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Nairobi, Kenya
I an ex member of both 7 and 8 Squadron's of the Rhodesian war spending most of my operational time on Seven Squadron as a K Car gunner. I was credited for shooting down a fixed wing aircraft from a K Car on the 9 August 1979. This blog is from articles for research on a book which I HAVE HANDED THIS MANUSCRIPT OVER TO MIMI CAWOOD WHO WILL BE HANDLING THE PUBLICATION OF THE BOOK OF WHICH THERE WILL BE VERY LIMITED COPIES AVAILABLE Contact her on yebomimi@gmail.com The latest news is that the Editing is now done and we can expect to start sales and deliveries by the end of April 2011

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Saturday, July 26, 2008

A TRIBUTE TO THE RHODESIAN SOLDIER


Tribute to the Rhodesian soldier


Ross Dix Peek


Call me biased but I think the greatest fighting-man to ever walk the face of the earth was the Rhodesian Soldier.Intelligent,rugged, doggedly-determined and virtually invincible, the Rhodesian fighting-man was a warrior second-to-none, a “Zeus” among mere mortals.Heir to a fine fighting lineage, the Rhodesian Warrior was forged in the crucible of War.He had shown his raw-courage and great prowess during the Matabele and Shona Rebellions’ of 1893 and 1896; in the “mud, guts and blood” of World War One (1914-1918); during the great cataclysm that was the Second Great War (1939-1945), and in the rain-soaked jungles of Malaya (1950s), where death lurked in every shadow.But the Rhodesian fighting-man’s “finest hour” was the vicious war fought in his own country, from 1972-1980; a war in which many Rhodesians’, both black and white, would sadly succumb.Always outnumbered, short of essential equipment, and the world’s “scapegoat”, the Rhodesian warrior’s ingenuity, enterprise and daring was truly wonderful to behold; both on the ground and in the air.Bronzed and ready, with the ubiquitous “FN”-Rifle ever-present, and invariably clad in a camouflage cap, “T-shirt”, “Shorts” and “Tekkies”, the Rhodesian was the quintessential “bush-fighter”.Surrounded on all sides by opportunistic enemies, the Rhodesians’ (ever-alert and always aware of their country’s vulnerability) would often venture forth into Mozambique or Zambia, intent on pre-emptive action; their small mobile-columns’ creating havoc and mayhem, leaving behind a battered and bloodied enemy.In addition, whenever the need should arise, they could always beseech the great African-sky, wherefrom their winged-brothers, the indefatigable Rhodesian Air-Force (RhAF), would unleash yet more carnage upon a bewildered enemy.Ah, the units… The "Rhodesian SAS", the “Selous Scouts”, “The Rhodesian Light Infantry”, The “Rhodesian African Rifles”, The "Rhodesia Regiment", "Grey's Scouts" and the “Rhodesian Air Force”, truly a pantheon of greats.And let us not forget the father of Rhodesian arms, the British South Africa Police (BSAP), and those redoubtable Rhodesian women, pretty-as-hell, and tough-as-teak!Then there were the leaders. Men such as Rhodesia’s prime-minister, Ian Smith, Africa’s “Nostradamus”; General Peter Walls, the Rhodesian Commander-in-Chief and a veritable “Hercules” in Uniform; Major-General John Hickman, that fine old soldier, and Lieutenant-Colonel John Reid-Daly, the founder of the fearsome “Selous Scouts”, a fighting-man if ever there was one.But of course, the most exalted of all Rhodesian Warriors are those men and women, many mere boys and girls, who sacrificed their precious lives for Rhodesia and the Rhodesians -“Lest we forget”.And now, although just a memory, the Rhodesian “Troopie”, the very personification of courage, grit and determination, that fighting “denizen” of the African Bush, still lives on forever in the hearts of those of us who still proudly call ourselves “Rhodesians”.No, you can keep your American “Marines” or the British “SAS”, give me the Rhodesian Soldier any-day!A toast… to the Rhodesian Fighting-man; the very best of the best!


More of his work can be seen on http://peek-011.livejournal.com/ There is some good stuff on Rhodesians in the Second World War etc

ZIMBABWE


Duncan Cook -savaged by Mugabes thugs

"To be silent when major crimes are being committed against all humanity makes us accomplices,"-- Reverend Chet Guinn

TERRORIST MURDERS AND MAIMING IN RHODESIA

The following images (issued by the Rhodesian Ministry of Information) depict a mute testimony of how far ZIPRA and ZANLA terrorists would go in the name of "Freedom". The baby pictured below Natasha Glenny was bayonetted to death by a group of Terrorists, the tribesmen and women butchered, bayonetted, raped and shot -they were called sell-outs by the terrorists. Innocent people stuck in the middle in a brutal war. As a crewman on Seven Squadron I saw these murders in the Tribal Trust Lands first hans as we were always the first to arrive on the scene when we brought members of the BSAP or special branch to investigate. Images like these haunt me to this day and the worst part of it is the fact that nothing has changed in Zimbabwe -the killing continues and the Western world looks on like a lame duck. There is a Shona saying that goes as following: ONE FINGER CANNOT SQUEEZE A FLEA so apt for the worlds apathy.
Some of these incidents are recorded in Choppertech.
As you can see there is no glory in war -its about killing -and its not pretty!!!!





































Friday, July 25, 2008

Rhodesian Panzers HUNTERS


The Rolls Royce Avon 200series Engine powering the Hawker Hunter -I used to be involved in the overhaul of these engines at the Engine Repair Section at New Sarum Airbase in Salisbury under Warrant Officer Taff Dowell -my journeyman was Flight Sergeant Clive Chard and our team consisted of Errol Sheasby, Clive Dutton, Neil Mayo and myself.

Number 1 Squadron Rhodesian Air Force Hawker Hunters were known as Panzers (code name) were based at Thornhill Air Base in Gwelo.
The Hunters gave Fireforce close air support on many operations both internally and on external operations into Zambia and Mocambique. Watching a Hunter strike against a terrorist position would always be an awesome sight, it was the perfect ground attack fighter. Hunters were vunerable to Strela missiles and took an incredible amount of flak on external operations.
























FIREFORCE SCENE BREWING

Grand Reef and there has been a sighting of a group of terrorists, the scene is brewing and 7Squadron crew with RLI Fireforce troopies study a map and discuss the plan for the day

Terrorist Sponsorship and Aid

Adrian Rosenberg recovered this can of Norwegian herrings from a ZIPRA terrorist base camp in Zambia -Scandanavian countries activley supported ZANLA and ZIPRA terrorists with Aid and money.
We should send this can to Zimbabwe for Mugabe to eat.
See article from Africa Institute Bulletin 1974 with reference to The World Council of Churches below these pictures.







