I was at St John's Prep School with Russell in the 1960s. I didn't see Russell after we left there until 1978 after his terrible injury. By then he was engaged to Karen, a most lovely person, and they came to dinner with us a couple of times in our flat in Avondale in Salisbury. What an amazing story, Russell. You and Karen are truly wonderful, inspirational people. Well done, Hannes and John, for including Russell's moving story in your terrific series. Thank you all.
Wonderful interview Hannes and Russell. Such enormous kudos and respect to you mate. Service was never measured in the number of contacts but how one did one's service. You did your bit and very sadly, and tragically, you were most grievously injured but look at the man you became; a man who paid physically and tragically for your service.Great number of casualiteis too. Bless you mate, what a humble mand and salute and respect to you. A true blue Rhodesian. Wonderful man.
As Hannes said, “how inspirational”. I’m really impressed by how many ex Rhodie servicemen give testimony to their Christian beliefs. Another great interview Hannes and John. Well done.
Many people had different levels of time in the service to our country. No matter how short or long they were, all were important and appreciated. Well done Hannes on another good interview.
I join the guerrillas in 1976.as a 15 year school boy .Rised tgru the ranks and was privileged to have advance aviation trainning. Have a lots of experiences to share
So glad to hear your story Russell. From one Oriel boy to another, you are an inspiration to all in how you overcame your adversity and disability, and went on to forge and live a very successful life and career which at times must have been a very daunting for you. Much respect to you and your family shamwari and enjoy your retirement years. God Bless.
A brave patriot is not judged by time served, nor branch of service, Bravery and commitment are stand-alone virtues of the highest order, in their own right, so to give of ones' eye-sight whilst in such employ, sets a persons' level of sacrifice for their country in times of war in a realm of its' own, in my humble opinion. Such a valiant, humble man, and former soldier. Thank you for your story Russell, and thank you John and Hannes for giving us another excellent episode.
Brilliant story. My mother, Peg Brown, worked for CABS for 45 years. Fantastic to see how you had so much positive energy to get through your ordeal. Russell you are an inspiration to us all.
Hey Russell good to hear your story & huge respect my friend - wonderful that our Lord Jesus saved you as well Didge & Gavin we were all at St Giles together Trevor Blyth as well what a legend - The Lord Jesus by His grace saved us from our sins gave a us all a glorious new life - much ♥️ to you & your family Russ 💪💪💪
Well done to Russell .. such humility! You went through tough times in the darkest of nights during this unfortunate event. You and and only you had to walk this journey in these few hours of harshness till you received the help you desperately needed. I have much respect for you and all those who wore the uniform of Rhodesia. You rose through the ashes , you conquered what you thought was going to defeat you . God had other plans for you .. it was not your time go he said . God bless you and your family. Salute 🙏🏻 Thanks Hannes and John , Russell
The immeasurable sacrifice of men like Russell must never be forgotten, and again a huge thank you to everyone involved in bringing these incredible stories to light.
What an incredibly brave man. And what amazing fortitude and determination in the face of such difficult and adverse circumstances and injuries. Bless him and his family and thank you Russell for your brave sacrifice for Rhodesia. SALUTE and RESPECT.
Thank you Russel, hannes and John for hosting this vid. Personally I think you are a bloody hero Russel,, on your way to man the mag to protect you and your comrades when you got hit. Your intentions were very heroic. Bless you all
Russell, I remember you from St Johns and Oriel. You lived just round the corner from us the other side of a Park beginning with B. Remember your racing bike back in the day, the envy of the whole school. Great interview and testimony of God's grace.
It's lovely to hear first hand the stories of guys that fought for Rhodesia. Hearing these stories from my mother, grandparents and other family members that lived there and through this, inspired me to join the Royal Marines Commandos. I'm not too sure I would have joined the military otherwise. The SOP's sound very similar to today's warfare with regards to stand to positions. There is no more of a vulnerable feeling than having IDF incoming and you can't return contact with small arms due to the distance. I take my hat off to you gentleman. The Rhodesian's tactics and bravery are still spoken about and admired by the Royal Marines and we are briefed up about them in basic training at CTCRM. In fact, there is also an AK 47 on a plaque in our SNCO mess at 42 Commando. The inscription says it was confiscated from a "Gook" in Rhodesia. I'm not too sure what a gook is. Maybe another word for enemy?!
