Nigel Henson makes a very convincing arguement answering the question about one of the best FF commanders and he is very modest, I never worked under him, but good mates of mine did and I have no doubt he was one of the very best Fire Force commanders. Excellent interview
I had the privilege of serving under Nigel. Now, some 40 years on and having worked for one of the world’s finest companies, I can say, unequivocally, that I have not, in all the time, met a leader of Nigel’s character or competence. A superb leader and proper warrior.
Hannes a superb talk. I am so glad you have listed those items for talk no. 3. Regarding that poor family you mentioned in the closing minutes of the video, my sister in law and her sister, plus mom and dad, were in one of only two cars that were blown up by a landmine on a tar road. This happened on the Umtali to Melsetter road somewhere near Hot Springs. The miracle is that my sis-in-law (Mo), her sister and mom and dad all went up in a massive explosion. Troops escorting them said the car cartwheeled two or three times before impacting the ground. This is where the miracle comes in. Mo's sister was terminally ill with cancer and yet she was the only one in the car that died. She was virtually vaporized. The other three left the wreckage with very few physical scars. All four were practicing Christians. Several of the escorting troopers gave their lives to the Lord when they heard this.
My dad, Clive "Gonzo" Taylor was part of Recce troop with Mike Webb...he influenced my dad's life greatly and he would often relay stories to me of what they got up to. Lest we forget. My father passed away on 2nd February 2020, may he finally rest in peace. Thank you for helping me better understand what these boys went through, I've really been enjoying listening to your channel
I remember the Wayne Dwinger incident. 😂 Funny man but a warrior. Thanks Hannes and John for another great interview with the Boss. Also wanted to mention Richard Cecil’s great film footage at the beginning. RIP Big Man
Excelllent as always. Thank you John, Hannes, and of course Maj Nigel Henson ;Retd. Please will Major Henson do another talk, because his contribution is of huge interest, as well as of great importance. Take care, and God bless.
Another great interview! Thanks very much to Hannes and John on your series and keeping alive these memories of such a significant time and part of our lives and upbringing! Thanks to Major Henson for a fantastic account of how it all worked. As a young fire force operator it was indeed a pleasure to be in the RLI and have such good men and leaders around us all the time. Look forward to the next instalments! Thank you!
Absolutely amazing interview. Articulated recollection and detailed overview from major Nigel Henson. An incredible person. Thank you sir for this privileged information. Also, thank you for all the effort to produce this series for posterity!!
Great interview with a true commander who deeply cared for his men. Good to hear a mention of my old colleague Ed Potterton. About the effect of the 20ml grandes was at Darwin when the choppers returned having great difficulty walking as these had been popping under his feet trying to escape through a ploughed field. Another thing about fear or terror, or innocence of the youth, at that same encounter was a young RLI chap with an Mag that looked far too big my him to handle. We asked him what it felt like to shoot another human, his reply staggered me, 'I just tune my hout slayer zip and zapped him'. One wonders how these guys adapted and remained stable after the war. Great series guys thanks.
A great insight into the role of the fireforce, fantastic support. We territorials(age 30 plus) RR admired and saw these guys come in ,responding to our sightings from OP's. Pity we were not given briefings such as Nigel is giving now. This would have had a significant effect on our efficiency. Nigel mentioned batteries: TR48 in my experience was good as long as there was a good battery, often failed
Just incredible we have the privilege to listen to this. I wonder if Sandhurst or West Point are listening, they seemed to really struggle doing counter insurgency in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Excellent account Nigel. Well done and well done in getting this very important historical information down for posterity. You brought back many memories by your thorough, accurate and well told interview. Looking forward to more.
Great introduction video John and Hannes Very interesting as usual, makes my day when a new episode pops up. Can’t wait for the next episode with Nigel
I found this fascinating. I always wondered how the actual roll out and attack formation was plained and carried out without green on green incidents. Makes much more sense now. The layers and drill it must have taken to get this right each time. Priceless record. Great work guys.
Enjoyed this series of talks immensely so far and I am looking forward to the next instalment which as you mentioned will cover external incidents and hopefully some interesting anecdotal bits and pieces. Please keep up the great work.
Fantastic! Thanks Nigel and Hannes. Fireforce was a unique concept, developed in Rhodesia. Would you be able to discuss the development of Fireforce from its genesis?
That is Cmt. Van Rooyen ,Officer Commanding 16 Squadron ,Port Elizabeth.But know the hame PALIN very well,flew with him a few times,could he be the one opposite CDT.Van Rooyen?
As for the Communists: ‘In trying to make themselves angels, men transform themselves into beasts’ -- Michel de Montaigne, The Essays of Michael Seigneur de Montaigne (London: Alex Murray, 1870), p.668.
The Indigenous 'in country' Australians would have been at their lethal best in the Rhodesian 'out-back', A joint force of such men would be a' big thorn in the gut' for the terrs.