AFRICA INSTITUTE BULLETIN 1974
The World Council of Churches (WCC) in February 1974 approved the distribution of R300 000 to 29 organizations on six continents of which half (R149000) was to be channelled to terrorist movements in Southern Africa and another R67 000 (the largest amount) to the movement fighting against Portuguese forces in Portuguese Guinea. Prior to this the WCC had disbursed a total of R402 000 - more than 60 per cent of it to Southern African terrorists. The organization's financial support to terrorism in the four years, 1970-74, thus exceeds R700 000.

The WCC has concentrated its activities in this regard on Southern Africa (with which it has grouped for convenience Portuguese Guinea) and its adoption of sponsorship of terrorism has undoubtedly had far-reaching impact on the stance adopted by official and unofficial bodies in the Western world. The certificate of respectability given by the highest organized body grouping major churches of the world to those who seek to attain their political objectives by violent means has stimulated others to increase (and sometimes initiate) their own sponsorship of terrorism.
Impetus in West
Prior to 1970 the bulk of the financial support accorded to terror movements in Southern Africa came from Russia, Communist China and other countries behind the Iron Curtain although finance was also arranged within Africa and by various non-Communist governments notably those in the Scandinavian countries. After the World Council of Churches started financing terrorism in 1970 there was a substantial increase in the scale of contributions towards terrorism from non-Communist and non-African sources.

The World Council of Churches has itself claimed to have stimulated and encouraged financial support for terrorism. "The Fund has acted as a leverage, particularly in the case of liberation movements in Southern Africa. Several governments, churches, organisations and many groups and individuals have been influenced by the WCC decision and have made grants to liberation movements", according to Document 40 (d), being a Report on the WCC Central Committee Meeting at Utrecht in August 1972.

Prior to the advent of the WCC into the terrorist supporters club, sponsorship for terrorism in the West came from the radical left. Prominent in this sponsorship was the highly organized anti-South African lobby in Britain. The Defence and Aid Fund, for example, collected R400 000 in 1968 - R60 000 within Britain and the remainder from other sources including a donation of R80 000 from the Swedish Government.
Scandinavian support
The Swedish Government, along with other Scandinavian governments, was prominent on its own account in supporting terrorism. In 1969, for instance, after having given support to terrorists for some years Sweden stepped up her aid and decided to grant financial assistance to the extent of R142 760 a year to terrorists in Portuguese Guinea and R103 200 a year to terrorists in Mocambique. A further escalation occurred in 1973-74 with total Swedish governmental aid to terrorists in Africa reaching R5 million, one-third of this going to rebels in Portuguese Guinea. The 1974-75 Swedish allocation to terrorism was a staggering R7 million. Private Swedish organizations which have donated funds to terrorists include the Swedish International Development Association which gave an amount of R27 000 in 1973-74. A propaganda campaign in Sweden also forced a Swedish corporation to withdraw from participation in the Cabora Bassa project in Mocambique.

In 1970 came WCC involvement in terrorism and immediately there was a stimulation of support for terrorism from Western sources. As indicated above, the Swedish Government increased its annual contribution from about R250 000 before the first WCC grant in 1970 to R7 million thereafter. Other governments were quick to follow the green light of the WCC and Scandinavian countries were well to the fore.

In 1971 the Norwegian Government pledged R70 000 to the OAU for distribution to terror groups and the following year announced an increase in its aid to terrorism but no figures were given. In 1974 Norway announced a R1,5 million grant to terrorism.

The Danish Government earmarked R150 000 to terrorism in 1971 stipulating that it should be for "educational and humanitarian purposes" only and in 1972 raised its contribution to R700 000.

Finland was donating R130000 to terrorists in Southern Africa by 1974 but the scale of previous donations is not known.

PROMINENT SUPPORTERS OF TERRORISM
International organizations: The United Nations, Organization of African Unity
Churches and Church movements: World Council of Churches, All-Africa Conference of Churches, Lutheran World Federation, British Council of Churches, National Council of Churches of America, United Presbyterian Church of America, Reformed Churches of the Netherlands
Governments: Russia, Communist China, East Germany, Roumania, Bulgaria, North Korea and various other Iron Curtain regimes; Tanzania, Zambia, Algeria, Egypt, Ethiopia, Libya and various other African regimes; Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Britain, West Germany, the Netherlands
Private organizations: Defence and Aid Fund, Anti-Apartheid Movement and various other radical groupings in London; Oxfam and War on Want; Evert Vermeer organization
Individuals: Queen Juliana, ex-President Heinemann, King Hassan


Other governmental aid
The Government of the Netherlands decided in 1974 to donate up to R3,3 million to terrorism. Smaller amounts came from other countries. In September 1970 Guyana donated R18000 to the so-called "Liberation Committee" in Dar es Salaam and in 1972 the Jamaican Government contributed R25 000 to the OAU terror fund. The West German Government announced a R17000 contribution in September 1973 for "humanitarian aid to victims of apartheid" following a firm offer of support the previous month to terrorism from the ruling Social Democratic Party. Canada announced in 1973 that she would intensify her "bilateral and multi-lateral" aid to terrorist movements but did not give a figure. India also joined the terrorist supporters.

In June 1971 the Israeli Government announced that it had granted the equivalent of R2 000 to terrorism following an appeal by the Secretary-General of the United Nations for support for an OAU appeal for funds for terror movements. Israel said that this money would be used for "a variety of purposes - medical, educational, social welfare and others".

The Israeli decision caused a furore in South Africa because of the close friendship ties between the two countries. Dr D.F. Malan, then Prime Minister of South Africa, had been the first head of a foreign government to visit Israel after its establishment in 1948 and his name stands inscribed in Israel's Golden Book.

After the Six Day Middle East War in 1967 R21 million was collected in South Africa for Israel and the South African Government granted special permission for the transfer of funds.
Non-governmental support
In addition to the West German Social Democratic Party other prominent Western political parties which have sponsored terrorists include the Labour Party in Britain which decided in May 1971 to give aid to terrorist forces because, according to its general secretary, it was "in danger of losing friends on the African continent".

Reacting to this decision the South African Prime Minister, Mr John Vorster, said "What Africa needs is not support for terrorists by the British Labour Party but co-operation between African states aimed at peace and prosperity in the continent" while the Leader of the Opposition, Sir de Villiers Graaff, said: "This horrifying decision to support felony and murder comes from the alternative government in the United Kingdom. It is not only irresponsible but dangerous in the unsettled world of to-day." Sir de Villiers issued a warning that this support for the overthrow of governments by insurrection and violence could boomerang on Western governments in unexpected ways. In 1971 the Labour Party in Britain announced a gift of R2 000 to terror groups. Before the 1974 General Election the Labour leader, Harold Wilson, announced that a Labour Government would aid terrorists.
Church involvement
The lead given by the World Council of Churches was quickly followed by individual churches. In 1970 the Lutheran World Federation decided to endorse the WCC participation in terrorism and in 1971 allocated R65 000 in aid to Mopambique terrorists.

