Who is Ian Douglas Smith
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A great leader of men
I like to think that you have to look at things within the context of the times. It's of no use looking at things which have already evolved and then trying to pass judgement. Or in other words, perhaps someone who went to Africa in 1890 sees things differently to someone brought up in today's world.
These are just my views on an extraordinary man, a second world war hero. A man who was called upon to defend Western culture and all that it stood for.
The beginning of these strong emotions was when in 1965 as Prime Minister of Rhodesia he rebelled against The Crown with these immortal words;
" To us has been given the privilege of being the first western nation in the last two decades to have the determination and fortitude to say:'So far and no further.' We may be a small country, but we are a determined people who have been called upon to play a role of worldwide significance. We Rhodesians have rejected the doctrinaire philosophy of appeasement and surrender. The decision which we have taken today is a refusal by Rhodesians to sell their birthright. We have struck a blow for the preservation of justice, civilisation, and Christianity-and in the spirit of this belief we have just assumed our sovereign independence. God bless you all."
His early years
Small beginings
He was educated at Chaplin High School in Gwelo and was a gifted all rounder playing rugby and cricket at first team level and was captain of the cricket side. Notwithstanding that he was also gifted at athletics.
He cut short his studies at Rhodes University in South Africa to join No.237 ( Rhodesia ) Squadron RAF shortly after the outbreak of the Second World War. I hasten to add that this was completely voluntary, like so many of his countrymen. As a matter of fact during the 2nd. world war out of all the countries in the world, Rhodesians had the highest volunteer rate. Don't you think that's something special?
In 1943 he crashed his Hurricane and was critically injured and is the reason why his face has a distinctive look from skin grafts. His wounds cost him great pain in his face, knees and back ever afterwards. However he rejoined his squadron on his recovery and was shot down in June 1944 over the Po river where he later fought with the Italian partisans and became fluent in Italian before crossing over the Maritime Alps to liberated France.
On being demobbed he returned to Rhodes University where he completed his degree in Commerce.
Highest volunteer rate
Honourable
To be such a small country but to have had the highest volunteer rate out of any country of any size in the entire world during the 2nd. world war.
Entry into politics
Believing
'You Rhodesians are more British than the British.' So often I heard that during the war years 1939-1945. It was a comment which pleased Rhodesians. To think that we were not British would be ridiculous. After all, what is our history? Rhode's dream of a British route from Cape to Cairo.
Smith was first elected to Parliament in 1948 whilst still in his twenties when he won the seat of Selukwe where he was busy farming. So began his political career.
He was a natural leader and because of his life experiences he was utterly fearless. Not surprisingly therefore he made steady progress culminating in being Minister of Finance during the Federation years.
The Federation was just a compilation of three neighbouring states in those days, colonies ( Ah, dear old England hey) consisting of Southern Rhodesia, Northern Rhodesia and Nyasaland. Currently known as Zimbabwe, Zambia and Malawi.This became more and more convoluted and was dissolved in 1961.
In essence Rhodesia had been self governing almost since it's inception and had repeatably been promised Independence from successive British governments. Along the same lines that this was granted to Australia and New Zealand. However in Rhodesia's case they were denied (read betrayed).
Great African Works
An American and Zimbabwe writer
The Sixties, Turbulent Times.
Where we lost it
In today's world the bulk of the population have no idea of the immense changes that were taking place in those times. It was a different era, but very real to people living in those times. The hierarchy of the world was changing. The British Empire was dissolving and being taken over by the Americans with their free enterprise system and the Russians with their belief in the communist system. Not only that but within free Nations people were questioning long held beliefs and promiscuity and hedonism were gaining increasing popularity.For a man like Smith this was against everything he held dear as he had a largely Victorian belief in moral values and British primacy.
Make no mistake about it, but the communist ideology was huge at this time. Think of it back then, the Russians had ruthless control of most of Europe only being held back by the Berlin wall largely due to American beliefs. Even so many other countries were flirting with this even Italy, Portugal and France. Then you had China, North Korea,Vietnam, and the list was almost endless.
