Old Rhodesian Air Force Sods.
Newsletter 20 September, 2015
SGT. Andre P. Rabie.
I was chuffed when asked if ORAFs would consider forwarding the Tribute to Andre Rabie out to our readers. What a super response we have had back and all a great testament to the love and respect of a Great Rhodesian Soldier.
A few of our readers forwarded responses and wished to remain anonymous -
I was very taken with the tribute to Andre Rabie.
I first met Andre in Junior School at Digglefold near Marandellas. Andre was a farm boy through and through. I strongly suspect that it was this that that gave him the edge both at school and in the Army. Although there was an age gap of two years between us, he took me under his wing and guided me through the early days at the school. He was universally respected and liked – even at that age.
Probably ten years later, we were living on a farm Ruwa near Salisbury where his brother Bruno living across the Ruwa river from us. One week end, Andre arrived, it was the day before he was due to join the SAS – direct entry. I always remember the pride with which he announced that after he was trained, he “would be able to sneak out of a bush and tickle a duiker on its arse!” Such was his self-belief and his belief in the unit which he was yet to join.
In later years we ran into one another on various ops and at various parties. The last time I saw him was in 1972 at the then Jungle School at Kariba (FAF 2), I was on 4 Squadron. He and Danny Hartmann were instructing students at what was the predecessor of the dreaded Wafa-Wafa’. Though I did not doubt for a moment his soldierly skills he never lost his equanimity and kindness. His bushcraft and his total command of the Shona culture and language made him a natural candidate for the ‘Scouts.
I was devastated to hear of his untimely death – we all lost a fine human and a superb soldier. I have no doubt there is many a well tickled Duiker in the afterlife. Fambai Zvakanaka Andre.
Another comment that stood out to ORAFS - "I will never forget seeing a living legend in real life"
From Antoinette Dick - We who knew Andre would agree whole-heartedly (and me with tears as I remember him,and read this tribute). Andre was one of those very unique people who come along once in a lifetime, but who, in passing, leave an imprint like none other. It was a terribly sad day and time when he left us as he did. I am confident his calibre of person, rests safely in the Arms of His Creator.Antoinette.
Many thanks to Phil for forwarding the Tribute, and for all that sent in further comment. Please note that ORAFs is open to anyone wishing to submit a similar Tribute or Memory of any of our soldiers, if you wish to remain anonymous that too is perfectly acceptable.
Pat Wise.
Many thanks to those who forwarded emails of condolence for the Late Pat Wise. These have been forwarded to Lorraine Joyce whom thanks everyone.
Woman of Courage - Eight Life Stories by Maia Chenaux-Repond.
Lewis Walter (ex Intaf) advises of a new book release - Woman Of Courage - Eight Life Stories. Maia Chenaux-Repond was a Provincial Community Development Officer (Women) in Rhodesia’s Ministry of Internal Affairs (INTAF) during the “bush war” from 1973 to 1978. She served with courageous women colleagues, both black and white, in often remote tribal areas of the Mashonaland Provinces, facing danger on a daily basis. Three of her field staff lost their lives on duty.
- Five women narrate their life stories – including how they experienced the chimurenga while engaged as community development workers tasked with helping rural women to improve their families' lives, largely through self-help. Some worked in the 'Protected Villages'. Three of their daughters narrate their mothers' and their own stories, two of them telling us how a parent's killing has affected their families to this day and one recounting her experiences after she joined the liberation war.
This volume (A5 format, 203 pages, ISBN 978-7974-6559-6) contains black-and-white photographs and two maps. It is available at US$20 (plus postage) from the author, Maia Chenaux-Repond, 32 Trafalgar Ave, Sentosa, PO Mabelreign, Zimbabwe. Tel. 263-4-303591. Email maia...@mango.zw
Many thanks to Lewis for advising ORAFs.
Painting Query.
Rex Taylor writes - My daughter bought a painting of a Fire Force contact featuring a 205 deplaning some troopies in a fallow field with an Alouette(?) on an approach and Hunters clad in big drop tanks overhead. It is undated, in oil paints, signed by "WynneHopkins", and a label stuck to the rear read "Made in Bulawayo"
Can any of our readers cast any rays of light on the artist and
the picture? (Aircraft buffs need not apply!)
