Dudley and I are pleased to unveil the cover of the forthcoming book, Op Lighthouse. With specific guidance from me, Russell Fulton (former RAR officer) has produced this incredible picture which, with the nod from our publisher, will be the image on the cover of the book. The centre piece is of a young European Intaf Cadet reflecting the youthful innocence but strong purpose of spirit of many within Intaf (and all other Rhodesian services for that matter). This is the thought that has gone into the construction of this great work: - Top right; a rural scene with an Intaf Cessna overlooking a kraal line in flames following a terrorist attack. Below this, a typical Intaf patrol. - Below this is Russells take on an Intaf Keep where many of our Intaf members spent much of their lives on call ups and the site of frequent cowardly terrorist attacks. - A typical ‘green’ Land Rover from the early/formative years of the unit and the Intaf Flag in Red, Khaki and Black superimposed with the Intaf badge. - An Intaf stable belt across the bottom of the painting with a Chief’s shield, knobkerrie and a clay pot. A Headman’s badge of rank completes bottom right. - Centre bottom and superimposed over the lower leg of the cadet is a Chief’s gorget. - Bottom left is an MAG, an Intaf call-sign’s best available firepower, but one which most in Intaf could only dream about. - Above this is a typical scene of the local District Commissioner attending to the investiture of a local Chief. The Chief is dressed in his robes of office and wearing the Gorget around his neck. The DC and Chief are surrounded by tribal elders witnessing the ceremony. - Above this, the ZIM (Zimbabwe Independence Medal) and the RGSM (Rhodesian General Service Medal). The infantry horn device, known as an oliphant, on the ribbon of the GSM is included as a mark of respect to Intaf and the many acts of gallantry or meritorious conduct displayed by her men during our bush war; sadly too many Intaf men paid the supreme sacrifice in their service to our country and for which there was scant recognition. The oliphant was the official device for the receipt of an Intaf Commendation, so this needs to be mentioned. Dudley was one such recipient; the Intaf equivalent of the Army MFC pick device. - Top left is a scene of a medals parade presided over by an Army Brigadier (in this case Brig ANO Derry McIntyre). This image is Copyright protected by me and Dudley and may not be used or reproduced in any form.
Posted on: Sat, 22 Mar 2014 20:16:00 +0000
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