The communists were after world domination and they were going about this ruthlessly. In Africa this consisted largely of trying to convince disenfranchised people of the importance of Marxist/Leninist views and then arming them accordingly. The Chinese were playing the same game and both of them were after the Cape sea route and if they could control that, they could disrupt world trade.
The secret of terror is to terrorise.
Victoria Falls
An awe inspiring sight
One of the seven natural wonders of the world and on the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia. In the Ndebele language spoken by the Matabele people of Zimbabwe it is called ' Mosia au tunya ' which simply means ' The Smoke that Thunders.' Very aptly named as if you are on foot, you can hear it and see the mist from miles away.
Indepedence
Testing times
I have tried to give you a brief outline of events in the world at the time Smith became Prime Minister and have also tried to give you an outline of his character. Therefore for a man like this it must have taken an enormous amount of courage and fortitude to rebel against the crown.Basically within Africa at this time terrorist movements guided by communist ideologies and operating under the premise of black nationalism were the 'in thing'. British governments of the time prompted by MacMillan's winds of change speech were falling over backwards in their rush to placate these people and give them Independence and power in their own countries. It reached the stage where now it was Rhodesia's time and Smith refused to accede to this and consequently caught them on the hop with his own Unilateral Declaration of Independence.
This caused shock waves around the world and was mutiny of the highest order. The British imposed sanctions and are on record for saying that Smith's Rhodesia wouldn't last six weeks. Unfortunately Smith was branded a racist when nothing could be further from the truth and consequently this earned him a universally hostile press.
The Mashonaland countryside
Unusual
So different and so beautiful.
Mistake?
Misleading
The British government had made the mistake of construing Smith as a politically naive person with a schoolboy approach to life. They perceived him as pedestrian and humourless and failed to recognise that he knew his people and had a keen astute mind. The press were quick to ridicule him and print pictures completely out of context with misleading headlines. Pre- Independence Flag
Still colonial
The Rhodesian Flag as it was prior to Independence, showing the Union Jack on the left and the Rhodesian coat of arms on the right. Very similar to the Australian and New Zealand Flags.
The Smith years
Great times
He never could break this stigma and to this day it remains a complete mystery to me how events unfolded and why he was perceived in this way.I think that Rhodesians were mistakenly aligned by the free world with the apartheid system in South Africa when the realities were so different. It was never ever official Rhodesian policy to deny blacks. The Rhodesian argument was that at that time they were not ready for government and more time was needed.
In my introduction I tried to say that you had to look at things within the context of the times. Now within the context of the times the indigenous population were still concerned with their own tribal structures and largely were not interested in western beliefs and education. However after the advent of the second world war their perceptions changed and now they were becoming increasingly more interested.
By the time Smith attained power this was reaching fever pitch and he was left holding the can over issues which were not of his making amongst these being the African Nationalists taking up arms. Actually this started in 1962, and he only became Prime Minister in 1964,so how could he be blamed for starting a war with his declaration of independence in 1965?
As it turned out as fast as Smith could build schools for them the terrorists burned them and true to course this was Smith's fault and not theirs.
Post Independence Rhodesian flag
The new flag
UDI
A test
Clearly, our UDI would infuriate the starry eyed liberals and the frustrated communists, but I was placing my faith in the theory that sudden storms are short. Wilson was dashing hither and thither in London, making extravagant statements. Certain African states were demanding an immediate invasion by British forces. If only they could have had a bird's eye view of Rhodesia, they would have realised the stupidity of their behaviour, because things were completely normal and calm, an oasis of peace in an otherwise turbulent continent.
I was eleven years old at this time so cannot vouch for the accuracy of that statement but what I can say is that crime was almost unheard of. Nobody locked anything, not your car's or your house or your workshop. It just didn't happen. How fast the world changes.
Settlement Attempts
Always trying
Smith made repeated attempts to settle.In 1966 on HMS Tiger.
In 1968 on HMS Fearless.
The Home-Smith agreement in 1972.
Vorster and Detente in 1974-75.
and
Finally the Kissinger Agreement of 1976.
