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Rhodesian Fire Force 1966-80: Africa's Forgotten War

Eugene Powell

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Published in Rhodesian Fire Force 1966 80 (Africa War 20)

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The Rhodesian Fire Force was a counter-insurgency unit that fought in the Rhodesian Bush War from 1966 to 1980. The unit was formed in response to the growing threat of guerrilla warfare from the Zimbabwe African National Liberation Army (ZANLA) and the Zimbabwe People's Revolutionary Army (ZIPRA). The Fire Force was tasked with tracking down and destroying guerrilla insurgents and their bases.

Rhodesian Fire Force 1966 80 (Africa War 20)

Rhodesian Fire Force 1966-80 (Africa@War Book 20)

by Kerrin Cocks

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	104888 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
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Print length	:	72 pages

The Fire Force was a highly effective unit, and it played a major role in the Rhodesian government's counter-insurgency campaign. The unit was responsible for killing thousands of guerrillas and destroying numerous guerrilla bases. However, the Fire Force was also involved in some controversial incidents, including the killing of civilians.

History of the Rhodesian Fire Force

The Rhodesian Fire Force was formed in 1966 in response to the growing threat of guerrilla warfare from ZANLA and ZIPRA. The unit was initially composed of a few hundred men, but it was soon expanded to over 2,000 men. The Fire Force was organized into several squadrons, each of which was responsible for a specific area of Rhodesia.

The Fire Force was initially equipped with a mix of British and Rhodesian-made weapons. However, the unit soon adopted the South African-made FN FAL rifle as its standard weapon. The Fire Force also used a variety of other weapons, including machine guns, mortars, and recoilless rifles.

The Fire Force was a highly mobile unit. The unit was transported by helicopters and trucks, and it could be deployed anywhere in Rhodesia within a matter of hours. The Fire Force was also trained to operate in all types of terrain, including dense forests, mountains, and deserts.

The Rhodesian Bush War

The Rhodesian Bush War was a civil war that was fought in Rhodesia from 1964 to 1980. The war was fought between the Rhodesian government and two guerrilla armies, ZANLA and ZIPRA. ZANLA was supported by the Soviet Union and China, while ZIPRA was supported by North Korea.

The Rhodesian Bush War was a brutal conflict that claimed the lives of thousands of people. The war also caused significant damage to Rhodesia's economy and infrastructure.

The Role of the Rhodesian Fire Force

The Rhodesian Fire Force played a major role in the Rhodesian government's counter-insurgency campaign. The unit was responsible for killing thousands of guerrillas and destroying numerous guerrilla bases. The Fire Force also helped to protect civilians from guerrilla attacks.

The Fire Force was a highly effective unit. However, the unit was also involved in some controversial incidents, including the killing of civilians.

The Legacy of the Rhodesian Fire Force

The Rhodesian Fire Force was a controversial unit. However, the unit played a major role in the Rhodesian government's counter-insurgency campaign. The Fire Force was responsible for killing thousands of guerrillas and destroying numerous guerrilla bases. The unit also helped to protect civilians from guerrilla attacks.

The Rhodesian Fire Force was disbanded in 1980 following the end of the Rhodesian Bush War. However, the unit's legacy continues to be debated. Some people believe that the Fire Force was a necessary evil in the fight against communism. Others believe that the unit was responsible for numerous atrocities.

The Rhodesian Fire Force was a counter-insurgency unit that played a major role in the Rhodesian Bush War. The unit was responsible for killing thousands of guerrillas and destroying numerous guerrilla bases. The Fire Force also helped to protect civilians from guerrilla attacks.

Rhodesian Fire Force 1966-80 (Africa@War Book 20)

by Kerrin Cocks

4.6 out of 5