Rhodesian Light Infantryman 1961-80

by Neil Grant, Peter Dennis (Illustrator)

Overview

The 1st Battalion, The Rhodesian Light Infantry (RLI), was one of the most innovative and successful counter-insurgency units in modern history, developing and perfecting a range of tactics and operational concepts that have since become standard practise in modern military forces. Formed in 1961 and then re-formed in 1964 as a commando battalion after the dissolution of the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland, the RLI was an all-white unit that incorporated foreign soldiers from South Africa, The UK, USA, Canada and Europe into its ranks. It was a key weapon in independent Rhodesia's struggle against the Zimbabwe African National Liberation Army (ZANLA) and Zimbabwe People's Revolutionary Army (ZIPRA) during the bloody Rhodesian Bush War. This comprehensive study explores the unit's dramatic history, revealing the RLI's fearsome airborne and combat capacity, which gave the unit, at times, near total tactical superiority against its opponents.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781472809629
Publisher:	Bloomsbury USA
Publication date:	11/17/2015
Series:	Warrior , #177
Pages:	64
Product dimensions:	7.10(w) x 9.60(h) x 0.30(d)

About the Author

Neil Grant has a degree in archaeology, and has worked for English Heritage and Historic England. He has written several volumes for Osprey Publishing, including Warrior 183: British Tank Crewman 1939–45. Neil is a Trustee of the Royal Armouries and a committee member of the Ordnance Society. He also runs the social media page for the membership organization of the Tank Museum in Bovington, UK.

Peter Dennis was inspired by contemporary magazines such as Look and Learn, leading him to study Illustration at Liverpool Art College. Peter has since contributed to hundreds of books, predominantly on historical subjects, including many Osprey titles. A keen wargamer and modelmaker, he is based in Nottinghamshire, UK.

Table of Contents

Introduction Chronology Enemy Structure of the RLI Recruitment / Enlistment Training Appearance Equipment Parachuting Helicopters Medical Support Conditions of Service On Campaign Patrolling operations Fireforce operations Other operations Belief & Belonging Aftermath Collecting/Museums/re-enactment