A final thank you to everyone who took such interest and were so flattering about the three interviews. Hannes and John were magnificent,and through their hard work and professionalism made the presentations so easy. A big thanks to all concerned.
I was taught from a young age that "Failing to plan was planing to fail" I've always held this true in my career and its worked everytime. It must have been a priveladge to have served under such a Commander. Down to earth, his men always came first and got the respect of all. Thanks John for yet another great interview. You certainly are joining the dots in so many ways. God Bless you all.
Nigel Henson was outstanding once again and he has provided enormous insight into fire force operations. Some contect to what Nigel shared: 781005 Lt Jeremy Lionel Fisher, A Coy, 1 RAR: Killed in Action 28 September 1977 (RIP. Salute). Jerry was 22 years old and hailed from Mangula and was a former Plumtree pupil. LCpl Russell Phillips SCR (RIP. Salute) was my troop Corporal; a wonderful guy who was loved and respected by those who knew and served with him. A man of enormous humility but as brave as they came; I remain proud and privileged to have served with this incredible soldier. As to Major Henson, he was the finest commander that I served under and I served under a number during my service. He was a man's man who loved his troopies and was loved in return. A fire force commander of exceptional skill. Salute Sir.
Incredibly informative and insightful reflections, it's little wonder Major Henson made such a remarkable impression on the men he worked with. Respect!
Thank you once again. A window into the skill, courage and determination of the people who defended our tiny, proud and great nation. A legacy we Rhodesians carry forward. We shall not forget.
Thanks for another great interview as allways! 😊 It is always very interesting to listen to your guests' experiences and stories on a topic we have learned little about here in Europe. Major Henson's experiences as a officer and RLI fireforce comander makes him clearly to a encyclopedia and an authority on the Rhodesian bush war and tactics used. Thank's again. Keep up the good work 👍😊
As a Gunner we did do some work with RLI and found them always to be very professional. All Rhodesians can be very proud of their commitment , bravery and national fervour. We salute you.
Thank you Major Henson for your third talk, the content of which is right up there with your two previous. Again, the clarity that you offer is wonderful, in that the pictures you paint with well chosen words leaves no room for further enhancement. I have learned so much from this channel already. I can only hope that you may provide us with further excellent re-counts of 'the day', Major. Thank you John, Hannes. Take care; God bless.
Salute Nigel and the other amazing k car operators who I had the honor of trying to assist during the struggle with that vital but difficult item. Current and specific correct intllegence. Great interview.
Three excellent talks by Major Henson. I was fortunate to be a part of quite a few of the callouts he mentioned as a PJI despatcher on the Paradak. On most occasions I was the No 1 despatcher and wore an aircraft head set and so could hear the comms between Major Henson and the guys on the ground and the aircraft. I was always so impressed by his cool confident way of commanding the whole deployment. Very professional indeed. I operated with other K car commanders too, but I always held Major Henson in the highest esteem and of course all the men involved be they Brown jobs or Blue. A wonderful privilege to have served with such men. Incidentally, officially operational drop height was supposed to be set at 500ft and not 400ft as frequently mentioned although at times there were errors. Interesting to hear about his parachute jump into the river too. First time I have heard that story. Also as a matter of interest, I am in regular comms with Pam Aust, Charlie Aust's widow as my son is married to their daughter, Caroline. Pam is well and still plays a good game of tennis.
Would the dispatcher in the Richard Cecil movie be Andy Stene? Great guys the para school dispatchers, remember their professionalism and dedication from para course and FF.
Wonderful interview Major Henson .. my highest respect goes out to you , thanks Hannes and John for yet again a valuable insight to the history of the Rhodesian war .. to my Rhodesian brothers who fought for the green and white .. salute .. respect to you all . RIP to the warriors who paid the ultimate price . At the setting of the sun we will remember them 🙏🏻
This is brilliant stuff gents. I just looked into the history of the Alouette III, they stopped production in 1985 but it continued under license in India, Switzerland and Romania under different names. The French Navy only stopped using them in 2017 replacing them with Pumas for the time being. I find that amazing. Do we know why Aerospartial stopped making them in the first place?. It sounds like the toughest heli ever made guys lol. Keep them coming.