If you are able to assist Rex with any information kindly write to ora...@gmail.com
Reminders from Our Rhodesian Past - 12 September, 1957.
John Redfern forwards the following - I had the privilege of being the Reviewing Officer for a Pioneer Day commemoration parade at Edenvale on 12 September 2015. Before leaving for the parade, I read this email and thought that those attending the parade might be interested to know of other significant events that occurred on 12 September in previous years.
Eddy records the founding of the African National Congress on 12 September 1957. I guess he meant Southern Rhodesian African National Congress (SRANC). The current African National Congress in South Africa was founded much earlier, as indicated on their website and reproduced for you below.
"On January 8th 1912, chiefs, representatives of people`s and church organisations, and other prominent individuals gathered in Bloemfontein and formed the African National Congress." (http://www.anc.org.za/show.php?id=206)
Many thanks John, I have amended the entry to read SRANC.
The Late Peter "Monster" Wilkins.
John Britton advised us of the sad passing of Monster Wilkins.
John writes - I met him first up in Rhodesia at Mudzi outside of MTOKO. Then
again bumped into him in Durban at the Wimpy where he had obviously
had breakfast with his sons.
I saw him again when I was engineer in charge of the Helicopters at
the V&A, where he flew for us on the odd occasion. I had gone in early
on a Sunday to grease the machine prior to the days flying & he was
there already & came up to me to let me know that he had seen that a
greasing was required on the tail rotor & had already done it. What a
star!!
I was invited tin his book launch at Ysterplaat airforce base having
not seen him for some time. There was a photo of us all in Mudzi.
When I joined the company I was with he was Head/Chief pilot &
operated with him om many occasions, Mossel bay, Marion Island, Angola
A true officer & a gentleman & pilot of note.I am sure if a
broomstick had rotors on it he would have flown it.
RIP Monster you will live on in our memories forever.
ORAFs extends our deepest sympathies to the Wilkins family and friends. Many thanks to John Britton for advising ORAFs.
2909 Sergeant Cyril Henry Newton. British South Africa Police - Southern Rhodesia Air Force - Royal Air Force.
Peter Huson has forwarded an article on Sgt. C.H. Newton which was compiled by Colin Newton, who is the son of the Late Sgt. Cyril H. Newton.
The below newspaper
cuttings are from the Bulawayo Chronicle. I don’t have the exact date but it would have
been in the early 1930s as Cyril Newton left the Force in 1939 as a Sergeant.
Cyril Newton, shown on the left of the above photograph, left the B.S.A. Police in March 1939, joined the Rhodesia Regiment as a Sergeant, was mobilised on the outbreak of World War 2 and then transferred to No. 1 Squadron Southern Rhodesia Air Force, as a Flight Sergeant.
He was posted to Kenya with No. 1 Squadron S.R.A.F and on 1 June 1940 it was taken over by the Royal Air Force and became No. 237 (Rhodesia) Squadron and he was promoted to Warrant Officer.
Part of 237 Squadron's Nominal Roll for 10 September 1940 where he is shown as the Senior Warrant Officer.
The above Statement
of Service traces his career up to his appointment to Commissioned rank for
duties with the Rhodesian Air Askari Corps.
He served in Kenya and North Africa for the remainder of the
war and late in 1944 he contracted a bad case of blackwater fever, and after
recovering was transferred back to Southern Rhodesia
early in 1945.
Many thanks to Peter for thinking of ORAFs, and sincere thanks to Colin Newton for both the content and photographs. Absolutely lovely to see them.
Bok Players from Rhodesia.
Theo Verwey has requested any information regarding the under mentioned Bok Players - Theo writes -
The Boks are our South African Heroes who reveal to us the kind of qualities we need to share with others. This is exactly what The Bok Family Tree is all about and to unite and connect our people with our heroes. One will not only be able to see how we are related to our Bok Heroes since1891, but also how the green blood flow through our families and how each Bok Hero is related to each other. Currently there are 327 Boks and 10 of our 11 State Presidents connected on The Bok Family Tree.