Other significant amounts contributed to terrorism have come from the United Presbyterian Church of America and the National Council of Churches of America. (It was the United Presbyterian Church which contributed $10000 for the defence fund of Angela Davis, a self-confessed Communist charged with complicity in the murder of a judge and three others during an attack on a courthouse by Black militants.)

The Evangelical Churches of Germany donated R137 000 to terrorism in Southern Africa in 1971 and in 1974 the Reformed Churches in the Netherlands gave their first donation, of R14000, to terror groups in Southern Africa. Other support from church organizations has come from the British Council of Churches (which endorsed terrorism in October 1971), the All Africa Conference of Churches and the Christian Peace Conference.

The double standards applied by many radical churchmen within and outside the WCC was illustrated by two statements made in a Press interview by Mr D.W. Bleakley, an Irish representative to the Anglican Consultative Council in Limuru, Kenya, in 1971.

Statement Number One:

"Christians must be united on the issue in search of satisfactory grounds to assist freedom fighters in Southern Africa".

Statement Number Two: (after being asked whether the WCC's gift to terror groups would be followed by a similar donation to the Irish Republican Army):

"I think that would be the ultimate indiscretion".
Private donations
In April 1971 the Rowntree Social Services Trust established by the chocolate king Joseph Rowntree donated R50 000 to terrorists in Mozambique as a "spontaneous gesture"; in May 1971 the World University Service, an international student staff organization with an annual budget of R340 000, pledged its support to terrorist training in Africa and elsewhere;in 1971 Oxfam and War on Want contributed to the Mozambique Institute, a clearing house for terrorist programmes; in 1971 the Socialist International decided to give financial aid to terrorists; in April 1972 the Lions Club of Uganda donated R520 to a Uganda Government Fund to be handed to the "Liberation Committee". In the Netherlands, the Evert Vermeer organization began collecting funds for terrorism in co-operation with other leftist groups and in Washington the Committee for Liberation Movements donated R20 000.
United Nations
UN agencies such as UNESCO and the I LO had for many years been in the vanguard of anti-South African activity; in Lusaka in April 1972, Mr Salim Ahmad Salim of Tanzania, speaking as the chairman of the UN Decolonization Committee, said that his Committee would institute a massive campaign of aid to terrorists - the United Nations, he said, had not done enough.

In November 1972 the United Nations General Assembly approved a resolution calling on all states and UN agencies to aid "freedom fighters in colonial territories", in particular movements in Africa in consultation, as appropriate, with the Organization of African Unity".

Sections 3 and 4 of Article 2 of the Charter of the United Nations read as follows:

All members shall settle their international disputes by peaceful means in such a manner that international peace and security, and justice, are not endangered.

All members shall refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any State, or in any other manner inconsistent with the Purposes of the United Nations.
Individuals
Prominent individuals who have given support to terrorists operating against the governments and peoples of Southern Africa include Queen Juliana of the Netherlands on whose behalf it was announced in 1971 that she had granted an undisclosed amount for "the combatting of racism" (the terminology employed by the World Council of Churches in its fund-raising propaganda), the then West German head of state, Gustav Heinemann, who donated R30 000 and King Hassan of Morocco who personally pledged R770 000 to "the liberation of Southern Africa" in 1972.
Africa's role
Because of the fact that much of the money which is channelled from Western sources to terrorist movements in Southern Africa is not disclosed it is impossible to arrive at an exact figure of the amount of money raised in the West. However, a conservative estimate based on the research findings reported above would give a figure in excess of R23 million.

Thus the funds derived from the Western world for the waging of terrorism in Southern Africa are substantially higher than those raised within the continent itself. Pledges by members to the OAU terrorist fund are estimated (again because much of the money is not disclosed publicly) at R14t5 million. To the figure for the West of R23 million and for Africa of R14,5 million (a total of R37,5 million) must be added the multi-million rand outlay on terrorism in Southern Africa by Iron Curtain countries. Again it is impossible to arrive at the precise amount thus expended but the extent of the Communist armaments captured from terrorists by the governments of Southern Africa and the evidence of training received by terrorists from Africa behind the Iron Curtain indicates that the Communist sponsorship of terrorism in Southern Africa has been a particularly substantial one in financial terms. Certainly there would seem little doubt that, as in the case of Western aid to terrorism in Southern Africa, the African contribution in money terms is far less than that of the Communist world; furthermore, Iron Curtain countries have provided the bulk of the armaments used by terrorists in Southern Africa as well as much of the training (although training and camp facilities have also been provided by African countries such as Algeria, Tanzania and Zambia).

There is no certainty that all the R14,5 million which it is estimated African states have pledged to provide, through the OAU, for the terrorist campaigns has reached OAU headquarters. In fact, few OAU states have met their "dues" regularly in full and in time. Not even the doubling of the budget for terrorism during the Rabat Summit of the OAU in 1972 and a personal pledge of R770000 by King Hassan jolted the African defaulters. By the end of 1973, arrears of OAU members to the terrorist fund were estimated at R9 million (including Egypt R900000, Zaire R430000, Nigeria R850 000, Morocco R704 000 - despite Hassan's personal commitment in public in 1972 - Algeria R58 000, Libya R99000 and Ghana R75 000).
WORLD COUNCIL OF CHURCHES
In view of the encouragement which the involvement of the World Council of Churches in terrorism in Southern Africa has given others in the Western world and the substantial sponsorship of terrorism that has come from Western sources, it is necessary to give a brief review of the involvement of the WCC in support of terrorism.

The WCC was formed in Amsterdam in 1948 in a bid to heal the age-old divisions within Christendom. The single word "oikoumene" on its badge and in the cable address of its Geneva headquarters bears testimony to the original ecumenical intent of its founding fathers. In the first phase of its existence, and apart from its ecumenical work, the Council performed significant humanitarian services in such areas as bringing relief to millions of the world's homeless and hungry people.
Advent of Eastern Churches
In 1961, Metropolitan Nikolai, second in command of the Russian Orthodox Church, an avowed enemy of the United States in particular and the man who accused the American Army in Korea of burying women and children alive, ushered into full membership of the WCC Russian-approved churches from the Soviet Union, Roumania, Bulgaria and Poland. Claiming a total of 70 million adherents, the new members swiftly brought change to the Council's balance of power and within a few years the WCC's first phase of ecumenical and humanitarian work had given way to a second phase of militant and revolutionary action.

At its Assembly in New Delhi the WCC set up a Secretariat on Racial and Ethnic Relations - its first intervention in the field of race relations. Race relations were strongly emphasized at-the Uppsala Assembly (1968) and the Netting Hill Consultation (1969) and shortly afterwards the Central Committee met at Canterbury and resolved:

We call upon the churches to move beyond charity, grants and traditional programming to relevant and sacrificial action leading to new relationships of dignity and justice among all men and to become agents for the radical reconstruction of society. There can be no justice in our world without a transfer of economic resources to undergird the redistribution of political power and to make cultural self-determination meaningful. In this transfer of resources a corporate act by the ecumenical fellowship of churches can provide a significant moral lead.

