locations with friends.
That being said I have a car video almost done, and another weapon and equipment video is in the works, just waiting on paperwork.
There were quite a few branches of the RSF. I for one never saw a sling on a rifle, but that does not say they were not used. A lot of the carry handles on the rifle, mine included, remained on the weapon but we were trained to never carry the weapon by the handle when on operations as it would slow down your reaction time in a contact. Weapons were generally held across your chest by both hands. One thing about the FAL it became damn heavy after lugging it the whole day, but once you started firing the weapon in earnest, man, what a comforting sound it gave out!
He says, "most people today have no real understanding of the war or political situation....", and he is definitely one of them. The rest of his commentary on kit is better but misses a lot. The most common rifle in the RSF was the German H&K G3. BATA in Rhodesia reportedly had the largest shoe factory in the southern hemisphere at the time, so boots from down south were not needed. We used to have to jump up and down before a patrol so that we could stifle anything that rattled. I bought a different model of Fereday's ammunition vest but had to dump it on a night follow up because something on it rattled. I picked it upon the way back but didn't use it again because it was also too hot during the day. And when did Rhodie camo become "brushstroke"? I don't recall anyone calling it that out there.
Good stuff man ! Love that FAL
Yes there was a boiler suit version which was buttoned. I will see if I can get a photo of it. The jump suit was used by the RAR as well especially paratroopers. The boiler suit was used by mechanics and others but masodja/soldiers of the RAR used them on operations. RAR NO1 Sharp.
Hi John, did a FF call out on the Dak with 2 sticks of RAR and we were chatting about jumps and landings etc. The RAR cpl next to me said landing after exiting the door at 600ft was like “falling off a bicycle “. Nice to read your RAT No1 Sharp. It’s all we have left is memories 👍🙏
As you continue learning the truth about how Rhodesia survived all those years you’ll learn how small Rhodesian units could easily wipeout thousands of communists/socialists invading their land. I’m just a retired US Army Infantryman so I’m familiar with light infantry tactics and the Rhodies did things right. If Rhodesia lost the war, every white citizen would likely be killed so yes, they were fighting for their lives and failure wasn’t an option. I find it comical that the new Zimbabwe government can’t even get clean drinking water or feed their population since they failed,to do simple repairs to sustain the infrastructure they inherited from the whites, and this was while the UN and other agencies was pumping in billions to assist them but as usual, it was squandered by the corrupt politicians that plague every African country today.
I also own a nice FAL, Arizona Response Systems is a great help on parts. I hope I’m wrong but it’s pretty clear an open conflict will occur in our own country thanks to politicians and the media. So ensure you’re well prepared but hope,for the best. Most Infantry Veterans/Retirees like myself acquire weapons, field gear and other supplies so we’re able to group together to defend certain areas in event of a domestic crisis. And no matter how hard they try, Infantry is filled with conservatives but a majority of non-combat arms jobs are populated with liberals which are just plain embarrassing, lol.
You put a lot of effort into your representation and did well. The FAL is a rifle you should NEVER get rid of in any way, they’re slowly drying up on the secondary markets and prices climb accordingly.
Keep your FAL close my friend. Love it like a loyal woman and it will love you back with a 2 inch grouping at 100 yards 😃👍🙏
Errrrr..... Rhodesia DID lose the war and every white citizen was NOT killed. The Terrs were not primarily communists/socialists. They were African nationalists who could only get weaponry from Communist countries. There was precious little evidence of "socialism" after independence.
Great video and Rhodie setup.
I am trying to get some Rhodie uniforms my self.
Most of my mother's side of the family are Rhodesian born and we had a family friend who had Many stories about the war and knew all the Rhodesians in the area he unfortunately passed away last year and as for the carry handle I seem to remember a story about one of the soldiers losing an an eye when his carry handle was shot off
/brg/ approved
I must disagree with quite a lot. Once most of us had completed our basic training and went operational, we discarded most of our issued webbing and purchased our own equipment it was more comfortable and practical. There were many manufacturers in Rhodesia servicing these needs. Our cannot kit would be cut and reshaped to suit our personal needs. Operationally we were kitted very differently, there certainly was not a standard uniform.
As for the overalls, yes I did see them on occasions but they were useless, do you know how much effort it would take to take a crap in the bush.
But generally a decent article on our history
You need the short shorts though.
Adding to reading list: Winds of Destruction by Peter Petter-Bowyer.
I'll give it a read man, thanks for the suggestion
Nice video, very based. I bought a pair of anti-track waxi boots from Kommandostore in a pre-order. Never received the pair, after a few emails they refunded my money and accidently sent me a free pair of lug sole and anti-track sole waxi's kek. And 100% need to size down, I will still enjoy them though.