Such a humble man. It's such a blessing to have faith in the first place, so many have nothing to hold on to, must be so lonely in those dark times. Great interview boys.
Thank you for this humbling talk from a man who is clearly sprit filled and at peace with his situation, even though he has not enjoyed the benefit of sight that we take for granted.
Never heard the full story. Good to see Russell after all these years.. Always been so impressed by his success in computers. That was a very bad night for our 6 Indep, fortunately Lt Abbott and I and our stick were spared from the attack having left on patrol that morning. Never forget the chopper ride back in the next morning to the camp full of holes and missing mates.
Hannes. We are so very grateful for you and the team who are involved in capturing our history for prosperity. Great interview. These interview bring back many memories and I am exceptionally grateful to have lived and served with this band of brothers (and sisters) in our beloved country. Salute
I had the pleasure of knowing Russell and his family. .My late wife coached his son Adrian , a very good swimmer, Let him tell the story of him going for a run with Didge during their lunchtime. Didge was the seeing guide but forgot the route ( short term memory loss ) and of course Russell could not see . They ended up doing about 20km instead of the usual 5 or so and of course late back after lunch..
All glory to God for the man you are today.Amazing testimony, you deserve a medal mate for your actions that night, SALUTE 113449 RFN. P. SMEDA (INTAKE 150 - 8th January 1976)
Thanks guys, another heart warming event during our bush war as it is now known by many. Russell, congratulations on your wedding anniversary, and you have inspired many by your actions against all odds. It is true what you said, God promises those who call on Him in such times, and have heard many true stories. May our dear Lord bless you in many ways, if you stay true to your faith. Be encouraged, stay safe, as the days ahead are going to get worse.
What a fascinating interview. My cousins both worked at CABS. Bek was in Bulawayo when Etumbane kicked off. His sister married BF a pilot and went to Oz. Bek hired a lot of Springbok cricket players in SA to work for him at NBS in Durban. Russ will know guys I worked with at ICL. Piet Smit, Alister Watermeyer, Mike Lautre, Lew Coventry and Sheila Johnson and her Brother Tony who was in the SAS. His best mate was Rob Slingsby KIA
Thanks for sharing, I sat in a bunker with rooi oog rockets incoming and I have to say the Lord kept me safe. A rocket made a crater outside the door but no direct hit
I knew North Inyanga well, but a good ten years before the events described here. I was working in the Rhodesia Veterinary Department and trying to control various cattle diseases there. Based in Umtali I would drive the Land Rover on the Sunday afternoon up to Inyanga, top out the petrol tank, pick up a couple of Vet Scouts and spend the following week injecting cattle etc all over that area. In my time there were a lot of refugees coming in over the border from Mozambique. When it came time for me to join the RR I was sent to Kariba. This was a most interesting talk. Thanks Russel and all the best.
I really love these videos hannes, this one was different but very inspiring, I hope russell is made aware that he made a real impression on me, God bless yall, stay safe.
A very moving interview, Russel was a very good friend of my parents and I when we lived in that great country Rhodesia, I remember him as a little boy growing up, and then that terrible incident whilst he was doing his national service. I have to admire Russels determination and courage to overcome his disability.Would love to have a chat with him sometime. Thanking you..
Good day Hannes. it was great to listen to an interview with a TF. I was 99th intake in 1968. maybe some people would like to hear about those early days. If so please contact me.
Hi Russell, good listening to you. Just a foot note, I was the guy who tried to wake you up along with Russell Blackley. You left out that the whole Unit had been told to withdraw through the night and we had to scamper back and find the rest of our chaps without being noticed which we managed to do. Disaster averted. We still living in Hoveton Close and think of Karen and you often.Take Care bud.