The "radical reconstruction of society" for which the WCC wanted the churches to "become agents" was to be through a Special Fund to Combat Racism which would be part of the Programme to Combat Racism (PCR). It is this Special Fund which is used to make donations to terrorists in Southern Africa. From the outset the Special Fund and the PCR dileanated two areas for priority attention:

(i) the so-called "White" world
(ii) Southern Africa

The official WCC publication Programme to Combat Racism: 1970-1973 declares of the background to the establishment of the Special Fund:

It became clear that racism is not confined to certain countries or continents, but that it is a world problem. White racism is not its only form. It is recognized that in some areas there are other forms of racism, and ethnocentrism. It is the coincidence, however, of an accumulation of wealth and power in the hands of the white peoples, following upon their historical and economic progress during the past 400 years, which is the reason for a focus on the various forms of white racism in the different parts of the world.

And, again;

White racism in its many organized ways is by far the most dangerous form of present racial conflicts.
Major WCC target
Having thus defined "white racism" as the major target of its attack, the WCC's PCR then - despite its own admission as given above that there are "various forms of white racism in the different parts of the world" - selected Southern Africa as a particular priority target:

...laying special emphasis in the struggle for liberation in Southern Africa. (Programme... op cit.)

Again, in a report on the Utrecht meeting of the Central Committee in August 1972, the WCC notes:

the situation in Southern Africa is recognized as a priority due to the overt and intensive nature of white racism and the increasing awareness on the part of the oppressed in their struggle for liberation.

The PCR gives token support to such causes as "the exploitation of Indians in Latin America and developed programmes designed to support the struggle of the indigenous peoples not only in Latin America but also in the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand" to quote the Programme to Combat Racism: 1970-1973 but in its funding and in the publicizing of its activities the PCR concentrates on support for terrorist movements in Southern Africa.

For instance, of its 1974 allocations $322000 went to Southern African terror groups (the Portuguese Guinea movement known as PAIGC being included by the PCR in Southern Africa) while $50000 was granted to North America, $25000 to Latin America, $20000 to Europe and $10000 to Asia. In addition $28 000 was allocated to "support groups", most of them anti-Southern African extremist groups such as the Anti-Apartheid Movement.

Not a single dollar was allocated by the World Council of Churches to any religious or other group opposed to Communist dictatorship behind the Iron Curtain: and this despite its pledge that "We believe that for our time, the goal of social change is a society in which all the people participate in the fruits and the decision-making processes, in which the centres of power are limited and accountable, in which human rights are truly affirmed for all, and which acts responsibly toward the whole human community of mankind, and towards coming generations" ("Violence, Non-violence and the Struggle for Social Justice", The Ecumenical Review, October 1973.) - F.R.M.

From: Africa Institute Bulletin, 1974, Vol. XII, no. 5

KARIBA Forward Airfield

Kariba Tower -1976
Kariba FAF Circa 1976 -you can click on images to enlarge




Thursday, July 24, 2008

A STORY ABOUT GREEN LEADER


Any survivors found themselves being attacked by Hunters dropping Frantans and carrying out strikes with their deadly Aden 30 mm cannons.
The K Cars from Seven Squadron led by Squadron Leader Graham Cronshaw arrived like vultures taking on the remnants of the ZIPRA terrorists. Due to the age of the 20mm cannons the Seven Squadron technicians experienced stoppages which they managed to clear in record time.

While the K Cars were cleaning up Green Leader made his famous transmission to Lusaka Tower.
Here is the transcript of what was said in the Green Leader Canberra bomber:-
Most of the conversation takes place between Green Leader Squadron Leader Chris Dickson and his navigator/bomb-aimer.
Portions of this tape were released to the Rhodesia Broadcasting Corporation and the Press immediately after the raid by the Rhodesian Air Force.
The strike force consisted of Green Section (Canberra’s), Red, White and Blue Sections (Hunters) and K-Car helicopter gunships. As the aircraft approached the border, they began their descent from 4,500 feet to 1,600 feet to come in under the Zambian radar with the banter as follows:-
Nav: Start descending from this road.
GL: Okay. Do you want me to maintain the same speed or do you want me to reduce to 250?
Nav: No, maintain the speed. We’ll have to increase it to maintain 300.
GL: Okay.
GL (to formation): Green descending.
Nav: Go right four degrees...
GL: (altimeter setting QNH) 1019 is set now, 4,500 feet, 310 knots.
Nav: Zero-zero-five.
GL: Zero-zero-five. Ya.
GL (to formation): Right, let’s tighten it up a bit now.
Nav: Coming up to one minute out. We’re on track and we’re on time. Get your speed up.
Blue Sec: Green, what’s your level?
GL: Roger, we’re at 1,600 feet.
GL: 290 knots coming up.
Nav: 290 knots.
Blue Sec: Got you visual.

The Hunters come into loose formation joining up with the Canberras.
GL: Okay. We’re coming up to the stream now (Zambezi River).
Nav: Zero-zero-six.
GL: Zero-zero-six we’ve got. We’re crossing the stream now.
Blue Lead: Check.
GL: Well done JR (leading the Hunters).
Nav: Turn left now.
GL: Onto?
Nav: Now, three-zero-four.
GL: Three-zero-four.
Nav: We’re going to have to climb a bit.
GL: Ya. One bird! Three-zero-four. Rolling out now. How’s our speed? We’re holding about 290.
Nav: No it’s fine. Just check on these rivers. Go left—about two degrees.
GL: Three-zero-two. Roger.

Rhodesian Air Force Canberra’s and Hunters are now heading on a course west-north-west towards their target—Joshua Nomo’s ZIPRA Chikumbi (Freedom) Camp at Westland’s Farm.
Nav: We’re a bit starboard of track.
GL: Roger. We didn’t get round that turn as fast as I wanted.
Nav: Speed back 15 knots. On track. On time...
GL: Dead right.
GL: (Looking at the Hunters flying in formation with them): These Hunters with this bloody golf bomb here, or something. It’s all painted bloody red. Quite f. . .ing weird!
Nav: Go two degrees left.
GL: Roger, that makes us three-zero-zero. I was on three-zero-two.
Nav: Steer three-zero-two.
GL: Three-zero-two. I was on three-zero-two.

The Canberra at low level is very susceptible to the turbulence and flying can be extremely uncomfortable. The pilot and the navigator can be heard trying to breathe normally, but the air is forced out of their lungs as they hit each bump. There had been a case of structural failure in the air force Canberras.
GL: Oh shit! I hope the f.. .ing wings don’t fall off!
Nav: What’s your speed?
GL: 275—which is the 15 you wanted off. Do you want me to get down?
Nav: Yes. You can go down a bit.
Nav: OK. We’re on track, on time.
GL: Dead right—it’s about a minute and a half before the Hunters leave us.
Nav: Two starboard onto three-zero-four.
GL: Two starboard.
Nav: No, make it three-zero-five
GL: Three-zero-five. OK.
Nav: Make it three-zero-six.
GL: Three-zero-six. OK, you ‘ye got it.
GL: There’s not a peep out of tower so that’s going to be superb. We won’t have to talk to him.

