Search results
Results from the WOW.Com Content Network
The Selous Scouts / s ə ˈ l uː / was a special forces unit of the Rhodesian Army that operated during the Rhodesian Bush War from 1973 until the reconstitution of the country as Zimbabwe in 1980. It was mainly responsible for infiltrating the black majority population of Rhodesia and collecting intelligence on insurgents so that they could ...
The Americans suffered seven combat fatalities and many others were wounded in combat, some maimed for life. Five served in Rhodesia's most prestigious unit, the Selous Scouts. [7] The United States' Neutrality Act prohibits American citizens from enlisting with foreign militaries or working as mercenaries for other governments. [8]
Reid-Daly, meanwhile, formed and commanded the Selous Scouts special forces regiment from 1973. [9] The Selous Scouts concept was influenced by similar operations conducted by Special Branch in Malaya. [33] Both the Rhodesian African Rifles and the Rhodesian SAS endured following Malaya, and served in the Bush War. [34]
Prior to 1963, its crews were trained in the United Kingdom or Aden Colony [3] and were known as the "Selous Scouts" under the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland. [4] After Rhodesia's Unilateral Declaration of Independence , maintaining the armoured vehicle fleet became a responsibility of the Rhodesian Light Infantry (RLI) until Major Bruce ...
The Selous Scouts' hidden forward observation posts (OPs) allowed for instant reactions by Fireforce to sightings of the enemy guerrillas. [32] When an attack, contact or sighting was reported a siren would sound throughout the base and the troopers would rush out to react in two "Waves".
Although the Selous Scouts achieved many of their military objectives, their unorthodox and often criminal methods created tensions within the military hierarchy. Reid-Daly had several brushes with the Rhodesian authorities. In 1979, rumours surfaced in Salisbury that the Scouts were poaching ivory along the Zambezi valley.
For premium support please call: 800-290-4726 more ways to reach us
In late 1961 the SAS were moved to Ndola Barracks, Ndola in Northern Rhodesia along with the Selous Scouts Armoured Car Regiment. By July the following year, No 9 basic course received their wings from the Federal Prime Minister himself, Sir Roy Welensky. In August 1962, the Unit had sufficient men to become operational and became known as "C ...