Good Evening Sir's ..... So very much appreciated and Absolute and Utter respect to Sir for making a plan regardless of your set backs... A true Rhodesian in every respect..!! And Respect I have... 👏👌🙌🙏💯👍🏻. Hunnes and John.. I have A very Dear Man and Soilder whom I Admire. Respect and Look up to... Granted his command of the English language, as is mine is not up to Standard.. But Hey that was and who the real Soilders of the the Rhodesian Forces were... Absolutely and beyond Men Of Men.. Please kindly interview "Boss Louis Olsen" A proper Man...!!! 🙏 Regards Charlie
I was immediately in front of Keith Nelson (the Author of Crippled Eagles) when he lost both his legs below the knee after stepping on an anti-personnel mine during a 28 day deployment deep into the Chioco region of Tete in Mozambique in June 1977. 2 Commando RLI had relieved the SAS who had been operating in the area prior to us taking over. We were patrolling along a very dry riverbed at approximately 10am in the morning, with Ronnie Travers at point, followed by Jan Myburgh( MAG gunner) and myself ( the 3 of us had miraculously stepped over the AP mine) Keith Nelson was directly behind me and was not so lucky. Keith was our Medic and had joined 2 Commando from the USA. It was a terrible day as the choppers took 4 hrs to come in and casevac Keith back to Mtoko, during which time he was in incredible pain after having used up all the morphine that we had.Thankfully Keith survived this ordeal and after recovering from his horrendous injuries, returned back to the USA and wrote the book Crippled Eagles, which included stories of other USA soldiers who had been wounded in the Rhodesian War. A very brave man indeed.
How old was Russell when he graduated from high school? I was 18 and also intake 150 and was not given the choice of going to university first. Thank you Russell for your service.
Many thanks indeed for sharing Russel. My bro suggested that this was very powerful. He was correct. I am humbled to listen to it. Like you I would relish the opportunity to hear both sides of the story. Salute.
Incredible. Thank you very much to both of you. It means a lot to me - and I suppose all of us - to have our heritage reaffirmed through such examples. Great stuff. Much respect. 👍👍👍
Sounds like Russell's a humble guy but he's in good company with the rest of the stories told. The war and life in Rhodesia get fleshed out by every guest, hopefully you can get more black servicemen and guerrillas. My impression is the ones still in Zim are compelled not to be talkative.
I was at St John's Prep School with Russell in the 1960s. I didn't see Russell after we left there until 1978 after his terrible injury. By then he was engaged to Karen, a most lovely person, and they came to dinner with us a couple of times in our flat in Avondale in Salisbury. What an amazing story, Russell. You and Karen are truly wonderful, inspirational people. Well done, Hannes and John, for including Russell's moving story in your terrific series. Thank you all.
A true and humble hero. Thank you for your service Sir.
What a huge inspiration, he left the safety of his trench to get the MAG.. then fought his disability with equal courage
Inspiring. It’s by Grace that we are saved.
Wonderful interview Hannes and Russell. Such enormous kudos and respect to you mate. Service was never measured in the number of contacts but how one did one's service. You did your bit and very sadly, and tragically, you were most grievously injured but look at the man you became; a man who paid physically and tragically for your service.Great number of casualiteis too. Bless you mate, what a humble mand and salute and respect to you. A true blue Rhodesian. Wonderful man.
As Hannes said, “how inspirational”. I’m really impressed by how many ex Rhodie servicemen give testimony to their Christian beliefs. Another great interview Hannes and John. Well done.
I am out of words to express my admiration
Many people had different levels of time in the service to our country. No matter how short or long they were, all were important and appreciated.
Well done Hannes on another good interview.
Thank you for commitment and courage.. An example to many.. Thank you..
Humbling
I join the guerrillas in 1976.as a 15 year school boy
.Rised tgru the ranks and was privileged to have advance aviation trainning. Have a lots of experiences to share
@karls mc Chiganze I'd love to do an interview. Can you please eamil be at bugeisha7@gmail.com
So glad to hear your story Russell. From one Oriel boy to another, you are an inspiration to all in how you overcame your adversity and disability, and went on to forge and live a very successful life and career which at times must have been a very daunting for you. Much respect to you and your family shamwari and enjoy your retirement years. God Bless.
