Time 18.30

The Saints is a 544 pages glossy, coffee-table, pictorial format book of the history of the Rhodesian Light Infantry. Often underrated, but arguably one of the most effective counter-insurgency units of all time, the RLI brought the `Fireforce' concept to the world's attention--a devastatingly ruthless airborne tactic. The RLI was a veritable `foreign legion' with over 20 nationalities represented. They fought the bitter Zimbabwean `bush war' for 15 years and RLI soldiers were recipients of four Silver Crosses and 42 Bronze Crosses of Rhodesia. An RLI trooper holds the world record for operational parachute descents - a staggering 73 op jumps - most under 500 feet. The Saints contains hundreds of colour photos, maps, rolls of honour, honours and awards. It includes a host of previously unpublished material and many former RLI members contributed photos, memorabilia and anecdotes to the project.

Synopsis At last! This is the history of the Rhodesian Light Infantry. We've seen the stories of the more 'glamourous' Selous Scouts, the SAS and the Rhodesian Air Force, but very little about the RLI, often underrated, but arguably one of the most effective counter-insurgency units of all time. This was the unit that brought the 'Fireforce' concept to the world's attention - the devastatingly ruthless airborne envelopment and annihilation of a guerrilla enemy. The RLI was a veritable 'foreign legion' with over 20 diverse nationalities serving in her ranks. It is a glossy coffee-table, pictorial format with hundreds of colour photos, maps, rolls, honours and awards. It is not intended as a definitive history but, with more of a classic 'scrapbook' feel, the presentation attempts to capture the essence of this fine unit - what it was like to be a troopie. We have accessed a host of unique, previously unpublished photos and illustrative material and many former RLI members have embraced the project, generously contributing photos, memorabilia and anecdotes. Ian Smith has written his tribute in the front and the foreword is by the last CO, Lieutenant-Colonel Charlie Aust.

A book launch on this title was just held June 14th in London with copies flown in from South Africa.

It took place at the Guards Museum, Wellington Barracks, London. Featuring Beating of the Retreat in tribute to the RLI, by the Band of the Coldstream Guards, and gathering and honouring of the RLI members and family by invitation only.

Copy right Andy Donnelly
Last updated June 2007

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