Rhodesian Ex-Services Association
Video of 2023 Sydney march. Click here. Use VLC app if it doesn't open. (Courtesy Peter Ritchie)
Purpose of association
The association's purpose is that of fellowship and commemoration of former serving members of Rhodesian forces. Highlight is participation in Sydney on annual ANZAC Day. The laying of the wreath and participation in the march represents the Fallen as in ‘Lest we Forget’.
The Facebook group can be used to arrange spontaneous events during the year.
Membership
Membership is open to former serving members, family, descendants and relatives from Forces that were domiciled in Southern Rhodesia/Rhodesia during conflicts and include campaigns as a member of the British Commonwealth before, during and after the World Wars.
Campaigns were held during the Anglo Boer War, WWI, WWII, Egypt, Cyprus, Kuwait and Malaya - often in association with ANZAC units.
Members of the Rhodesian Security Forces were involved in the Rhodesian Bush War for the first six years whilst Rhodesia was still a member of the British Commonwealth until it was declared a republic in 1970.
Activities of the Association and Volunteers
Rhodesians have marched at the Sydney ANZAC March since 1980 thanks to ongoing local liaison with the NSW Returned and Services League. Ryk Dabrowski has been leader since its inception. He is President and maintains affiliations.
Steve Bennett supports him with Communications and Public Relations. Rick Hughes manages social media with a Facebook group and new members can apply to join by clicking on this link here. Alison Jones maintains contact through emails.
There is also a drive to increase participation at this event and to boost the number of family members and descendants that attend.
The venue that had been used to gather for lunch after the march until recently was not conveniently located so a working group was formed. Mike Blommestein identified potential options. Harry's (Hotel Harry) was chosen to be the venue for the 2023 March.
After a very successful event in 2023, this will be used again.
The rules as set by the RSL each year for the march must be complied with. Key ones from this year are listed below:
• Descendants may march within the Rhodesian Ex-Services Association squad and will be towards the rear of the squad. They will be identified by the former serving member's medals that they will wear.
• There is a restriction of one descendant of each former serving member within Australian units on each occasion.
Harry's, 40 Wentworth Avenue
Hotel Harry or "Harry's" on 40-44 Wentworth Avenue in Surry Hills is 350 metres from the end of the march.
A la carte lunch is offered in the "Diner" and there is a bar. A lunch time booking has been placed so to join the group, please write your name on the Facebook group page.
Lest we forget
All Rhodesians that served their country and the British Commonwealth during conflict are honoured and remembered in Sydney on ANZAC Day with the ANZAC allies.
The sharing of the experiences of our forebears and former soldiers in arms is an integral part of the ANZAC celebration and our role is to share them with the next generation. The responsibility falls on fewer of us every year to acknowledge and celebrate the sacrifices that have been made by those before us.
Photographs from previous years
Photographs from 2017 with acknowledgement to Richard Craye and Tony Gooder for sharing and their permission:
