Rhodesia Regiment

The Rhodesia Regiment
The Rhodesia Regiment insignia following the Rhodesian Declaration of Independence in 1965.
Active1899–1900
1914–1917
1927–1980
CountryRhodesia
Allegiance United Kingdom (1899–1965)
 Rhodesia (1965–70)
 Rhodesia (1970–79)
 Zimbabwe Rhodesia (1979)
 United Kingdom (1979–80)
Branch Regular Army
TypeInfantry
ColoursGreen, red and black    
MarchThe Rhodesian Regiment
EngagementsSecond Boer War
First World War
Second World War
Rhodesian Bush War
Commanders
Ceremonial chiefIncumbent 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]

  1. ^ Bomford, Hugh (2011). "Rhodesian Services Association Incorporated". rhodesianservices.org. Archived from the original on 23 September 2013. Retrieved 21 September 2013.
  2. ^ "Rhodesian Military Notes for the 14th December 1918 - Other". Archived from the original on 11 July 2011. Retrieved 24 February 2011.
  3. ^ Abbott, Peter; Botham, Philip (1986). Modern African Wars: Rhodesia, 1965–80. Osprey Publishing. p. 42.
  4. ^ Radford, Mark P. (1994). Service Before Self: The History, Badges and Insignia of the Security Forces of the Rhodesias and Nyasaland, 1890–1980. p. 46.
  5. ^ Joyce, Peter (1974). Anatomy of a Rebel: Smith of Rhodesia: A Biography. Graham Publishing. p. 420.