The Fallen 12th August Six members of the Rhodesian forces are remembered today. 1971 – Cst Ziwewe (aged 27), Uniform BSAP, KOAS when knocked over by a lorry near the Sinoia Caves on the main road to Kariba. 1976 – DO John Hudson-Beck, Regular Intaf, KIA by a landmine detonation near Melsetter, Op Thrasher. 1977 – Sgt Paul Mashimbwe (aged 29), J Tp, SU BSAP, KIA in a contact. The stick, led by SO Lee le Crerar, was crossing a piece of open ground in the Chiduku TTL, Wedza (Op Thrasher), when they were fired upon by a group of about 15 CTs. In the ensuing firefight, Paul was killed. Elements of Juliet Troop made contact with the same CTs the following day, killing two of them. 1977 – Cst Lazarus Nyagano (aged 25), D Tp, SU BSAP, KIA in a contact in the Maramba TTL, Mrewa district. They were operating approximately 6 km north of the Delta Troop Base at Mutawatawa PV and on an OP. They sighted approximately 30 armed CTs and summoned Fire Force (2 Commando from Mtoko) who arrived in full force with a Dakota. The Delta call sign directed the Fire Force to where they were seen last but, no further sighting was made. Unfortunately the Delta call sign was moved into a stop line and then later fired on by call signs on the ground including the K-Car. Nyagano was killed and two others, including the sergeant major stick-leader were wounded. When the Fire Force left, another Delta call sign picked up tracks and followed them to the Nyadiri River. An RR Company was operating on the other side and they made contact with the CT group that evening, killing several. Paddy Allen, the Troop Commander had the difficult task of trying to improve morale within the troops only to be killed himself in a road accident the following month. 1978 – Cpl Victor Meyer, 1(Indp) Coy RAR, MIA presumed drowned. Victors stick was ordered to OP an arms cache on an island downstream from Victoria Falls on the Zambezi River but, after several days of inactivity his 2Lt decided to swim to the island for an inspection. Victor made it to the island only to realise his officer was in difficulty and returned to the water to save the officers life - which he did but, lost his own in the process. His body was never found and, in the plethora of admin and investigations, it is possible that Vic was overlooked for a bravery award. 1978 – Cpl Arthur Srydom (aged 42), RhASC, DOAS. Adrian
Posted on: Tue, 12 Aug 2014 04:37:43 +0000
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