The Rhodesian Coat of Arms
Post Independence
Rhodesia
So proud
Living in Rhodesia during these times unquestionably was the highlight of my life. Times were hard, what with international sanctions and everything in short supply and an increasing terrorist war. More importantly we revelled in the challenge of proving Wilson's " they won't last six weeks " wrong.I'm so thankful we had such wonderful leadership. Despite most governments derision of Smith amongst ordinary people he was universally admired. His service during the war and his subsequent stand after it made him increasingly more popular and this was to stand us in good stead in breaking sanctions.
Wilson sent warships to the Mozambique coast in an attempt to prevent tankers dropping off oil,petrol etc. at their ports which was destined for Rhodesia. This backfired and gave Smith even more support. Oddly enough sanctions were backfiring as well because instead of importing products from Britain we started making them ourselves and whereas we had largely been an Agricultural nation, now Industry was starting to take off as well. I distinctly remember this because initially they were so terrible that people were joking;"if we got to put up with this stuff then bring back the British."
Isn't there an expression along the lines of politics make strange bedfellows because whilst the Russians were busy arming the terrorists they were desperate for our Chrome?
Unfortunately the first white farmer was attacked by terrorists and his daughter injured in 1972 and this brought a sobering effect on all. Up until this time the security forces had managed to keep them in check.
Other people's views
The British
Come on people and share your relevant favourite book here.
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By the summer of 1944 it was...
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Beginning of the end
History overtakes
On the 25th. April 1974 there was a left wing military coup in Portugal and this eventually led to Mozambique being handed over to Frelimo a black led insurgency movement. This quite quickly led to Rhodesia being denied access to it's ports and left us with no other recourse but to use South African ports which caused logistic problems.More importantly it became a haven for the terrorists to retreat to and to mount more attacks along our Eastern boundary. In other words it amounted to another front and more troops were required to monitor this.
The Kariba Dam Wall
In full flight
Completed in 1958 and built to provide hydro-electric power for Northern and Southern Rhodesia now known as Zambia and Zimbabwe respectively.
At the time was the largest man made lake in the world.
During his time
A tribute
Despite strong international sanctions and a terrorist war Rhodesia was known as the jewel of Africa.It was self supporting in Agricultural products.
It was the largest exporter of beef in the world and the Rhodesian dollar was at a peak. In fact it would buy you US$1.45 so in essence the currency was rated higher than the American $. Don't you think that's something special?
All this without any foreign aid.
The Rhodesian Armed Forces were rated as the best counter insurgency troops in the world. It's airforce although using outmoded equipment was rated just as highly and they were considered as exceptionally skilled pilots. The police force still went unarmed except when called out on anti-terrorist patrols.
Without a shadow of a doubt, it had the best inter-racial relationships in the whole of Africa, if not the World. To my dying day I will stand by that. Furthermore the Rhodesian Army was 80% black which should give everyone pause for thought. How could this be?
Smith was roundly condemned when he passed his," I have the happiest Africans in Africa" comment. I never could understand the press's re-action to Smith. All I know is that as Rhodesians we hated them with a passion. This was largely due to them coming to our country where we welcomed them with open arms and hospitality and returning to their own countries and writing pure, unadulterated nonsense. For why, for what reason? Of course there were a few, repeat few, who wrote clear unbiased stories on the situation but you could count them on the fingers of one hand.
Rhodesian Historical Mementoes
The Great Betrayal: The Memoirs of Ian Douglas Smith by Ian Douglas Smith
Ian Smith, former president of Rhodesia, spares fe more...1 point
Masodja: The History of the Rhodesian African Rifles and Its Forerunner, the Rhodesia Native Regiment by Alexandre Binda
Originally formed as The Rhodesia Native Regiment more...1 point
The Bulawayo Cookery Book
First published in 1909, Zimbabwe's earliest cooke more...1 point
Lot of Rhodesia and Nyasaland (5) Stamps
BEWARE OF PACKET SELLERS! There are no surprises f more...1 point
Rhodesia 1890-1980 : What a Time
A collection of five film segments about the histo more...1 point
Zimbabwe-Rhodesia
Still not good enough
This was the new name given to Rhodesia by Bishop Muzorewa the new Prime Minister. It was not a bad move to placate the different sections of the countries community.However despite the terrorists always insisting that they were freedom fighters, fighting for black majority rule. Now that this had been achieved they still were not happy and the war continued. I wonder why?