The attack aircraft were listening in on the Lusaka tower frequency to see if they had been picked up on Zambian radar. It was time for the Hunters to accelerate ahead for their attack.
Nav: The Hunters will be going in about 50 seconds.
GL: Roger.
Nav: Go right another two degrees.
GL: Three-zero-eight?
Nav: Ya.

The voice s of Lusaka tower controllers are heard talking to a Kenya Airways flight.
GL: That’s the bloody tower.
Nav: OK, just stand by sir, we’re coming up to...


A second Canberra pilot offers advice to Green Leader
2nd Canberra: I think we passed it—I think that rise on the right, is the one. That should have been our turning point.
GL (to 2nd Canberra): Oh! Shut up, man.
Nav (to GL): OK. Go Hunters go!
GL (to Hunters): Blue Section Go. Blue Section Go.

Blue Section, with JR Blythe Wood, Tony Oakley and Baldy (Malcolm) Baldwin leaves to carry out its mission.
Nav: OK. They were spot on time.
GL: That’s OK. Roger—270 knots. You ‘ye got it now. Shit, they only accelerated bloody quickly.

Just before 08h30 and the ZIPRA forces were all on parade as the Hunters prepared to dive down on them with their cargoes of golf bombs.
Nav: Heading now two-eight-one, sir.
GL: Two-eight-one. Roger.
Nav: When I give you ‘doors’, can you switch on at the same time?
GL: Will do.
Nav: OK! We’re coming up to 40 seconds to turn, sir.
GL: Roger.
Nav: We passed a river on our left here. We’ll see the bridge fairly shortly.
GL: We ‘ye passed two-eight-one. Shall I turn back on it now?
Nav: Yes, back to two-eight-one.
GL: Two-eight-one we’ve got.
Nav: Can you bring the speed back—240?
GL: Steering two-eight-one.
Nav: Two-eight-zero.
GL: Two-eight-zero.

Green Section is now heading on a westerly course, which will take them over the ZIPRA Terrorist camp.
Nav: Everything is set up and ready.
GL: There’s a school coming up.
Nav: Roger, I have 310 knots, two-eight-zero, QNH 1019.
GL: There’s nothing from tower and I’m not going to call them. OK?
Nav: Okeydoke.
GL: It’s going to be perfect.
Nav: Little dam coming up. We’re drifting port. Go to the right. Two-eight-three. Two-eight-four.
CL: Two-eight-four? Or two-eight-five?
Nav: J want to do a kink, sir, to get it spot on.
GL: Tell me when to roll out.
Nav: Go left. Two-eight-two.
GL: Roger, coming up to two minutes to run. Two-eight-two. Got two minutes to run. Perfect.
Nav: Go left a bit. Steady.
GL: Two-seven-eight?
Nav: Two-eight-two!
GL: A school coming up—acceleration point. Two-eight-two is the heading.
Nav: OK. We should start accelerating now.
GL: Roger. Shall I go?
Nav: Just leave it in case they (the Hunters) are going to be a bit late— to the minute.
GL: OK.
Nav: Accelerate!
GL: Roger.

The tension in the Canberra becomes apparent. The voices of both the pilot and navigator go up an octave and they begin to speak quickly, using short phrases.
Nav: You want to get your doors open.
GL: Yes, as soon as I’ve got my speed.
Nav: Go left a bit. Go left.
GL: More?
Nav: No. OK. Flatten out on two-eight-two. Quickly. Carry on. Flatten out. Quickly. Carry on.
GL: Roger.
Nav: Up there—target!
GL: Ab! Beautiful. Yes! Switches. Speed up, or is it OK?
Nav: Speed’s fine. Go left. Steady. Steady. Two-seven-eight.
GL: Roger.
Nav: Steady. Steady. Left a touch.
GL: Beautiful!
Nav: Steady. Steady. Left a touch. Steady. Steady. Steady. Can I switch the doors open?
GL: Yes. Switch your doors.

The adrenalin is now pumping in the Canberra cockpit as excitement reaches fever pitch. Both the pilot and the navigator are shouting. They realize that the strike is going to be right on target. They can see the terrorists running.
Nav: Right. I’m going to put them into the field.
GL: Yes!
Nav: Steady. I’m going to get them. Steady.
GL: YES! F. . .ing beautiful!
Nav: Steady. Steady. NOW! Bombs gone. . . They’re running...
GL: Beautiful! Jeez! You want to see all those bastards. The f.. .ing bombs are beautiful!

The tension in the crews’ breathless voices eases, but the euphoria carries on for a long time. The fact that they have another duty to perform in getting the message to Lusaka tower reduces the elation for a moment they have a job to do. They have a written message to read out.
GL: Roger, just let me get onto the f.. .ing tower and give them our bloody message. Where’s this f. . .ing piece of shit? (the message).
Nav: Things will be better when you’ve climbed up, sir. (Radio communication with the tower).
GL: Yes, I know. I’m just trying to get the thing ready...
Nav: That was lovely! F. . .ing hundreds of the bastards. It worked out better than we could have.. they ran straight into the bombs.
GL: Those f...ing bastards.
Nav: Look out for aircraft, sir.
GL: There’s the bloody city. There.

Alouette 3 K-Car gunships can be then heard over the target, with their cannons firing.
Nav: Are we putting in K-Cars here?
GL: Yes, they’ve got K-Cars there. They’ll have a beautiful time. They are like f…ing ants running around there. Jeez. That was marvelous. Shit!
Nav: Straight ahead for one more minute.
GL: OK
Nav: Keep an eye open, sir.
GL: Yes, I was going to say – a big pylon.
GL: Just check the tape recorder while you’re there. Otherwise just leave it.
Nav: OK. Still running.
GL: Roger. OK. Let me get this spiel off. (He obviously had a pre- prepared statement to read out)
GL: Lusaka Tower, this is Green Leader. How do you read?
(No answer)
Lusaka tower, this is Green Leader.
Lusaka tower: Station calling tower?
G.L.: Tower this is Green Leader. This is a message for the Station Commander at Mumbwa from the Rhodesian Air Force. We are attacking the terrorist base at Westlands Farm at this time. The attack is against Rhodesian dissidents and not against Zambia. Rhodesia has no quarrel, repeat no quarrel with Zambia or her security forces. We therefore ask you not to intervene or oppose our attack. However, we are orbiting your airfield at this time, and are under orders to shoot down any Zambian Air Force aircraft which does not comply with this request and attempts to take off. Did you copy all that?
Lusaka tower: Copied!
G.L.: Roger, thanks. Cheers!
GL: Jeez, you should have seen the bombs raining down form the other aircraft here. F…ing unreal.
Nav: I hope the K-Cars get those bastards. I was so tempted to drop short.
GL: But the other ones (alpha bombs from other Canberras) were going onto them.
Nav: They were running that way.
Nav: It couldn’t have worked out better – they ran straight into the bombs. I couldn’t believe it.

