Rhodesian Guard Force Plaque

The Guard Force was an arm of the Rhodesian Security Forces, operating under the Ministry of Defence. Established on 1 February 1976, its primary role was to provide security to protected villages, which were set up by the Ministry of Internal Affairs to separate black rural civilians from guerillas during the Rhodesian Bush War. Initially, the Guard Force was responsible for the security of these villages, taking over from Ministry staff. However, from 1977, it underwent a transformation, becoming more proactive and not just a static rural force. It began conducting patrols, ambushes, and guarding key urban points and lines of communication. By the end of the Bush War in 1979, the Guard Force had grown to 7,000 men. With the transition to black-majority rule in Zimbabwe in 1980, the Guard Force became redundant and was disbanded. The force faced criticism for being poorly trained and having low morale. Its white recruits were often those who didn't qualify for more prestigious duties, and they received lower pay than the army. The Guard Force played a significant role during the Rhodesian Bush War, especially in the protection of the protected villages, which were crucial in the government's strategy to isolate guerrillas from the rural black population