Meanwhile despite Bishop Muzorewa making genuine attempts to solve these problems a certain Robert Mugabe was trying to drum up world favour towards himself despite all of his utterings sounding like they were straight out of the worst of the communist manifesto. Lo and behold, the free world fell for this.
It became so bad that the British insisted on more talks between parties, although why they insisted is once again, beyond me.
This became known as the Lancaster House Agreement and by no means was it the last betrayal.
The Final Betrayal
A Farce
The long and short of the Lancaster House Agreement was that the British were still not happy with Zimbabwe Rhodesia. Therefore they decided more talks were needed. Smith was asked by Muzorewa to attend on an advisor capacity.Whenever Mugabe did not get his own way, he stormed out of the proceedings ( a well known communist tactic).
Eventually it was decided that new elections must be held. A British led ombudsman would take over the country and a United Nations Peace keeping force would ensure that the elections were free and fair along with observers. The Zimbabwe Rhodesian armed forces had to withdraw from all operational areas and be confined to barracks. By the same token the 'Freedom Fighters' were to be held in the protective villages. As throughout most of the war the terrorists largely were killing their own people ( simple tribesman ) and operating mainly at night. The security forces build these so that the tribes-people could have somewhere safe to stay at night protected by them and in the morning return to their land.
As it turned out just prior to the election there were 3000 freedom fighters in the protected villages. The vote went ahead and Mugabe got a landslide victory despite there being widespread evidence of voter intimidation. The ombudsman had over a 1000 affidavits relating to this and when questioned by Smith as to why he was not acting on this replied, " this isn't Little Pudliham."
A week after the elections there were 30000 freedom fighters in the protected villages, so I will let you draw your own conclusions.
Oddly enough instead of the free world been dismayed by this they were, and I use their own words,"Ecstatic." I guess they had finally got what they wanted. Expediency being the legal tender.
Zimbabwe
Some facts and links
- CIA - The World Factbook -- Zimbabwe
- Features a map and brief descriptions of geography, economy, government, and people.
- Zimbabwe Travel Information and Travel Guide - Lonely Planet
- Oct 20, 2008 ... Zimbabwe tourism and travel information including facts, maps, history, culture, transport and weather in Zimbabwe.
- BBC News - Country Profile: Zimbabwe
- Dec 3, 2008 ... Provides overview, key facts and events, timelines and leader profiles along with current news.
Smith and Mugabe
Deprived of citizenship
After Mugabe came to power Smith still turned up at Government House every day to offer his help. Mugabe was delighted with this until one day he announced his plans for sweeping nationalisation. Of course Smith was against this and Mugabe never spoke to him again.Mugabe's rule quickly became steeped in bloodshed whilst he was ensuing that nobody could oppose him. His history of what he did to the Matabele is well documented and was a disgrace to humankind. Oddly you never heard a word from the free press who were so quick to denigrate Smith.The press could never understand why blacks of all persuasions were constantly seeking Smiths advice and his popularity was ever increasing. Perhaps it was because they had always had him wrong in the first place? But the people knew and a small but beautiful little country in Africa, handed to Mugabe on a plate was being systematically ruined and they didn't like this.
Mugabe deprived Smith of his citizenship in 2002. That is quite beyond understanding.
I'm not going to go into too much more detail about Mugabe except to say that nothing no longer really works. The great Kariba hydro-electric scheme is in ruins, the farms no longer exist, the telephones and basic infrastructure are ruined. The population is on the face of mass starvation and you now need around 6 million Zimbabwe dollars to buy one US dollar and inflation is at a million%.
Since first penning this epistle, the monetary woes have changed somewhat and Zimbabwe is now using the American dollar as it's currency.
Finally the very same people who were so ecstatic when he came to power are beginning to see the light and are busy trying trying to denounce him.
Isn't a case of to little to late?
Charity
How sad it's come to this?
Acumen Fund is a non-profit global venture fund that uses entrepreneurial approaches to solve the problems of global poverty.
Will Mugabe ever concede?
