I came across this link http://selousscouts.tripod.com/..._force__part_one.htm that has a whole history on Fire Force during the Rhodesian war. It is mostly on strategy and helicopters but some background on combat para drops.
It's of personal interest considering I grew up there and my dad was in the RAF and worked on Vampires, Cambera's and Hunters. Most of my jumps are from an ex-RAF Trojan (AL60-B2L).
Re: [nigel99] Rhodesia Parachuting history (Military)
[In reply to]
Can't Post
Nigel, Wow! I would love to talk to a Rhodesian PJI or jumper. At the bottom of this page there is info about the book I mentioned. I'm really looking foreword to it.
Re: [lucky508] Rhodesia Parachuting history (Military)
[In reply to]
Can't Post
I looked around my archives a bit and found this record of Rhodesian combat or Operational jumps as they called them. I cant remember where I found it but it's the best record I've seen.
The RLI history book "The Saints" has some excellent first hand acounts of operational jumps.
Re: [lucky508] Rhodesia Parachuting history (Military)
[In reply to]
Can't Post
Cael -- in the late 70s, Z'hills jumper James Revelle headed for Rhodesia, where he spent almost a year as a PJI. He returned and then moved to Amarillo, and we never heard another word from or about him. If you have any contacts there, you might try to trace him. Good luck. Hoop www.jimhooper.co.uk
Re: [riggerrob] Rhodesia Parachuting history (Military)
[In reply to]
Can't Post
In Reply To
Judging from photographs, they wore a mixture of American and French pattern parachutes.
It is rumoured that Parachute Industries of South Africa sewed some of the French-pattern parachutes.
Those helmets look to be British Army, WW2-vintage.
Not sure about PISA making French parachutes but they supplied military parachutes for the paratroops. I jumped with some of the Rhodesian skydivers at the world meet in 72 and we hosted the team at our DZ in 73 before the first RW World Meet for training jumps. Unfortunately they weren't allowed to compete at Ft Bragg. One of the jumpers was a Lt Col.in the RLI and said that the Dakotas would fly around suspected terrorist areas till they drew fire. At that point they would unload and attack the perpetrators. When done helos would come in and take them back to their base. He said that he knew several troopers that made several combat jumps in a single day. Sounds like a tough way to make a living.
Re: [lucky508] Rhodesia Parachuting history (Military)
[In reply to]
Can't Post
If you can track down John Early (formerly of 5th SF???), he might be able to fill in the blanks on some of the para ops taking place in Rhodesia in the 70's. I believe he was active in training some of the units. Dont know which ones though. Whereabouts also unknown.
Re: [markd_nscr986] Rhodesia Parachuting history (Military)
[In reply to]
Can't Post
I know a fellow that used to be active in Rhodesia and (last I knew) is still currently jumping in South Africa, his name is Dennis Croukamp. I don't have any email address for him I'm afraid but, if he is still jumping, he'll be active at Skydive Cape Town, and or Skydive Robertson. You may be able to get in touch with him through people there. If I recall correctly, he was also writing a book about his experiences there. I do have a cell number for him, but can not be sure if it is still current (in case anyone is interested).
Rhodesian op jumps record..xls