A brave patriot is not judged by time served, nor branch of service, Bravery and commitment are stand-alone virtues of the highest order, in their own right, so to give of ones' eye-sight whilst in such employ, sets a persons' level of sacrifice for their country in times of war in a realm of its' own, in my humble opinion. Such a valiant, humble man, and former soldier. Thank you for your story Russell, and thank you John and Hannes for giving us another excellent episode.
My parents-in-law lived a few houses from your family and my sister-in-law and your sister Gay were great friends. Still remember you as a young man.
A wonderful human being
Russell an inspiration to man kind. Salute.
Great respect Russell. True Rhodie spirit!
Brilliant story. My mother, Peg Brown, worked for CABS for 45 years. Fantastic to see how you had so much positive energy to get through your ordeal. Russell you are an inspiration to us all.
Hey Russell good to hear your story & huge respect my friend - wonderful that our Lord Jesus saved you as well Didge & Gavin we were all at St Giles together Trevor Blyth as well what a legend - The Lord Jesus by His grace saved us from our sins gave a us all a glorious new life - much ♥️ to you & your family Russ 💪💪💪
I listen to all the fighting men of Rhodesia they were our boys and sons no back ground music so I can hear them all
Huge respect Russell. God Bless you and your family.
Much respect to you Russell.
Congratulations on your 43rd Anniversary, to you and your wife. We have just had our 57th
Thank you Russel. Amazing and wonderful contribution to this series. An inspiration to us all.
Thank you Russel for you bravery and sacrifice, God bless you Sir, Such an inspiration.
Well done to Russell .. such humility! You went through tough times in the darkest of nights during this unfortunate event. You and and only you had to walk this journey in these few hours of harshness till you received the help you desperately needed. I have much respect for you and all those who wore the uniform of Rhodesia. You rose through the ashes , you conquered what you thought was going to defeat you . God had other plans for you .. it was not your time go he said . God bless you and your family. Salute 🙏🏻
Thanks Hannes and John , Russell
Thank you Russell ....... RESPECT !
Thank you Hannes for Russell's wonderful and uplifting story. Enjoy your well deserved retirement Russell! Much love and respect xxx
Respect, Warrior.
More than a typical Rhodesian, I salute you. Mike
Russell what can we say but that we Salute you , I was 30 year old territorial at that time.
Brilliant gentlemen. Well done Russell, Hannes and John.
What amazing courage! So inspirational. Thank you.
Amazing man. Very best wishes.
The immeasurable sacrifice of men like Russell must never be forgotten, and again a huge thank you to everyone involved in bringing these incredible stories to light.
Very touching story.
What an incredibly brave man. And what amazing fortitude and determination in the face of such difficult and adverse circumstances and injuries. Bless him and his family and thank you Russell for your brave sacrifice for Rhodesia. SALUTE and RESPECT.
Great work, good to hear how Russell overcame his injuries and credit to his wife.
BOET Respect 🙏🙏🙏🤜🤛.
Thank you Russel, hannes and John for hosting this vid. Personally I think you are a bloody hero Russel,, on your way to man the mag to protect you and your comrades when you got hit. Your intentions were very heroic. Bless you all
thank you for your service. Rhodesians never die!
You’re a courageous man, friend.
Russell, I remember you from St Johns and Oriel. You lived just round the corner from us the other side of a Park beginning with B. Remember your racing bike back in the day, the envy of the whole school. Great interview and testimony of God's grace.
I cannot tell you how much respect i have for you
It's lovely to hear first hand the stories of guys that fought for Rhodesia. Hearing these stories from my mother, grandparents and other family members that lived there and through this, inspired me to join the Royal Marines Commandos. I'm not too sure I would have joined the military otherwise. The SOP's sound very similar to today's warfare with regards to stand to positions. There is no more of a vulnerable feeling than having IDF incoming and you can't return contact with small arms due to the distance. I take my hat off to you gentleman. The Rhodesian's tactics and bravery are still spoken about and admired by the Royal Marines and we are briefed up about them in basic training at CTCRM.