Still defiant
Nothing has changed despite Mugabe being roundly routed in the last elections and he continues to rule with an iron fist.
The people have endured so much and are currently facing a cholera epidemic. It is enough to make any one weep in such a beautiful country.
Now I am going to put my reputation at stake, because enough is finally enough.
Spook predicts:
Mugabe finally falls in 2009
Patricia Smith predicts:
I can only hope one day soon,the swine seems to go on and on !!!!!!
bulldogsturf predicts:
Slipped on that one Spook, till he dies I'm afraid
Charliebird predicts:
He will eventually go - he is old and will die, (we can but hope) but Africa does not have a shortage of megalomaniacs to take his place.
sousababy predicts:
I couldn't predict, I am constantly amazed by how 'popular opinion' can be vetoed in the world . . seemingly by the few.
joyplewis predicts:
I agree with Poddys, but I truly believe that Zim will become a hub of Africa
but NOT in my lifetime and more. Awesome lens Spook, love the pics.
Rob Elliott predicts:
I can't see things changing even after his death, the greed and corruption will continue . you can cut the head off the snake but the body is still there
Allan Andersen predicts:
2013
aesta1 predicts:
He will be gone but his mirro image will take his place.
Susan52 predicts:
Perhaps the current middle eastern atmosphere of revolution will find its way to Mugabe's part of the world.
Rudi J Hardy predicts:
He will end up in Saudi Arabia like his mate Idi Amin just before dying
poddys predicts:
I can't see things changing until after his death, but the greed and corruption will probably just continue now. So many countries in Africa are just controlled by warlords and their armies. It's very sad.
Michelle Ferreira predicts:
Late 2010 if not lapping to 2011 early.
Bushman predicts:
Early 2011, he will expire but his henchmen will then be in total charge, nominating a figure head to do their bidding.
BFuniv.com predicts:
I don't know. Inevitable is not the same as imminent - I would have thought he would have been ousted before now.
Margaret_Schaut predicts:
I hope so with all my heart.
sittonbull predicts:
I hope and pray Mugabe falls in 2009!
A Zimbabwe Story
Beautiful
Peter Godwin has worked both for the New York Times and National Geographic and this is a must read book.
Yes we can
Your thoughts
Watching the American Presidential inauguration and listening to Barack Obama's superb address I was finding it hard to bite back my tears. One of the best things he said in my opinion was when he said; " You must judge someone on what they build, not what they destroy." Truer words were never spoken, so I am adding this duel after the fact.
Who was the builder
Smith
BarbRad says:
Smith, and, evidently, his people knew it. Why, on why, is the press so blind? Or is it that they simply don't want to see, and so put on the blinders themselves?
bulldogsturf says:
Of course!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Photahsiamirabel says:
Smith came in for a lot of flak at the time, but Mugabe took a great country and destroyed it. The evidence speaks for itself!
sousababy says:
I completely agree with your observations Spook. Actions SHOULD speak louder than words, however the loudest folks influence many . . I guess, for some, power is to thwart someone else's work to 'get ahead.'
Michelle1959 says:
I've stated Smith - and with greater respect than I could to any.
But now - equally to the writer - Spook for conveying a coveted, unique piece of history remarkably intact, without personal slant and the most important (to me) summary of an era in a lens. I think this must have taken great consideration and re-writes. (I also think I've put this in the wrong place - just like me to do that at this time of the morning - yikes let me off please Spook) - and CONGRATS!
Michelle1959 says:
Smith was one of the few - of: "Man in a Million!". He built, re-built and fortified with all he had to give - and that was an amazing amount. He was nobody's fool which disturbed many external political arenas. His love for his people, country and it's future was patently obvious, putting himself last.
poddys says:
It seems like Smith knew how to handle people, to keep them happy, and to keep the economy and the whole country happy. Mugabe's greed helped destroy what was once a great country. Cecil Rhodes has no doubt been turning in his grave.
Margaret_Schaut says:
Yes the measure of those words will be the outcome of current hideous policies and the implementation of them, just like Mugabe. In fact, Ob may outdo Mugabe in destruction. Global politics has been on a horrifying trend for many years now.
sittonbull says:
When history is accurately recorded and passionately taught, there can be no question that Smith loved his country and was the builder. Mugabe loves Mugabe and the destruction is a matter of record!
