The Bush War | 3 Commando Rhodesian Light Infantry | Chris Thrall's Bought The T Shirt Podcast

Excellent, again.

Got the part wrong Smith wanted the 15year time period not Wilson Wilson wanted immediate majority rule

I am deep diving the Rhodesian Bush war, it is murky politically.
From the civilian experience, both blacks and whites suffered terribly.
The Rhodesian Armed Forces were the finest COIN fighters, I think, the world has ever seen.
Kith and kin means nothing to Britain.
My heart really does quicken when I study Rhodesian history.
... Nowt wrong with a good old rock breaking MAG/GPMG.

A friend's Dad Mike Smith was a captured Rhodesian Special Force's soldier and served 20 year's in Chikurubi prison for his troubles.

I was 32 in TF when you were called up

Fire Force is a Great Book on the Rhodesian War ..

Actually the Portuguese did not fill the sewers with concrete it’s an urban myth you can look it up

after seven generations from five western european bloodlines in southern africa, as an ex selous scout, i have spent my subsequent lifetime in four countries on two continents considering 'homeland', warfare, the whys, and how to manifest that alternative, peaceable world. most would say that is impossible but there is a key to unlock that real alternative - a recent epiphany it has taken all my life to unfathom.

Hope you find both peace and Happiness in England Chris,I visited South Africa in 1997 to research the Zulu and Boar wars,I ran into a lot of Rohdesians that had moved down to Cape Town and talking to those guys you all went through the mill up there, Needless to say, Chris the average Britt has no idea what's going on there and what both white Rhodesians and South Africans have been and are still going through.

Great to see Chris Cocks doing podcasts.

Just some historical correction. The final settlement for the Rhodesian situation was some years in the making and landed on Thatchers watch.
It originates in 1976. South Africa was developing a nuclear weapon and the USA was aware of this. They were also covertly involved through the CIA primarily in the SWA/Angola environment. The involvement of Cuba in Angola and the risk of serious escalation involving South Africa and threat of nuclear weapons had the USA worried.
Kissinger now got involved. He travelled to Persia and threatened the Shah with withdrawal of US support unless he supported threats of the withdrawal of oil supplies to South Africa. He then visited South Africa and told John Vorster that the situation in Southern Africa was starting to boil over and he must put pressure on Ian Smith to accept majority rule. It was an instruction not advice.
Smith declined and in the following 2 weeks no fuel or armaments came in from South Africa and no exports flowed out through South Africa. Smith agreed to the holding of majority rule elections but only involving internal parties.
Elections were held and the country became Zimbabwe/Rhodesia but the West still refused to accept the result. Persia fell and became Iran and the Shah sought refuge in South Africa and died there. South Africa increased their involvement in Rhodesia.
These details were revealed to me at a briefing to senior civil servants by Ian Smith and our local MP at 5pm 15th October 1976. I missed the birth of my eldest daughter while at the address by Ian Smith.

Very interesting. Reminds me of that classic film, The Wild Geese.

Your best interview yet. Read two of Chris's books.

Hi Chris, thankyou for sharing this podcast, very indepth and also very moving, can't imagine the entirity of mixed feelings, as a civilian I obviously will only be able to see how things were/are from the outside, respectfully I thank you both, deep stuff, thanks again, respect, peace and love, J&HXx

Really good podcast. Cheers to Chris Cocks what an interesting character.

Once again Chris a fantastic podcast/youttube interview and big thanks to the other Chris too great life story

Got alot from this interview, the man has clarity,
Well apriciated gentlemen ✊

Thanks to both Chris's for a very informative conversation. My only memory of that Rhodesian period is a local Copper going out there to help administer the elections. He came into our Primary school to talk about his experience when I would be about 9 or 10. Which would be about 1979-80. I will be looking at Chris Cocks books because of this, thank you!

Great show, it’s rare to hear those kind of truths. Thanks 👍

🎶🎶 We’ll keep them north of the Zambezi until that river runs dry.
And this mighty land will prosper, because Rhodesia will never die !! 🎶🎵.

Sit Nomine Digna

Brilliant brother . Thanks .

Fire Force was a great book and meant a lot to me having grown up in SA. Best holidays ever were in Rhodesia. Surprised Chris T doesn’t know the origin of Commando as an ex-Marine. The Sarie Marais - theme tune of the marines - is a SA folk song. Still love it today. The marines took over this folk song in honour of the original Boer commandos who fought so valiantly and to the death (mostly). 15 years later they fought together in the First World War under Jan Smut’s command. A trip to Delville Wood 4 years ago was very moving for me.
Best mate of mine fought in Rhodesia clandestinely as part of the SA contingent. We should have done more. The communists are now taking over the whole of the West / World.