The Canberras are now setting course for New Sarum, and Green Leader deals with the air traffic problems that have arisen at Lusaka.
Lusaka tower: Rhodesian Air Force, 118.1.
GL: Go ahead.
Tower: Can you confirm we can let our civil aircraft take-off from here? You have no objection?
GL: Roger. We have no objection there, but I advise you for the moment to stand-by on that. I request that you hang on for a short while—half an hour or so.
Tower: I copy. Can you please keep a listening watch on this frequency so we can ask you what we want to ask?
GL: Roger will do.
Tower: What do I call you?
GL: Green Leader!

Having dropped their golf bombs, Blue Section has completed their task, the Canberras are heading for New Sarum and the K-Cars and White Section (John and Dave) to mop up the scene. K-Car cannons can be heard in the background of the pilot interchanges. Meanwhile Red Section (Alf Wyldeand Jim Stagman) are still orbiting the Mumbwa Airbase to deal with any possible threats from the Zambian Air Force.
K-Car Lead: How does it look?
K-Car 1: Beautiful. (Bursts of machine gun fire).
White Lead: What would you like us to take out?
K-Car Lead: White Section—I think that building you are going for was taken out completely but you might like to have a re-go at it just to make absolutely certain.
White Lead: Roger. White 2, White Leader. Sir, if you would like to watch my strikes and then re-strike after us.
White 2: Roger.
White Lead: I think if you could take out the radio shack down there if you know which one it is.
White 2: Affirmative.
White Lead: Roger, sir—if you take out that one I’ll put my frans on the headquarters. I’ll be attacking from south to north.

The Kenya Airways aircraft, which has been denied landing permission, is becoming more and more frustrated with Lusaka tower. But the tower has other immediate concerns.
Kenya Airways: Lusaka tower this is Kenya 432.
Tower: 432 stand by.

The command Dakota, Dolphin 3, with Air Commodore Norman Walsh on board has kept a listening watch but has not heard the result of the Canberra attack.
Dolphin 3: We’ve heard nothing from Green Section. Confirm they did go through?
K-Car Lead: Affirmative. Right on target.
Dolphin 3: OK. Thanks very much.
GL: Dolphin 3 from Green Leader.
Dolphin 3: Green Leader, this is Dolphin 3, go ahead.
GL: Roger. Shortly I’m going to ask you to take over.
Tower: Green Leader, Lusaka.
GL: Go ahead.
Tower: How much longer is this operation?
GL: Roger. If you’ll hang fire, I’ll advise you shortly. Tower: I have one to take off to the north and if you have no objection one to take off to the south. Civilian, you know.
GL: Request you hold them for another ten minutes.
Tower: Roger. Will do.
GL: Lusaka, this is Green Leader. Would you now contact Dolphin 3. He’ll be taking over my transmissions.
Tower: Roger. Dolphin 3, Lusaka.
Dolphin 3: Lusaka, this is Dolphin 3, do you read me?
GL (interjecting): Dolphin 3, this is Green Leader. I have advised Lusaka to hold their The captain of the Kenya Airways jet asks who has priority. Lusaka tower replies in all truth: I think the Rhodesians do!
Meanwhile Green Section Canberras have moved out of range and Green Leader is checking with Salisbury radar. Green Leaders final transmission:
GL: Salisbury radar, this is Green Section.
Salisbury: Green Section, radar.
GL: Flight level 250. We’ll be top of descent at 58, the field at 08 and request priority landing for all our aircraft.
Salisbury: Report top of ‘D’.
civilian traffic for another ten minutes. We’re going out of range shortly.
Dolphin 3: Roger. Lusaka, this is Dolphin 3. Just a message that you are to keep your air traffic on the ground for another ten minutes. Did you copy, over?
Tower: Copied, thank you. I have a civilian aircraft coming in from the north to land in about one-zero minutes. Any objection to him coming in to land?
Dolphin 3: Roger, there is no problem with that. You can let him come in and land. The main thing is that if there is any air force, repeat air force traffic, they are to remain on the ground. You can let that civilian traffic land—there’s no hassle on that.
GL (to his Nav): The Hunters are f.. .ing squalling back like scalded cats up there making little trails of white shit in the sky.
It was not long after the initial Strikes on FC CAMP that wounded ZIPRA cadres were arriving in large numbers at Lusaka’s hospitals for assistance.
The first wave of K Cars returned to Mana Pools to refuel and re-arm for the next round of action.
At 1140 am the camp at Mkushi was attacked with Hunter and Canberra strikes going in first. A wave of six Dakota’s came in dropping 120 members of the SAS in the west and northern boundaries of the Mkushi base camp.

K Cars including Ian Peacocke and myself flew around the Mkushi River to the east of the target area.
Sticks consisting of 44 SAS troopers were put down in the contact area by 11 G Cars to the south east of the camp.
Once the SAS troops moved into position and began to sweep and making contact with the terrorists, they found themselves taking on female cadres. These women were dressed in camouflage and khaki uniforms and fought back at the Rhodesians with aggression. By this time there were many grass fires in the area and I sat behind the 2omm Cannon looking for targets, the camp area was dotted with foxholes and Russian style zig zag trenches.
At first there were very few targets to engage, however things quickly changed.
I was sitting eating some bully beef from a rat pack surveying the ground below me and watching raptors flying in front of the grass fires emanating from the strike area, suddenly as if by magic my eyes adjusted to the scene below, I saw movement and it was in front of the bushfires which were burning slowly.
The area in front of the fire was riddled with terrorists who were slowly crawling away from the camp in front of the fire.

I went cold, the adrenalin began to pump and I had to get a grip of myself before telling Ian what I had spotted. “Boss – get ready-I’ve spotted a shit load of gooks. From the river –go three hundred meters-in front of that grass fire, they’re armed and crawling in front of the fire.”

The K Car jinked as Ian spotted the terrorists. I brought the heavy cannon to bear as Ian adjusted his orbit to suit and I yelled “K Car’s firing!” as I began to double tap the heavy cannon at the numerous targets on the ground. It was like a duck shoot at first as the terrorists were reluctant to run as the surrounding bush was open savannah and any break out would have been put down immediately from the deadly blast of my 20 mm HEI rounds.
We flew along the fire line taking out many targets both trying to hide on their own or bunched up in groups. I also saw tracer coming out of some of the foxholes and put a round of 20 mm HEI into them as well. The game was on and we were culling gooks like a well oiled machine. There was a fair amount of small arms fire coming back at us but a lot lighter than we expected.