Mugabe
The Last Post
A Tribute
Ian Douglas Smith died on the 18th. November 2007 aged 88 years in the Cape where he was trying to raise money for poor white pensioners, very close to where Cecil John Rhodes died almost a century earlier.A much maligned man for his unrepentant views, although even his worst detractors knew him as completely and utterly incorruptible.
He loved his country passionately and at great cost to himself always stood true to this. As matters have turned out it's hard not to respect this belief.
To make you think
Modern day politics
Shout Out For Ian Douglas Smith!
Ian Douglas Smith so sadly missed.
Share your stories, sightings, thoughts, rants, raves...
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Patricia Smith
May 16, 2012 @ 6:03 am | delete
- The best leader in the world.I could never express how proud I am of been "A very proud Rhodesian"
Thank you Spook for an amazing read.
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BarbRad Apr 21, 2012 @ 2:53 pm | delete
- Thank you for an education on a part of the world I confess to knowing little about. I knew Mugabe was bad news, but I knew little of the men who preceded him. I can see why you admire and respect Ian Smith so much.
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Spook
Apr 21, 2012 @ 3:29 pm | delete
- Quite simply, thank you.
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bulldogsturf
Mar 31, 2012 @ 6:29 am | delete
- A great lens Spook, Smithy had an affiliation with our family in that my Mom was is secretary in our area, He loved to come to Tods at new Year, always a good party. What I would give for those days over.
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Spook
Apr 10, 2012 @ 4:56 am | delete
- Thank you and wouldn't we all.
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nancycarol
Nov 14, 2011 @ 4:46 pm | delete
- Spook your passion for Ian Douglas Smith and your country are very evident in this lens. I truly did not know all this information before, but obviously Mugabe was the worst thing that could have happened to Rhodesia/Zimbabwe. Thanks for sharing this story.
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Spook
Nov 14, 2011 @ 5:19 pm | delete
- Thank you Nancy. It was a long time ago but, the funny thing is with each passing day it becomes more evident how right he was. Will we ever learn?
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BFuniv.com
Sep 7, 2011 @ 8:11 pm | delete
- Ha, I came back here to recommend this lens for a purple star and see someone already has. I was slow on the draw. Belated congratulations.
On one of my lenses I have an opening picture of a Zimbabwean 100 trillion dollar bill, now worthless. http://www.squidoo.com/24k-wealth When my daughter traveled through Zimbabwe her greatest memory was of the litter on the side of the road -- it was cash money not worth picking up.
Rhodesia was the breadbasket of Africa, and now it is a painful sore. Sadly the central banks of the world are now following the same easy path Mugabe traveled, destroying their currencies and accumulated wealth for short term gains. This will not end well.
Thank you for your honest, and I'm sure painful in the remembering, cautionary story. Ian Smith is a man well worth remembering.
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Spook
Oct 20, 2011 @ 5:14 am | delete
- Thank you Allan and as usual your words say it better than I could say. Sad world we live in today all right.
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sousababy
Aug 14, 2011 @ 5:50 am | delete
- Powerful stuff here, glad to see it has a purple star. Honesty is still the best policy and it's strange that human nature is still lacking in so many areas. Great lens, Spook!
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Spook
Aug 14, 2011 @ 1:54 pm | delete
- I couldn't agree with you more Rose and it's a sad, sad, thing that in today's world the first thing that's thrown out of the window is 'honesty'? I'll get back to you honest.
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Berilyn Cottier
May 21, 2011 @ 7:22 pm | delete
- One of my family who owned a farm at Essexvale put on a massive party at the farm for everyone in the Bulawayo area, there were hundreds of people who came to hear Ian Smith speak, I was very young at the time, but wish now that I had been able listen to him. He to me is a true hero and leader of men.
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Spook
May 27, 2011 @ 6:22 am | delete
- The thing about Smith was that he was so patently honest and this is what made people relate to him from all walks of life.