No one smoked in the Squadron in the 1970’s??? Really. Remember we were the biggest producers of tobacco in the world. Almost everyone in the RLI smoked. Not all pilots let you smoke in the Alouettes but in the Dak it was fine. 😂😂
@@pamberinehondo9447 I cannot remember anyone smoking. Two recruits were caught smoking dagga and were kicked over the fence to the RLI. Other than that I draw a blank. No soap, toothpaste shaving cream etc on patrol. I was taken aback by the troopies smoking.
@@arthurrobey4945 To be fair though if we had be caught smoking Dagga in Training Troop, Moose Erasmus would have had us over the fence into the road 😂. Most of the smoking was done after a contact, a lemon and on the way back to camp. On patrol and on externals it was different as you mention. Like you say I could imagine any Sqd member operating on the Russian front with a Madison between his lips 😊
Outstanding interview from one of Rhodesia's finest K-Car Commanders.
Brilliant interview and incredibly insightful. Thank you.
Nigel Henson makes a very convincing arguement answering the question about one of the best FF commanders and he is very modest, I never worked under him, but good mates of mine did and I have no doubt he was one of the very best Fire Force commanders. Excellent interview
Very Interesting,explained the Fire Force operation perfectly.
Excellent -
The calibre of our officers and troops was exceptional.
SALUTE
... and the courage of all those involved was exceptional.
Hark all those in the presence of a great warrior!! Huge respect hardly suffices Sir!
I had the privilege of serving under Nigel. Now, some 40 years on and having worked for one of the world’s finest companies, I can say, unequivocally, that I have not, in all the time, met a leader of Nigel’s character or competence. A superb leader and proper warrior.
Brilliant interview
Hannes a superb talk. I am so glad you have listed those items for talk no. 3. Regarding that poor family you mentioned in the closing minutes of the video, my sister in law and her sister, plus mom and dad, were in one of only two cars that were blown up by a landmine on a tar road. This happened on the Umtali to Melsetter road somewhere near Hot Springs. The miracle is that my sis-in-law (Mo), her sister and mom and dad all went up in a massive explosion. Troops escorting them said the car cartwheeled two or three times before impacting the ground. This is where the miracle comes in. Mo's sister was terminally ill with cancer and yet she was the only one in the car that died. She was virtually vaporized. The other three left the wreckage with very few physical scars. All four were practicing Christians. Several of the escorting troopers gave their lives to the Lord when they heard this.
Toncor12.
Fascinating, poignant, tragic! Thank u for sharing this nugget.
Amazing recollections! Such a privilege to get to hear stories and insights like these from one of the legends of the bush war, thank you!
Fascinating as always Hannes and John.
Great tribute at the end Hannes.
My dad, Clive "Gonzo" Taylor was part of Recce troop with Mike Webb...he influenced my dad's life greatly and he would often relay stories to me of what they got up to. Lest we forget. My father passed away on 2nd February 2020, may he finally rest in peace. Thank you for helping me better understand what these boys went through, I've really been enjoying listening to your channel
I remember the Wayne Dwinger incident. 😂 Funny man but a warrior. Thanks Hannes and John for another great interview with the Boss. Also wanted to mention Richard Cecil’s great film footage at the beginning. RIP Big Man
Excelllent as always. Thank you John, Hannes, and of course Maj Nigel Henson ;Retd. Please will Major Henson do another talk, because his contribution is of huge interest, as well as of great importance. Take care, and God bless.
Guys another Lekker interview, thank you for sharing your honest back ground experiences. Respect and take care 🙏🤜🤛👍.
Thank you Nigel and Hannes. Respect. Jim
Another great interview! Thanks very much to Hannes and John on your series and keeping alive these memories of such a significant time and part of our lives and upbringing! Thanks to Major Henson for a fantastic account of how it all worked. As a young fire force operator it was indeed a pleasure to be in the RLI and have such good men and leaders around us all the time. Look forward to the next instalments! Thank you!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Absolutely amazing interview. Articulated recollection and detailed overview from major Nigel Henson. An incredible person. Thank you sir for this privileged information. Also, thank you for all the effort to produce this series for posterity!!
Thank you all for your very kind and flattering comment.Glad you enjoyed,much appreciated.
Great interview with a true commander who deeply cared for his men. Good to hear a mention of my old colleague Ed Potterton. About the effect of the 20ml grandes was at Darwin when the choppers returned having great difficulty walking as these had been popping under his feet trying to escape through a ploughed field. Another thing about fear or terror, or innocence of the youth, at that same encounter was a young RLI chap with an Mag that looked far too big my him to handle. We asked him what it felt like to shoot another human, his reply staggered me, 'I just tune my hout slayer zip and zapped him'. One wonders how these guys adapted and remained stable after the war.
Great series guys thanks.