After some time in the orbit we were relieved by another K Car and flew to an “Admin area about eight clicks to the southeast. Fuel had been paradropped at this assembly point for our helicopters which was in a grassy plain known to Zambian’s as a dambo, as I was refuelling we had to “take cover!” as a fuel drop took place, there were drums dropping all over the place with some of them having broken their harness come screaming down and hitting the ground with a bang, the impact sending the drum lids spinning wildly into the surrounding bush!
While we were refuelling a few G Cars arrived carrying captured female terrorists who were wearing khaki uniforms, they were quickly taken to a secure area.
While we were refuelling a radio message came over the net to warn us of an enemy aircraft which was seen stooging around the area but nothing came of it.

On the third day of the attack the SAS were preparing to return to Rhodesia when they were alerted of an armed patrol Mkushi camp. They ambushed this patrol which consisted of the Zambian police and army with ZIPRA terrorists in their midst’s. This contact resulted in 47 Zambians and terrorists being killed and the ZIPRA Logistics officer, a Zambian soldier was also captured in this action.

These two, together with five female captured ZANLA terrorists were flown back to Rhodesia.
The ZIPRA Logistics officer turned out to be a terrorist known as Mountain Gutu and would be good for the Rhodesian intelligence soon afterwards as he gave the Rhodesians intelligence on other ZIPRA Logistics bases which were attacked by fixed wing aircraft on 2-4 November.

I can also recall that we recovered to Mana Pools after each day and after debriefing were sent to various places to spend the night. We spent one night at Makuti with some game rangers who took it on themselves to take care of us. We had a magnificent night with them braaing (roasting) meat over a wood fire and beers flowing, we were exhausted but the adrenalin was still flowing. I can recall singing the Engineer’s song ,”A Prick of steel” with Dick Paxton with our dicks wrapped in tin foil!

7 Squadron Competition 1979

A photograph by Adrian Rosenberg of a Seven Squadron Alouette 3 carrying out a log placing cargo swing excersise during the 7 Squadron competition in 1979 Note the Bell 205 in the distance and an Alouette 2 parked on the grass.
NOTE: If you click on any images IN THIS BLOG you will see a larger version.

RHODESIA MEMORIES


No text required -sent to me from my brother Grant in Australia

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

IAN HARVEY KARIBA

Ian Harvey at Kariba with Alouette -Ian liked his nightstops
y




STRELA

This is a photograph of damage done to a Canberra jetpipe after having being struck by a Strela missile. Two Air Rhodesia Viscounts were struck by Strela missiles by ZIPRA Terrorists and crashed. I will be posting on those events soon.

BUFFALO BEANS AND TOILET SEATS

Many of you that were on Fireforce remember running into the deadly Buffalo Bean which would make you want to tear your kit off in desperation as the burning sensation from those tiny hairs took effect.
I can also recall a few occasions where it was placed on toilet seats or toilet rolls and the perpetrators waited in anticipation for the result !
Here is some information on the Dreaded Buffalo Bean.

