Returning to the SAS, Nell was given a temporary rank of captain to effectively operate within the security forces, amid a complex struggle against a communist-backed insurgency aiming to reshape Rhodesia.

In the throes of the Rhodesian Bush War, resourceful Rhodesian forces, adept in marksmanship and reliant on the formidable penetration of the 7.62x51mm round, circumvented embargoes and sourced diverse FAL variants, countering the Kalashnikov-armed ZANLA and ZIPRA insurgents with tailored tactics and relentless grit, heralding a turbulent era that eventually birthed Zimbabwe and witnessed a consequential shift in military armament.

Since the bush war began in 1966, the Rhodesian mounted infantry played a crucial role in the fight.

Pushing a man to his limits and instilling desire while holding to the rigorous standards gave the best results.

What the British would call, “a trot through the leaves.”

John Alan Coey was an American who fought and died in Rhodesia. This article is a commentary and analysis of a complicated and unique person based on his memoirs. It was received well and regarded as accurate by those who knew him, including his brother. I consider Rhodesia a bit of American Military History due […]

It has been 32 years ever since Chris Cocks first published his acclaimed book narrating his experiences with the elite Rhodesian Light Infantry (RLI). Now, five editions later, he is reprinting his masterpiece. But it’s not just a reprint. Cocks has gone in and re-wrote the book to make it even better. “Over the last […]

Read the previous part here.  With the 1960s coming to a close and the success rate of incursions into Rhodesia from Zambia dropping to practically zero, both African nationalist groups ZANU and ZAPU looked for alternatives. To the east of Rhodesia lay the country of Mozambique. Rhodesia and Mozambique had established a good relationship and […]

You can read the previous part here. We explored the historical background of the Rhodesian SAS C Squadron. Now it is time to focus on a few of the missions that they undertook during the Rhodesian Bush War, a war that threatened to destroy the government of Rhodesia, take the land and evict those of […]

The men of the Malayan Scouts returned as Heroes to their Native Rhodesia. Filled with experience and the haggard look of men hardened by battle, they were promptly deactivated. Rhodesia relied mainly on the Rhodesian African Rifles, the Native Regiment led by white officers and Territorials or Reservists for their standing Army. Like many Armies […]

The U.K.’s Special Air Service needs no introduction to anyone remotely interested in military history or Special Operations. However, there is much more to learn about this elite unit when one traces its existence and influence across the once global British Empire. Much of the power of the Brits was derived from their colonies and […]

You can read part one here. Langebaan — Western Cape Province, South Africa. It has a predominantly white population of slightly over 8,000 and is located approximately 120 km north of the iconic city of Cape Town. Langebaan boasts of an ecosystem that is the epitome of natural serenity and the lagoon waters of its […]

It is common knowledge that warfare has greatly evolved in our times: from the strategic to the operational and tactical levels, from training and equipment to mission statements and structure. Indeed, literally every facet of warfare has seen close to a complete doctrinal overhaul. A good number of countries across the globe have firsthand experienced […]

This is the second part of a series, you can read part one here. The Egyptian Air Force. That was the true menace. Soldiers and tanks, the royalists could manage. But against the enemy MiG 17 fighters and Ilyushin II-28 bombers they were helpless. So, the mercenaries’ first task seemed simple: recce Sanaa, the Yemeni […]

Good morning. This is the Rhodesian Broadcast System: Two American ex-Marine deserters from the Forces who robbed jewelry stores in Salisbury, while carrying stolen Uzis, were involved in a shoot-out with authorities at the South African border. The two men managed to escape by stealing an aircraft from Charles Prince airport. Their most likely destination […]

In this SOFREP exclusive interview, we sat down with Keith Nell, the Rhodesian Special Air Service operator who was assigned to hunt down and eliminate the terrorists responsible for what has been called “Rhodesia’s 9/11.” By 1978, the Rhodesian Bush War between ZIPRA and ZANLA communist terrorists had terrorized the local villages in the area. Keith Nell begins the interview speaking about flight RH […]

The Star model BM Spanish service pistol was an excellent firearm for its time. The pistol saw service with the Spanish military and police but also was used by the South African Defense Forces and found its way into the Rhodesian bush war. Although it looks strikingly similar to the 1911, the Star BM is […]

The employment of Visual Tracking skills is nothing new and has been a critical skill in human survival and evolution. Primitive man developed the skill of tracking by associating a print laid by an animal to that of prey.  As humans evolved, visual tracking played a significant role in everyday survival, whether hunting for food, […]

Horses and war were intertwined throughout history until the advent of the automobile. Even though the wide variety of Fighting Vehicles now carry the Cavalry into battle, horses have found their utility in 20th century Law Enforcement and War. Although the day of General George Armstrong Custer and J.E.B. Stewart engaging in major battles are […]

On their ride back to Rhodesia, they were informed that a radio intercept confirmed the sabotage had worked and killed several Terrs.