Sorry, finger problem, when the chopper returned the gook was having great difficulties walking 😢
A great insight into the role of the fireforce, fantastic support. We territorials(age 30 plus) RR admired and saw these guys come in ,responding to our sightings from OP's. Pity we were not given briefings such as Nigel is giving now. This would have had a significant effect on our efficiency. Nigel mentioned batteries: TR48 in my experience was good as long as there was a good battery, often failed
fascinating - thanks guys
Just incredible we have the privilege to listen to this. I wonder if Sandhurst or West Point are listening, they seemed to really struggle doing counter insurgency in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Thank you for another great interview ! Nigel you come across as so humble but so smart ! Great traits !
Fascinating!
Clear expression of intrinsic knowledge of the FF operations and how he was a calculating, meticulous and brilliant Commanding Officer...
Excellent account Nigel. Well done and well done in getting this very important historical information down for posterity. You brought back many memories by your thorough, accurate and well told interview. Looking forward to more.
Thanks Pete
Enjoyed so much yours and Hugh's talks!!Stay well!
Great stories, thanks very much
Great stuff really enjoyed this one , looking forward to the next one
Thanks to Nigel and Hannes for sharing, looking forward to more installments as always.
More to come!
Great introduction video John and Hannes
Very interesting as usual, makes my day when a new episode pops up. Can’t wait for the next episode with Nigel
Once again John & Hannes you've delivered. Awsome awesome Rhodesia had the best of the best.
Thank you kindly!
Excellent talk. Inspiring. Thanks.
Glad you enjoyed it!
I found this fascinating. I always wondered how the actual roll out and attack formation was plained and carried out without green on green incidents. Makes much more sense now. The layers and drill it must have taken to get this right each time. Priceless record. Great work guys.
Enjoyed this series of talks immensely so far and I am looking forward to the next instalment which as you mentioned will cover external incidents and hopefully some interesting anecdotal bits and pieces. Please keep up the great work.
Terrific ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️'s
Wow, mesmerizing content! Invaluable insights and knowledgeable officer. Good leadership lessons here.
Great Stuff
Fantastic! Thanks Nigel and Hannes. Fireforce was a unique concept, developed in Rhodesia. Would you be able to discuss the development of Fireforce from its genesis?
There are a couple of things that we missed in 1/2. We can pick this up at the start of E3...good point.
Excellent a real man.
A wonderful series, learning so much more. I do believe the SAAF pilot with the dark glasses playing cards is the late Brian Palin.
That is Cmt. Van Rooyen ,Officer Commanding 16 Squadron ,Port Elizabeth.But know the hame PALIN very well,flew with him a few times,could he be the one opposite CDT.Van Rooyen?
@@nigelhenson9475 That's Billy Port. A SAAF helo driver of note. In the background, Paul Dore.
Major Henson Sir. Any chance of having a beer in Dullstroom. I travel from Hoedspruit to Joburg regularly! Fred
When will you guys get Bert Sachs on to do a profile as he is a legendary figure in the Rhodesian conflict.
As for the Communists: ‘In trying to make themselves angels, men transform themselves into beasts’ -- Michel de Montaigne, The Essays of Michael Seigneur de Montaigne (London: Alex Murray, 1870), p.668.
Hannes was Tom Bragge father of John Bragge who ran a gym in Gwelo in the Seventies. Does anyone know?
Would it have been a great competition at the time between Australian trackers to join Rhodesian trackers.
The Indigenous 'in country' Australians would have been at their lethal best in the Rhodesian 'out-back', A joint force of such men would be a' big thorn in the gut' for the terrs.
The terrorist drawings in this interview were extracted from my book CHOPPERTECH.
Rpgs and tins of sadza coming up!! HAHAHA
Love the stupid ad tho "they came from everywhere"!
Like to dislike ratio 11/10/2021
360 - 5 UA-cam may soon remove these ratios from public access
Smokers!
I cannot remember anyone smoking in the Squadron.
That stuff stinks.
No one smoked in the Squadron in the 1970’s??? Really. Remember we were the biggest producers of tobacco in the world. Almost everyone in the RLI smoked. Not all pilots let you smoke in the Alouettes but in the Dak it was fine. 😂😂
@@pamberinehondo9447
I cannot remember anyone smoking.
Two recruits were caught smoking dagga and were kicked over the fence to the RLI.
Other than that I draw a blank.
No soap, toothpaste shaving cream etc on patrol.
I was taken aback by the troopies smoking.
@@arthurrobey4945 To be fair though if we had be caught smoking Dagga in Training Troop, Moose Erasmus would have had us over the fence into the road 😂. Most of the smoking was done after a contact, a lemon and on the way back to camp. On patrol and on externals it was different as you mention. Like you say I could imagine any Sqd member operating on the Russian front with a Madison between his lips 😊
The two dislikers, is one ex-ZANLA, and one ex-ZIPRA?