BUFFALO BEAN
Family: Fabaceae Genus: Mucuna Species: pruriens Synonyms: Carpopogon pruriens, Dolichos pruriens, Mucuna aterrima, M. atropurpurea, M. cochinchinensis, M. cyanosperma, M. deeringiana, M. esquirolii, M. prurita, M. utilis, Stizolobium aterrimum, S. deeringianum, S. pruriens, S. pruritum, S. niveum, Negretia pruriens Common Names: velvet bean, mucuna, nescafé, pó de mico, fava-coceira, cabeca-de-frade, cowage, cowhage, cow-itch, bengal bean, mauritius [malicious] bean, itchy bean, krame, picapica, chiporro, buffalo beanOrigin (native to where): Madagascar Parts Used: SeedsFrom The Healing Power of Rainforest Herbs: VELVET BEAN HERBAL PROPERTIES AND ACTIONS
Main Actions Other Actions Standard Dosage is L-Dopa alternativerelieves painSeed increases testosteronereduces inflammationDecoction: 1/2 to 1 cup increases libidokills parasitestwice daily reduces spasmscalms nervesCapsules: 1-2 g twice daily lowers blood sugarreduces feverStandardized extracs: lowers blood pressurelowers cholesterolFollow label instructions increases urination-
Velvet bean is an annual climbing vine that grows 3-18 m in height. It is indigenous to tropical regions, especially Africa, India, and the West Indies. Its flowers are white to dark purple and hang in long clusters. The plant also produces clusters of pods which contain seeds known as mucuna beans. The seed pods are covered with reddish-orange hairs that are readily dislodged and can cause intense irritation to the skin. The species name "pruriens" (from the Latin, "itching sensation") refers to the results to be had from contact with the seed pod hairs.
TRIBAL AND HERBAL MEDICINE USES
In Central America, velvet beans have been roasted and ground to make a coffee substitute for decades; its goes by the common name of "nescafé" in these regions, as well as in Brazil, for this reason. It is still grown as a food crop by the Ketchi indigenous people in Guatemala; the bean is cooked as a vegetable. In Brazil the seed has been used internally for Parkinson's disease, edema, impotence, intestinal gas, and worms. It is considered a diuretic, nerve tonic, and aphrodisiac. Externally it is applied to ulcers. Velvet bean has a long history of use in Indian Ayurvedic medicine, where it is used for worms, dysentery, diarrhea, snakebite, sexual debility, cough, tuberculosis, impotence, rheumatic disorders, muscular pain, sterility, gout, menstrual disorders, diabetes, and cancer. In India it is considered an aphrodisiac, menstrual promoter, uterine stimulant, nerve tonic, diuretic, and blood purifier.
PLANT CHEMICALS
The seeds of velvet bean are high in protein, carbohydrates, lipids, fiber, and minerals. They are also rich in novel alkaloids, saponins, and sterols. The seeds of all mucuna species contain a high concentration of L-dopa; velvet bean seeds contain 7-10% L-dopa. Concentrations of serotonin also have been found in the pod, leaf and fruit. The stinging hairs of the seed pods contain the phytochemical mucunain, which is responsible for causing skin irritation and itch. The main plant chemicals found in velvet bean include: alkaloids, alkylamines, arachidic acid, behenic acid, betacarboline, beta-sitosterol, bufotenine, cystine, dopamine, fatty acids, flavones, galactose d, gallic acid, genistein, glutamic acid, glutathione, glycine, histidine, hydroxygenistein, 5-hydroxytryptamine, isoleucine, l-dopa, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, lysine, mannose d, methionine, 6-methoxyharman, mucunadine, mucunain, mucunine, myristic acid, niacin, nicotine, oleic acid, palmitic acid, palmitoleic acid, phenylalanine, prurienidine, prurienine, riboflavin, saponins, serine, serotonin, stearic acid, stizolamine, threonine, trypsin, tryptamine, tyrosine, valine, and vernolic acid.
BIOLOGICAL ACTIVITIES AND CLINICAL RESEARCH
Velvet bean has demonstrated little toxicity; however, it has been documented in animal studies to cause birth defects and should not be used during pregnancy. Traditionally, velvet bean has been used as a nerve tonic for nervous system disorders. Due to the high concentration of L-dopa in the seeds, it has been studied for its possible use in Parkinson's disease. Parkinson's disease is a common age-related neurodegenerative disorder affecting more than four million people worldwide. It is associated with progressive degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in specific areas in the brain. Dopamine does not cross the blood-brain barrier and therefore cannot be used directly as a treatment. However, L-dopa (levodopa) does gain access to the brain-where it is converted to dopamine. There are two controversies surrounding side-effects of the current pharmaceutical supplementation of L-dopa. Over the long term, supplemented L-dopa appears to lose its effectiveness. A second area of controversy questions whether L-dopa is toxic to dopamine neurons; there is little evidence, though, to support this statement.Velvet bean is now being considered as an alternative to the pharmaceutical medication levodopa. In one case study it was given to a Parkinson's patient for 12 years instead of the pharmaceutical L-dopa medication. It was found to slow the progression of Parkinson's symptoms (such as tremors, rigidity, slurring, drooling, and balance), and to have none of the side-effects of the current pharmaceutical L-dopa. Numerous in vivo studies also have been conducted in rats and humans. In one human study, the bean powder was given to 60 patients (26 previously treated with L-dopa and 34 had never taken L-dopa). There were statistically significant reductions of Parkinson's symptoms in all study subjects. In addition, a (2002) U.S. patent was awarded on Velvet bean citing its use "for the treatment of disorders of the nervous system, including Parkinson's disease."Several in vivo studies have been conducted on the blood-sugar-lowering effect of Velvet bean. These studies all validate the traditional use of the plant for diabetes. An ethanol-water extract of the root, fruit, and seed dropped blood sugar levels in rats by more than 30%. At 200 mg an ethanol extract produced a 40% fall in blood glucose within one month, and a 51% reduction at four months. In other studies a decoction of the leaf reduced total cholesterol in rats; the seed had the same effect. The root, fruit, leaf, and seed has shown significant in vivo antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, and fever reducing activities in various clinical research with animals. Traditionally the seed has been used by indigenous peoples throughout the world for snakebite and several in vivo studies validate this traditional use. In rats, a water extract of the seed inhibited venom-induced blood and coagulation alterations, and reduced lethality of the venom. The antivenin effect of velvet bean is thought to be due to an immune mechanism, as proteins in the seed were documented to raise antibodies against the venom.Velvet bean has a long history of traditional use in Brazil and India as an aphrodisiac. Clinical studies in India have validated that the plant does indeed have aphrodisiac activity. It also has reported with anabolic and growth hormone stimulant properties. The anabolic effect of the seed is due to its ability to increase testosterone. In 2002, a U.S. patent was filed on the use of velvet bean to stimulate the release of growth hormone in humans. Research cited in the patent indicated that the high levels of L-dopa in mucuna seed were converted to dopamine which stimulated the release of growth hormone by the pituitary gland. L-dopa and dopamine are also effective inhibitors of prolactin. Prolactin is a hormone released by the pituitary gland; increased levels are considered to cause erection failure in males. In one study, oral intake of the seeds in 56 human males was able to improve erection, duration of coitus, and post-coital satisfaction after only four weeks of treatment. The seed also has documented fertility promoting and sperm producing effects in human males (being able to improve sperm count and motility).
CURRENT PRACTICAL USES
Velvet bean has been gaining in popularity over the last few years in the natural products market - especially the sports nutrition industry. With its documented ability to increase testosterone and stimulate growth hormone (thereby increasing muscle mass), several companies have launched new products using mucuna beans, including several which are standardized to the L-dopa content. It is also showing up as an ingredient in various weight loss, libido, brain/memory, anti-aging, and body builder formulas. Consumers should be aware however, altering the levels of brain chemicals like dopamine and serotonin also affect many other hormones, enzymes, and other chemicals which keep the body in balance. The long-term impacts on healthy humans taking high levels of L-dopa are unclear and warrant further research. It is best to proceed with caution when taking mucuna extracts and to follow the labeled dosages. It is a powerful plant with many biological actions that should be respected. In other words. . . the belief system of some people taking herbals supplements of: "if some is good, more is better," does not apply with velvet bean.

NOW YOU KNOW

BUFFALO RANGE FROM THE TOWER

Hunter landing at Buffalo Range and dropping off drouge chute
Hunters formate over Buffalo Range airfield
Hunters break over Buffalo Range airfield
Canberra formation flypast Buffalo Range Tower
Hunter taxying in towards Buffalo Range Tower
Paradak "Beating up" the Buffalo Range Tower
Paradak parked on the hardstanding at Buffalo Range Airport
Paradak parked near the Buffalo Range Tower and firing up for a sortie
Canberra Buffalo Range -in these early days circa 1976 the choppers parked on the grass between the Canberra and revetments behind.
Here is a sequence of photographs taken by my brother Owen Shaw when he was based at Buffalo Range Airoprt in 1976-7the photographs are taken from the Airport tower. If one looks to the left of some of the photographs you can see the FAF which was not yet fully developed with the hardstanding, revetments and refuelling facilities. The helicopters would park on the grass between the Canberras and the fixed wing revetment to the left.

Fireforce Scenery and Rhodesia 1976-80


Crossing the Zambezi into Zambia external op

On 15 May 1973 four tourists exploring the Victoria Falls were shot at from the Zambian side (two Americans and two Canadians) the two Canadians were killed. The Canadians were outraged and called for a boycott of Zambia but nothing came of it. Victoria Falls was a destination for our Fireforce on a number of occasions and some of these stories are recorded in Choppertech. A minefield was also built around the town which exists to this day.






Vila Salazaar (ABOVE)-always on the news and being stonked by the gooks -it was a police camp and village on the border with Mocambique opposite Malvernia -a really HOT area during the war and fiercely contested


Crooks Corner (Pafuri) border between Rhodesia and Mocambique -Part of "The Russian Front"




Mtarazi Falls -anyone on Fireforce based in Grand Reef will remember flying past these falls on call-outs


Lundi River Bridge -a dangerous place to be as a white man 1976-80 and an area where we had many firefights especially with 2 RAR Fireforce


Leopard Rock Hotel 1977 -was subjected to a ZALA terrorist attack


Lake Kyle 1976 -just outside Fort Victoria -we had many contacts in this area and in the surrounding tribal trust lands.


Chimanimani Mountains 1977 7Squadron did mountain flying training here


K Car overhead Bulawayo -self and Mike Borlace en route to Victoria Falls 1978






Beitbridge 1976 -crossing this bridge to emigrate to SA was known as The Beitbridge 500.