In fact, there is also an AK 47 on a plaque in our SNCO mess at 42 Commando. The inscription says it was confiscated from a "Gook" in Rhodesia. I'm not too sure what a gook is. Maybe another word for enemy?!
Great interview Hannes, thank you for your service Russell I am glad you managed to overcome adversity a do so well congratulations.
Such a humble man. It's such a blessing to have faith in the first place, so many have nothing to hold on to, must be so lonely in those dark times. Great interview boys.
Fascinating how you trained in Computers Russell.
Thank you for this humbling talk from a man who is clearly sprit filled and at peace with his situation, even though he has not enjoyed the benefit of sight that we take for granted.
What a terrific chap!
Another amazing story. Thank you Russell and Hannes for this story and for the whole series.
Our pleasure! Thanks for watching the videos.
Amazing story thank you and God Bless Russ.
That happened to me once, I was woken up for guard but fell asleep again, I accepted it and fortunately nothing came of it.
Never heard the full story. Good to see Russell after all these years.. Always been so impressed by his success in computers. That was a very bad night for our 6 Indep, fortunately Lt Abbott and I and our stick were spared from the attack having left on patrol that morning. Never forget the chopper ride back in the next morning to the camp full of holes and missing mates.
Hannes. We are so very grateful for you and the team who are involved in capturing our history for prosperity. Great interview. These interview bring back many memories and I am exceptionally grateful to have lived and served with this band of brothers (and sisters) in our beloved country. Salute
What an inspiring talk! Thanks guys
I had the pleasure of knowing Russell and his family. .My late wife coached his son Adrian , a very good swimmer, Let him tell the story of him going for a run with Didge during their lunchtime. Didge was the seeing guide but forgot the route ( short term memory loss ) and of course Russell could not see . They ended up doing about 20km instead of the usual 5 or so and of course late back after lunch..
Brilliant work Hannes and huge respect to Russell, Oriel Mensa of note. Salute to you both
All glory to God for the man you are today.Amazing testimony, you deserve a medal mate for your actions that night, SALUTE 113449 RFN. P. SMEDA (INTAKE 150 - 8th January 1976)
Thanks guys, another heart warming event during our bush war as it is now known by many. Russell, congratulations on your wedding anniversary, and you have inspired many by your actions against all odds. It is true what you said, God promises those who call on Him in such times, and have heard many true stories. May our dear Lord bless you in many ways, if you stay true to your faith. Be encouraged, stay safe, as the days ahead are going to get worse.
What a fascinating interview. My cousins both worked at CABS. Bek was in Bulawayo when Etumbane kicked off. His sister married BF a pilot and went to Oz. Bek hired a lot of Springbok cricket players in SA to work for him at NBS in Durban. Russ will know guys I worked with at ICL. Piet Smit, Alister Watermeyer, Mike Lautre, Lew Coventry and Sheila Johnson and her Brother Tony who was in the SAS. His best mate was Rob Slingsby KIA
Fantastic series - many thanks for the efforts of all involved.
Thanks for sharing, I sat in a bunker with rooi oog rockets incoming and I have to say the Lord kept me safe. A rocket made a crater outside the door but no direct hit
What an amazing man and an inspirational interviews, thank you for taking the time and making the effort to produce these interviews .
I knew North Inyanga well, but a good ten years before the events described here. I was working in the Rhodesia Veterinary Department and trying to control various cattle diseases there. Based in Umtali I would drive the Land Rover on the Sunday afternoon up to Inyanga, top out the petrol tank, pick up a couple of Vet Scouts and spend the following week injecting cattle etc all over that area. In my time there were a lot of refugees coming in over the border from Mozambique. When it came time for me to join the RR I was sent to Kariba. This was a most interesting talk. Thanks Russel and all the best.
What an amazing story of incredible perseverance. Also, many thanks for bringing these interviews to the fore. Greatly appreciated!