Please do no.4, I would like to hear more specifics about actual ops, like where the men were placed and why, dummy drops and so on. Tail end forces coming in by road with fuel to resupply in the field. More nitty gritty please. But a wonderful talk.
Great interview, much respect for Major Henson and RLI. Thank you for these amazing recollections Very interesting as always, it’s really nice to see the extras like the supersonic radio, helicopter part etc it really brings more dimension to the stories.
Once again, Nigel, good interview! Your reply from "Monster", interesting but appears to be edited before you had finished telling what he said?, as he totally correct!, about that!
Nigel, Have just finished reading the book "The long Gray Line" which you mentioned in one of your other interviews ... fascinating reading! Although the resources were vastly different was there anything to be learnt from the American use of choppers in Vietnam especially the work done by the little Loaches?
Interesting question. Remember, Vietnam was unfolding at more or less the same time as our conflict. The Americans used helos well,within the aircraft limitations. The keys to successful airborne assaults ,whatever size the conflict is,remains the domination of the airspace,and the suppression of the target and it's surrounds....then many things are possible. The sheer weight of numbers in Vietnam made airborne assaults of a Battalion or more commonplace. It also brought out that these type of actions using lightly armed soldiers should be of defined duration. The mistakes made in Iraq and Afghanistan were very apparent....the infantryman was too encumbered with gear and other crap to really be effective. Airborne assaults too often are confused with the employment of the conventional infantryman. Airborne assault teams need to be very specialised units...not grunts who flew about in helos.
Just a point about encumbrance. Western democracies are desperate to keep casualties down, especially fatalities. Of course the soldier likes that but the degradation in performance has to be a factor in individual soldier performance.
I have not heard much about artillery guns. Were any calibers available? Seems like it would have been useful, maybe used similarly as the fire support bases in Vietnam.
Strange that he should say the 303 brownings were unreliable. I used to know an SA tank commander from WW2 who said the lap gun on his sherman on some days going thru Italy would fire until the barrel started to melt and they'd pull out the gun, throw it away, and do the same with a new gun. Also most British aircraft used 303 Brownings because the were so reliable.
The ones mentioned WERE OLD not sure how well they could be refurbished? Perhaps the 4 barrel configuration and synchronisation was the problem for Stoppages. My cousin was armourer at the BSAP and he could fix anything?
@@hudsonchalmers6504 as mentioned, the guns were old and you cant compare to the weapon, new, inside the tank, whereas these were open to the elements and, believe me, a helicopter can throw up immense dirt and rubbish, as it approaches the ground especially is the area it's dry. This doesn't take long for the weapon to accumulate masses of dirt. Plus format yankee much to jam up a weapon, any weapon, bar the AK, thus daily cleaning of a weapon essential!
With respect Christiaan you are over egging your pudding and your endorsement of Eugene de Kock also speaks volumes Nevertheless the point you raise perhaps deserves comment from Hannes or from another guest to clarify the record
Thank you for your service, & this history. When i go to London for a freedom gathering for this psychopathic CONavirUS genocide, I will visit the Salisbury pub by Trafalgar Square (thank you for the information), & when i do if there are any Rhodie veterans there you've a free pint.
A final thank you to everyone who took such interest and were so flattering about the three interviews.
Hannes and John were magnificent,and through their hard work and professionalism made the presentations so easy.
A big thanks to all concerned.
I was taught from a young age that "Failing to plan was planing to fail" I've always held this true in my career and its worked everytime. It must have been a priveladge to have served under such a Commander. Down to earth, his men always came first and got the respect of all. Thanks John for yet another great interview. You certainly are joining the dots in so many ways. God Bless you all.
Nigel Henson was outstanding once again and he has provided enormous insight into fire force operations.
