The Rhodesia Regiment | |
---|---|
Active | 1899–1900 1914–1917 1927–1980 |
Country | Rhodesia |
Allegiance | United Kingdom (1899–1965) Rhodesia (1965–70) Rhodesia (1970–79) Zimbabwe Rhodesia (1979) United Kingdom (1979–80) |
Branch | Regular Army |
Type | Infantry |
Colours | Green, red and black |
March | The Rhodesian Regiment |
Engagements | Second Boer War First World War Second World War Rhodesian Bush War |
Commanders | |
Ceremonial chief | Incumbent British monarch (until 1970) |
The Rhodesia Regiment (RR) was one of the oldest and largest regiments in the Rhodesian Army. It served on the side of the United Kingdom in the Second Boer War and the First and Second World Wars and served the Republic of Rhodesia in the Rhodesian Bush War.
During the First World War, an affiliation was formed between the King's Royal Rifle Corps (KRRC) and the Rhodesia Regiment,[1] with a platoon of Rhodesians serving in the 2 KRRC.[2] In addition to the similar cap badge with a red backing, the affiliation with the KRRC led to many similarities in uniform as a rifle regiment[3] with private soldiers holding the title of "Rifleman".
In 1947, as a result of its service in World War II the regiment was granted the title of Royal Rhodesia Regiment by King George VI, who became the regiment's first Colonel-in-Chief.[4] When Rhodesia became a republic in 1970, the regiment's title reverted to Rhodesia Regiment with Queen Elizabeth II resigning her position as Colonel-in-Chief.[5]