Photos The Rhodesian Bush War 1964-1979

[colin traveller]

They were known as the Crippled Eagles

1974 / 9 Rhodesia

 

[colin traveller]

 

[Bombardier]

Really interesting post @colin traveller
found this on Wikipedia

The Crippled Eagles was the informal name of a group of American expatriates that served in the Rhodesian Security Forces during the Rhodesian Bush War. The name and emblem came from author Robin Moore, who offered a house in Salisbury as a meeting place for the Americans who served in all units of the security forces, but never had their own unit. The name "Crippled Eagle" and their badge was meant to symbolise what they considered their abandonment by the US government. Robin Moore and Barbara Fuca tried to publish a book with the same title, but because of the political controversy the book was refused by publishers and appeared only in 1991, when it was published as The White Tribe.

American volunteers in the Rhodesian Bush War - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

I guess we would be better calling the thread The Rhodesian Bush War, I doubt that all your posted pics are of 'Crippled Eagle' men rather they are a series of pics from that war.

Rhodesian Bush War - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[Bombardier]

|I was surprised to discover this

John Alan Coey was an American soldier who served in the Rhodesian Army as one of "the Crippled Eagles", a loosely organised group of US expatriates fighting for the unrecognised government of Rhodesia during that country's Bush War.

John Alan Coey - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[Bombardier]

This chap is Captain Robert C Mackenzie (Rhodesian SAS)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_C._MacKenzie

Squadron Commander Capt. Robert C. MacKenzie receives the Silver Cross of Rhodesia in 1979, "for conspicuous gallantry and leadership in action."

 

[Bombardier]

This is Chris Schulenburg



Chris Schulenburg, a legend of the Rhodesian Bush War. As a Selous Scout he conducted solo recce missions of terrorist training camps deep in enemy territory. He did what no other man could, or would, do.

 

[Bombardier]

Some Random photos of the Rhodesian SAS and Bush War

 

[Bombardier]

Major Graham wilson - The Phantom Major

Major Grahame Wilson GCV, SCR, BCR (also known as "The Phantom Major") is a Rhodesian Army officer who served as second-in-command of the Rhodesian Special Air Service (SAS) and is regarded as the most decorated Member of the Rhodesian Army.

Following the Rhodesia's reconstitution and recognised independence as Zimbabwe in 1980, the Grand Cross of Valour was awarded to Major Grahame Wilson,second-in-command of the Rhodesian SAS, and Rhodesia's most highly decorated soldier. He was the second and final person to be awarded the honor.

Grahame Wilson is the most decorated officer to have served in the Rhodesian Army, serving after the transition to Zimbabwe as Officer Commanding Special Air Service from April 1980 to the unit's disbandment in December that year.

Major Wilson was appointed as the President of the C-Squadron Rhodesian Special Air Service Association following the death of Lt General Peter Walls and is still actively involved in business and conservation.

 

[Bombardier]

A few more

 

[Bombardier]

Meet Dennis Croukamp a Selous Scout

For the bulk of his army life, Croukamp was part of the Selous Scouts – the top secret, much-feared masters of pseudo-operations: the darkest of the military arts. Formed by an iconoclastic colonel called Ron Reid-Daly, it was their job to work not behind, but actually inside enemy lines. The screening process was legendarily tough – only 20% passed a physical exam that culminated in a 100km endurance march while carrying 30kg of rocks. Those who made it through would be taught bush survival and how to pass themselves off as nationalist guerrillas.

Now an Author he has written 'Bush War in Rhodesia' & 'Only my friends call me Crouks'

Dennis Croukamp has gone down in Rhodesian Army folklore as an outstanding operator who served with first the Rhodesian Light Infantry then transffered to the Selous Scouts. He was awarded his Bronze Cross whilst serving with the RLI. He was a career soldier at his own admission wasnt the best disciplined. It seemed this led him to be a greater operator with the Selous Scouts. He was famed for walking out of Mozambique after being left behind by accident whilst on an operation.

 

[BravoZulu]

What an oustanding soldier

This chap is Captain Robert C Mackenzie (Rhodesian SAS)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_C._MacKenzie

View attachment 151312

View attachment 151313

What an outstanding soldier, R.I.P.

 

[colin traveller]

I saw them posted on fb with a message i couldnt copy n paste the message only the pics, think it was taken from his book

 

[Bombardier]

WO2 Piet Van Der Riet. Another recipient of the Rhodesian Bronze Cross.


Rhodesian Selous Scouts patrol during the Bush War

 

[BravoZulu]

A great thread and one of my favourite subjects, looking forward to more posts on the Bush War

 

[berkut76]

Would definitely like to see more photos.

 

[Bombardier]

Me too love this topic, gonna keep looking around

 

[Bombardier]

A closer look at the camo used by the Rhodesian SAS, Selous Scouts and other units

Rhodesian SAS Shirt with SAS wings on chest and Sergeant Stripes

 

[Bombardier]

An interesting website covering the Rhodesian SAS

http://www.csqn.co.za/

 

[ao_sepia]

A few more

where from magazine?