Rare original Base Group Rhodesian Light Infantry Plaque
The Rhodesian Light Infantry (RLI) was an elite airborne infantry regiment of the Rhodesian Army. The base group Commando was a foundational unit within the RLI, playing a pivotal role in the regiment's operations and activities. Established in the early 1960s, the RLI and its Commando units became the primary counter-insurgency force during the Rhodesian Bush War, which spanned from 1964 to 1979.
**Origins and Formation:**
The inception of the RLI can be traced back to the early 1960s when Rhodesia, under the leadership of Prime Minister Ian Smith, felt the need to create a professional military force to counter the escalating threat of guerrilla warfare from nationalist movements. The Commando structure was introduced to ensure that the regiment could operate in smaller, more agile units, capable of rapid deployment and response to threats.
**Operational Role:**
The primary role of the Commando units within the RLI was to conduct aggressive counter-insurgency operations against nationalist guerrillas. These units were trained in a variety of warfare tactics, encompassing airborne assaults, long-range patrols, ambushes, and reconnaissance missions. The Commando structure allowed for flexibility in deployment, with each unit being capable of operating independently or as part of a larger force.
**Key Operations:**
Throughout the Bush War, the Commando units of the RLI were involved in numerous significant operations. One of the most notable was Operation Dingo in 1977, where the RLI, in conjunction with other Rhodesian forces, launched attacks on enemy camps in Mozambique, inflicting heavy casualties on the guerrilla forces. The success of such operations was often attributed to the high level of training and discipline of the Commando units.
**Equipment and Training:**
The Commando units of the RLI were equipped with a diverse range of weapons and vehicles tailored for counter-insurgency warfare. This arsenal included FN FAL rifles, light machine guns, mortars, and Alouette III helicopters, which were used for airborne operations. Training was intense and comprehensive, covering aspects like physical fitness, marksmanship, survival skills, and guerrilla warfare tactics. The rigorous training regime ensured that the Commando units were always prepared for the challenges of the battlefield.
**End of the RLI and Legacy:**
With the conclusion of the Rhodesian Bush War and the transition to Zimbabwe in 1980, the RLI was disbanded. The legacy of the Commando units and the RLI as a whole is complex. While they were recognized for their military prowess and effectiveness in combat, the broader political and social context of the Bush War has led to diverse interpretations of their role and actions. Some view them as heroes who fought for their country, while others see them as part of a controversial chapter in Southern African history.
In the years following the war, many former members of the RLI and its Commando units migrated to other countries, with some continuing their military careers in foreign armies or private security firms. The experiences and stories of these soldiers have been documented in various books, documentaries, and oral histories, providing insights into the life and operations of one of Africa's most renowned military regiments.