I really love these videos hannes, this one was different but very inspiring, I hope russell is made aware that he made a real impression on me, God bless yall, stay safe.
What an inspiration you are sir. Wow. FYI your old mate Bone taught me how to paint and so many of us ex farmers when we got hoofed.
A very moving interview, Russel was a very good friend of my parents and I when we lived in that great country Rhodesia, I remember him as a little boy growing up, and then that terrible incident whilst he was doing his national service. I have to admire Russels determination and courage to overcome his disability.Would love to have a chat with him sometime. Thanking you..
GREAT STORY, THANKS
Glad you enjoyed it
Fantastic soldiers best of the best.
Wow what a brilliant bloke. What an inspirational story. All the best.
Good day Hannes. it was great to listen to an interview with a TF. I was 99th intake in 1968. maybe some people would like to hear about those early days.
If so please contact me.
The more, the better.
Hi Russell, good listening to you. Just a foot note, I was the guy who tried to wake you up along with Russell Blackley. You left out that the whole Unit had been told to withdraw through the night and we had to scamper back and find the rest of our chaps without being noticed which we managed to do. Disaster averted. We still living in Hoveton Close and think of Karen and you often.Take Care bud.
Another great interview as always👍
I appreciated listening to Russell's story.
Keep up the good work 😊
Regards to both of you a fantastic and humbling story……spent a bit of time in Rhodesia in the very early 80s and loved the country and people
Good Evening Sir's ..... So very much appreciated and Absolute and Utter respect to Sir for making a plan regardless of your set backs... A true Rhodesian in every respect..!! And Respect I have... 👏👌🙌🙏💯👍🏻.
Hunnes and John.. I have A very Dear Man and Soilder whom I Admire. Respect and Look up to... Granted his command of the English language, as is mine is not up to Standard.. But Hey that was and who the real Soilders of the the Rhodesian Forces were...
Absolutely and beyond Men Of Men..
Please kindly interview "Boss Louis Olsen" A proper Man...!!! 🙏
Regards Charlie
Please, please interview more Americans who fought in the Crippled Eagles.
I was immediately in front of Keith Nelson (the Author of Crippled Eagles) when he lost both his legs below the knee after stepping on an anti-personnel mine during a 28 day deployment deep into the Chioco region of Tete in Mozambique in June 1977. 2 Commando RLI had relieved the SAS who had been operating in the area prior to us taking over. We were patrolling along a very dry riverbed at approximately 10am in the morning, with Ronnie Travers at point, followed by Jan Myburgh( MAG gunner) and myself ( the 3 of us had miraculously stepped over the AP mine) Keith Nelson was directly behind me and was not so lucky. Keith was our Medic and had joined 2 Commando from the USA. It was a terrible day as the choppers took 4 hrs to come in and casevac Keith back to Mtoko, during which time he was in incredible pain after having used up all the morphine that we had.Thankfully Keith survived this ordeal and after recovering from his horrendous injuries, returned back to the USA and wrote the book Crippled Eagles, which included stories of other USA soldiers who had been wounded in the Rhodesian War. A very brave man indeed.
How old was Russell when he graduated from high school? I was 18 and also intake 150 and was not given the choice of going to university first. Thank you Russell for your service.
Many thanks indeed for sharing Russel.
My bro suggested that this was very powerful. He was correct. I am humbled to listen to it.
Like you I would relish the opportunity to hear both sides of the story.
Salute.
Incredible. Thank you very much to both of you. It means a lot to me - and I suppose all of us - to have our heritage reaffirmed through such examples. Great stuff. Much respect. 👍👍👍
Sounds like Russell's a humble guy but he's in good company with the rest of the stories told. The war and life in Rhodesia get fleshed out by every guest, hopefully you can get more black servicemen and guerrillas. My impression is the ones still in Zim are compelled not to be talkative.
The computer "punch cards" mentioned - they were actually developed in WW2 by the nazis. They were used in the national censuses to identify Jews.
actually developed by IBM
Let us hear from the irrepressible Didge O Donnell !