Some contect to what Nigel shared: 781005 Lt Jeremy Lionel Fisher, A Coy, 1 RAR: Killed in Action 28 September 1977 (RIP. Salute). Jerry was 22 years old and hailed from Mangula and was a former Plumtree pupil. LCpl Russell Phillips SCR (RIP. Salute) was my troop Corporal; a wonderful guy who was loved and respected by those who knew and served with him. A man of enormous humility but as brave as they came; I remain proud and privileged to have served with this incredible soldier.
As to Major Henson, he was the finest commander that I served under and I served under a number during my service. He was a man's man who loved his troopies and was loved in return. A fire force commander of exceptional skill. Salute Sir.
What incredible men we had in the Rhodesian forces. I have learnt so much from these podcasts. So grateful to you all.
Incredibly informative and insightful reflections, it's little wonder Major Henson made such a remarkable impression on the men he worked with. Respect!
What a expert,a humble man.One of the best interviews. Thank you so much.
Thank you once again. A window into the skill, courage and determination of the people who defended our tiny, proud and great nation. A legacy we Rhodesians carry forward. We shall not forget.
Thanks for another great interview as allways! 😊
It is always very interesting to listen to your guests' experiences and stories on a topic we have learned little about here in Europe.
Major Henson's experiences as a officer and RLI fireforce comander makes him clearly to a encyclopedia and an authority on the Rhodesian bush war and tactics used.
Thank's again.
Keep up the good work 👍😊
Much appreciated Lars!
Great interview Hannes and Mr van Zyl always superb.
Thank you!
As a Gunner we did do some work with RLI and found them always to be very professional. All Rhodesians can be very proud of their commitment , bravery and national fervour. We salute you.
Thank you Major Henson for your third talk, the content of which is right up there with your two previous. Again, the clarity that you offer is wonderful, in that the pictures you paint with well chosen words leaves no room for further enhancement. I have learned so much from this channel already. I can only hope that you may provide us with further excellent re-counts of 'the day', Major. Thank you John, Hannes. Take care; God bless.
Much appreciated
Guys another fantastic informative interview,Loved the humour. Respect and take care 🙏👍🤜🤛.
🎉Thank you
Another awesome interview. Thanks to all concerned. Keep up the amazing work I really appreciate it. Be strong and stay safe.
Salute Nigel and the other amazing k car operators who I had the honor of trying to assist during the struggle with that vital but difficult item. Current and specific correct intllegence.
Great interview.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Salute and Respect !!
Three excellent talks by Major Henson. I was fortunate to be a part of quite a few of the callouts he mentioned as a PJI despatcher on the Paradak. On most occasions I was the No 1 despatcher and wore an aircraft head set and so could hear the comms between Major Henson and the guys on the ground and the aircraft. I was always so impressed by his cool confident way of commanding the whole deployment. Very professional indeed. I operated with other K car commanders too, but I always held Major Henson in the highest esteem and of course all the men involved be they Brown jobs or Blue. A wonderful privilege to have served with such men. Incidentally, officially operational drop height was supposed to be set at 500ft and not 400ft as frequently mentioned although at times there were errors. Interesting to hear about his parachute jump into the river too. First time I have heard that story. Also as a matter of interest, I am in regular comms with Pam Aust, Charlie Aust's widow as my son is married to their daughter, Caroline.
Pam is well and still plays a good game of tennis.
Sounds like you'd be able to give us an interesting talk Kevin?
Hey Kevin!!!! Remember you so well,wonderful to know you are still around.Thanks for the comments.....
.stay well!
Would the dispatcher in the Richard Cecil movie be Andy Stene? Great guys the para school dispatchers, remember their professionalism and dedication from para course and FF.
Wonderful interview Major Henson .. my highest respect goes out to you , thanks Hannes and John for yet again a valuable insight to the history of the Rhodesian war .. to my Rhodesian brothers who fought for the green and white .. salute .. respect to you all . RIP to the warriors who paid the ultimate price . At the setting of the sun we will remember them 🙏🏻
Thanks Ross, I appreciate your support my brother!
This is brilliant stuff gents. I just looked into the history of the Alouette III, they stopped production in 1985 but it continued under license in India, Switzerland and Romania under different names. The French Navy only stopped using them in 2017 replacing them with Pumas for the time being. I find that amazing. Do we know why Aerospartial stopped making them in the first place?. It sounds like the toughest heli ever made guys lol. Keep them coming.