I would be greatly honoured if you could help me with more information about the following Bok players' ancestors and their wifes. In particular, I am looking for (if available the maiden names of the ladies please):
Salty du Rand
Full names: Jacobus Abraham
Date of birth: 16 Jan 1926
Place of birth: Hofmeyer
School: Cradock
Springbok no: 281
Debut test province: Rhodesia
Physical: 1.92m, 102.06kg
Date of death: 27 Feb 1979 (Age 53)
Des van Jaarsveldt
Full names: Desmond Charles
Date of birth: 31 Mar 1929
Place of birth: Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
School: Plumtree
Springbok no: 354
Debut test province: Rhodesia
Current age: 86
Andy MacDonald
Full names: Andrew William
Date of birth: 27 Aug 1934
Place of birth: Springs
School: Milton
Springbok no: 409
Debut test province: Rhodesia
Physical: 1.85m, 106.6kg
Date of death: 15 Aug 1987 (Age 52)
Ronnie Hill
Full names: Ronald Andrew
Date of birth: 20 Dec 1934
Place of birth: Johannesburg
School: Gifford, Bulawayo
Springbok no: 372
Debut test province: Rhodesia
Physical: 1.78m, 88.5kg
Date of death: 6 Jan 2011 (Age 76)
Ian Robertson
Full names: Ian William
Date of birth: 28 Apr 1950
Place of birth: Harare (Salisbury), Zimbabwe
School: Prince Edward
Springbok no: 480
Debut test province: Rhodesia
Date of death: 24 Aug 2015 (Age 65)
David Smith
Full names: David John
Date of birth: 9 Nov 1957
Place of birth: Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
School: Hamilton
Springbok no: 507
Debut test province: Rhodesia
Physical: 1.85m, 88kg
Current age: 57
I appreciate you taking the time to help me. This project started as a scrapbook when I were a youngster and have grown, after my heart attack in 2012, into a heartfelt project on my bucket list. My personal family tree consists of a million plus people and the Bok Family Tree is an extraction of it.
If you are able to assist Theo with his bucket list please contact
ora...@gmail.com
Sir David Stirling, founder of the SAS.
Jonathan Pittaway is requesting any further information, photos, scans, newspaper articles and the like on Sir David Stirling, founder of the SAS.
The photo is of David Stirling in Egypt, WW II
After the war he moved to Salisbury where he started the Capricorn Africa Society
He was brother-in-law to the Governor General.
He stayed on/off in Rhodesia for at least ten years.
If you have any information please contact ora...@gmail.com Thank .
Reminders from our Rhodesian Past.
ORAFs thanks John Moore for sending in more "events" that occurred within Rhodesia - these have been added to our Calendar and will be shared by all in our daily Reminders.
If you have record of other events that may have occurred, then please consider sharing them with our readers. Please note that this is strictly limited to events occurring with in Northern Rhodesia, Southern Rhodesia and Rhodesia only.
Photographic Project.
Photograph 1 - no caption given.
Photograph 2. - no caption given.
Photograph 3. - no caption given.
If you can name any of the folk or the events taking place please let me know at ora...@gmail.com
ORAFs again thanks the many folk who made the contributions to this Newsletter and the various emails from our readers, it's always a pleasure to hear from you.
ORAFs thanks the various authors, producers, owners for the various materials used in this Newsletter - NO financial gain is sought or gained through the usage. For sharing purposes only.
Reminders -
AFA (Cape) Monthly Braai
First Friday evening of each month.
Contact Johnny Ness and or Tony Cowell for details AFA (Gauteng) Monthly Prayer MeetingFirst Saturday afternoon of the month at Dickie Fritz Shellhole.
Contact Cheryl Grover for details
Photo of the week -
Submitted by Paul Norris (with Skatie Fourie in mind!) with the comment by Paul saying " for those who thought that today's (20 September, 2015) match of SA v Japan was special - look at this pic!"
Thanks Boet! I later heard that the Norris family in Irene had had sushi for dinner after the stunning defeat of the boks today! Eish !!!
Comments are always welcome, send them to ora...@gmail.com
__________________
Sent in memory of Eddy Norris
Paul Norris & Denise Taylor
RSA & Canada