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Berilyn Cottier
May 21, 2011 @ 7:15 pm | delete
- Thank you Spook what an awsome history we share and so well done by you, would give anything to still be there in Zim but not ever with Mugabe still there, maybe one day I will get to go back before I am too old.
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Spook
May 27, 2011 @ 6:20 am | delete
- I couldn't agree with you more and many thanks for your visit and comment.
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Mike Tanski
May 7, 2011 @ 2:34 pm | delete
- Here was a true leader who drove the length of Rhodesia unescorted in his Peugeot. A far cry from the egotists in SA who insist on racing around in blue light convoys at breakneck speeds, pushing all out of their way.
He used to drive through Gatooma on a Friday afternoon on his way back to his farm for the weekend and us kids always sat by the main road waiting to see him. He gave out the prizes at an agricultural show where I happened to win a prize for my rock collection, and i shook his hand, thinking at the time "wow I shook the hand of God there" Thanks Spooky for a very interesting read
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Spook
May 7, 2011 @ 3:26 pm | delete
- I well remember all of this. How sad the world could never recognise this, or perhaps they could?
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Noel Callow
Nov 8, 2011 @ 9:02 pm | delete
- We spent from 1969 to 1972 in Zambia and spent almost all our holidays in Rhodesia. One day we were at a small service station when an old Merc with a driver and a passenger pulled in with one other car with a couple of uniformed police. Ian Smith got out and I regret that I did not speak to him and shake his hand. I was amazed that he could travel without the fleet of armed bodyguards that Kaunda always needed when he (rarely) came to the Copperbelt.
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Spook
Nov 9, 2011 @ 4:36 pm | delete
- Thank you for your visit and comment. Essentially it was the measure of the type of man Smith was. The world could sure do with more like him at present.
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frugalfurguy
Feb 25, 2011 @ 4:45 pm | delete
- Thanks, Spook! It's a story I have to admit I've been all too ignorant of, and thank you for offering it. One thing I wondered. "Demobbed" after World War II. I'm not familiar with the word and wondering if it's similar to what in American English we would call debriefed. It's fun to learn how English speakers elsewhere differ.
Oh, and not the least to forget, it looks like you were at least partly responsible for email I got encouraging me to shoot for Giant Squiddom. If so THANK YOU! Right now 47 more lenses looks like a long way to go, and I'll see how long it takes.
Best wishes!
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Spook
Feb 25, 2011 @ 5:11 pm | delete
- No worries, demobbed simply means, being passed out of the army. I also have no idea of what this is termed in American speak. As to your last question, take as long as you like but be passionate.
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Waxing-Lyrical Feb 22, 2011 @ 6:19 pm | delete
- I remember seeing Smith all over the news when I was growing up, but not really understanding his impact. Thank you for filling in a lot of blank spaces. Blessed :)
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Spook
Feb 24, 2011 @ 6:50 am | delete
- Thank you and nothing gives me greater pleasure than a blessing on this lens.
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Michelle1959
Feb 21, 2011 @ 7:01 pm | delete
- Hi Mr Spook - my congrats are in the wrong place - at the builder part. CONGRATS again! Very worthy of that star!
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Spook
Feb 24, 2011 @ 6:48 am | delete
- Thank you.
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More of my short stories
Squidoo
References
J.R.T.Wood
The Great Betrayal
R.W.Johnson
Pictures courtesy of Google images
by Spook
' It's not how many times you fall down that counts, it's how many times you stand up."
Was born and brought up in Zimbabwe and lost my land in the...
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The Rhodesian War
A helicopter goes missing
The Search for Puma 164: Operation Uric and the Assault on Mapai
Amazon Price: $26.18 (as of 06/01/2012)
A great new look at Rhodesian history during the war. A helicopter goes missing and a very sad time. Has been getting rave reviews and is written by a personal friend of mine. For any one involved or interested in those times, well worth reading. Available in Kindle as well.
New age technology
Invest in a Kindle
Kindle Keyboard, Wi-Fi, 6" E Ink Display
Amazon Price: $79.50 (as of 06/01/2012)
One of the top selling gadgets on trusted Amazon. Get with the times and a new way of reading books. A library in your hands.