Worked with Luigi Montivani in Shoprite Checkers Natal , Luigi is in Cape Town now he never spoke much about his Flying years!
Please do no.4, I would like to hear more specifics about actual ops, like where the men were placed and why, dummy drops and so on. Tail end forces coming in by road with fuel to resupply in the field. More nitty gritty please. But a wonderful talk.
Brilliant
A great officer, great regiment . What a story.
Great interview, much respect for Major Henson and RLI. Thank you for these amazing recollections
Very interesting as always, it’s really nice to see the extras like the supersonic radio, helicopter part etc it really brings more dimension to the stories.
Another fascinating episode. Thank you for sharing your experiences in our country's history!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Great stories thanks
Thanks for listening
Great Stuff
"He wasn't very au fait with radio procedure ... because he had been a member of the opposition two weeks before." Classic!
Great War Stories .. Thanks
Morning John, lovely day today here in Strand and Gordons bay 1st of August.
Rhodesian’s do never die
Once again, Nigel, good interview!
Your reply from "Monster", interesting but appears to be edited before you had finished telling what he said?, as he totally correct!, about that!
Nigel, Have just finished reading the book "The long Gray Line" which you mentioned in one of your other interviews ... fascinating reading! Although the resources were vastly different was there anything to be learnt from the American use of choppers in Vietnam especially the work done by the little Loaches?
Interesting question.
Remember, Vietnam was unfolding at more or less the same time as our conflict.
The Americans used helos well,within the aircraft limitations.
The keys to successful airborne assaults ,whatever size the conflict is,remains the domination of the airspace,and the suppression of the target and it's surrounds....then many things are possible. The sheer weight of numbers in Vietnam made airborne assaults of a Battalion or more commonplace.
It also brought out that these type of actions using lightly armed soldiers should be of defined duration.
The mistakes made in Iraq and Afghanistan were very apparent....the infantryman was too encumbered with gear and other crap to really be effective.
Airborne assaults too often are confused with the employment of the conventional infantryman. Airborne assault teams need to be very specialised units...not grunts who flew about in helos.
Just a point about encumbrance. Western democracies are desperate to keep casualties down, especially fatalities. Of course the soldier likes that but the degradation in performance has to be a factor in individual soldier performance.
Howzit Hans
I have not heard much about artillery guns. Were any calibers available? Seems like it would have been useful, maybe used similarly as the fire support bases in Vietnam.
We're planning an artillery interview in the near future! Watch this space.
Strange that he should say the 303 brownings were unreliable. I used to know an SA tank commander from WW2 who said the lap gun on his sherman on some days going thru Italy would fire until the barrel started to melt and they'd pull out the gun, throw it away, and do the same with a new gun. Also most British aircraft used 303 Brownings because the were so reliable.
The ones mentioned WERE OLD not sure how well they could be refurbished? Perhaps the 4 barrel configuration and synchronisation was the problem for Stoppages. My cousin was armourer at the BSAP and he could fix anything?
@@hudsonchalmers6504 as mentioned, the guns were old and you cant compare to the weapon, new, inside the tank, whereas these were open to the elements and, believe me, a helicopter can throw up immense dirt and rubbish, as it approaches the ground especially is the area it's dry. This doesn't take long for the weapon to accumulate masses of dirt. Plus format yankee much to jam up a weapon, any weapon, bar the AK, thus daily cleaning of a weapon essential!
👍
With respect Christiaan you are over egging your pudding and your endorsement of Eugene de Kock also speaks volumes Nevertheless the point you raise perhaps deserves comment from Hannes or from another guest to clarify the record
Thank you for your service, & this history. When i go to London for a freedom gathering for this psychopathic CONavirUS genocide, I will visit the Salisbury pub by Trafalgar Square (thank you for the information), & when i do if there are any Rhodie veterans there you've a free pint.
Ha! binos looted by the Rhodesian Light-fingered Infantry!:)
like Drinking a snake(Chibuku)