Where's the fireforce reenacting located? I've got all the kit
Nie w buszu. Rodezja nie umiera. RODEZJA pamietajmy kto zdradził. Chwała bohaterom
Next time don't skip leg day and do the early version, it is not a proper Rhodie uniform if people can't see what you had for breakfast.
well put together video
Imagine if Rhodesia won...
Impossible when fighting west, china and Russia at the same time. Smith had to choose smarter moves instead of war
Rhodesia did win! Politics lost.
@@mazambane286 it won in our hearts...
This video is really good, well done. Get them skinnies
Keep dreaming. Where are your skinnies now? 😂😂
Whilst the majority of front line troop s (RLI/SAS/RR) used the FN/FAL more and more units were forced to adopt the H+K G3 7.62mm. (Greys, POU, Intaf, Guard Force etc) I must admit carrying handles were taboo. Also having worked closely with Intaf, I never witnessed any member wearing coveralls.
Sin duda alguna, el ejército Rhodesiano ha sido el mejor de África.
2nd best. The South Africans were better as they were better equipped and way more aggressive.
ignoramos Israel e Irak?
i just LOVE Rhodesian/SAfrican Loadouts!
Instantly subbed when I heard that MGS3 menu music
Cool impression bro, but they never carried the FN by the handle bro. It just wasn't done.
How have the waxis been holding up for you? I'm thinking about buying a pair for the hot climate I live in.
They are holding up decently well for the abuse I put them through.
Man i need this camo!
Cool video.
RLI never had slings on their rifles.
He showed a photo
Some of them used underfolder Aks to
I think the Jumpsuit from Fireforce ventures is quite a bit better. but this isnt bad.
.....you didn't wear the shorts, you FAILED
R1 and r4 rifle proudly south african !!!!
How do you take a shit in coveralls and with kit on?
Sham election? When the majority of Shona voted for the Shona candidate?
😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 you again with your bullshit comments on a topic you know absolutely nothing about!
Glory and honor to free Zimbabwe!!!
What is the name of the final song ??
Sweet banana.
Best reproduction and affordable proper for wear that actually comes from Zim is Cortney boot company. They do make many boots not on there sight just ask and they will make. I got my old style shoes in the very rare waffle soal from them. I don’t know if she will make double buckles, but I still have mine and don’t wear them any more. And my Villies are not periods appropriate since they have a new modern tag on them but except for the price tag of that tag same same. Look them up. I say “she” because my contact is a woman. I hated the leather double buckle boots to no end. I also hated the ‘Nike” canvas style boots. Boy I was hard to satisfy for being poor. Easy way to decide if you like my style is look up Rigby and Sons rifles and find there “Jungle Jim’s” boots. She will make them MUCH less expensive because you won’t get the blue tag…same boot just no tag
thanks I'll check them out
Noice
Bro what metal gear cover is that, I swear I hear metal gear theme
I used various mgs 3,4 and 5 soundtracks.
The one at the start is just the mgs3 menu music.
any place sell Rhodesian camo? real or reprint....
You mention the Rhodesian Special Forces, but please, its Special Air Serevice, not Services. ut thank you for the video.
Fkin based.
The South African border war happend during the same time & often crossed over into Rhodisian. All so a lot of the Rhodesian FAL came from South Africa.
@@tokoloshimampara9932 Normal people call it the FAL or Fusil Automatique Léger if they feel posh.
@@tokoloshimampara9932 You will need to take that up with Fabrique Nationale they decided on the name, but in general if someone states " I have a FAL" most people know what they mean regardless if it is a true FN FAL or a licenced copy or reproduction like the DS ARMS models. If someone says " I have an FN" it is more open to interpretation or question. Which FN are you referring to? an FN FAL, an FN MAG, an FN CAL, an FN FNC, an FN F2000, an FN SCAR or any of the 100'ss of weapon designs FN has produced since 1889.
The RLI were based af. Commies aren’t people so the RLI did nothing wrong 💪🏻
"overalls" i would have thought the Rhodesian army would have called them.
Possibly even dungarees.
It's amusing that every you tube maker outside the US makes an effort, for some reason,to use "American English" presumably to make the majority number of viewers feel more culturally at ease etc.
But it never works the other way around does it ?
Sadly Rhodesia now Zimbabwe is totally ruined by the ruling party.
Zimbabwe belongs to Black Zimbabweans,not to White Anglosaxons!!!
Lol nope. They were never going to use it in the first place and they certainly haven’t done so yet
So heckin racist!