Rare original 1 Commando Rhodesian Light Infantry Plaque

**1 Commando Regiment, Rhodesian Light Infantry (RLI)**
The 1 Commando Regiment of the Rhodesian Light Infantry (RLI) was an elite airborne infantry regiment of the Rhodesian Army. Established in 1961, the RLI became the primary counter-insurgency force during the Rhodesian Bush War, which lasted from 1964 to 1979.

**Origins and Formation:**
The origins of the RLI can be traced back to the early 1960s when Rhodesia, under the leadership of Prime Minister Ian Smith, sought to establish a professional military force to counter the rising threat of guerrilla warfare from nationalist movements. The 1 Commando was one of the first units to be formed within the RLI structure.

**Operational Role:**
The primary role of the 1 Commando RLI was to conduct aggressive counter-insurgency operations against nationalist guerrillas. They were trained in various warfare tactics, including airborne assaults, long-range patrols, and ambushes. The unit was known for its high level of training, discipline, and effectiveness in combat.

**Key Operations:**
Throughout the Bush War, the 1 Commando RLI participated in several significant operations. One of the most notable was Operation Dingo in 1977, where the RLI, along with other Rhodesian forces, attacked enemy camps in Mozambique, resulting in heavy guerrilla casualties.

**Equipment and Training:**
The 1 Commando RLI was equipped with a range of weapons and vehicles suited for counter-insurgency warfare. This included FN FAL rifles, light machine guns, and Alouette III helicopters for airborne operations. The regiment underwent rigorous training, with an emphasis on physical fitness, marksmanship, and survival skills.

**Legacy:**
The legacy of the 1 Commando RLI is a matter of debate. While they were undoubtedly effective in their military operations, the broader political and social context of the Rhodesian Bush War has led to varied interpretations of their role. Following the end of the war and the establishment of Zimbabwe in 1980, the RLI was disbanded.