Rhodesian African Rifles
The Rhodesian African Rifles (RAR) was a regiment of the Rhodesian Army. The ranks of the RAR were recruited from the black African population, although officers were generally from the white population. The regiment was formed in May 1940 in the British colony of Southern Rhodesia.
| Rhodesian African Rifles | |
|---|---|
The distinctive unit insignia (badge) of the Rhodesian African Rifles, featuring a Matabele shield, crossed by a Matabele stabbing spear and a Shona digging spear, obfuscated by a knobkerrie. | |
| Active | 1 May 1916 – 31 December 1981 |
| Country | Rhodesia, Zimbabwe from 1980 |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom (1940-65; also officially successors to the service of the RNR 1916-18) Rhodesia (1965–70) Republic of Rhodesia (1970–79) Zimbabwe Rhodesia (1979) United Kingdom (1979–80) Zimbabwe (1980–81) |
| Branch | Regular Army |
| Type | Infantry |
| Role | Combined arms Counter-insurgency Demining Desert warfare Fire support Forward observer Jungle warfare Raiding Reconnaissance Tracking |
| Size | Regiment |
| Colours | Green and black |
| March | "Sweet Banana" |
| Mascot(s) | "Private N'duna" the goat |
| Engagements | World War II Suez Crisis Malayan Emergency Nyasaland Northern Rhodesia Congo Border Rhodesian Bush War |
| Commanders | |
| Ceremonial chief | Her Majesty the Queen |
The RAR were officially declared the successor to the Rhodesia Native Regiment (RNR) which had existed in World War I from 1916 to 1918, and was granted the RNR's battle honours earned fighting in the East African Campaign. The RAR were the second-oldest regiment of the Rhodesian Army, after the Rhodesia Regiment which was raised in 1899.
The RAR used the "greens" uniform and wore slouch hats as headgear.
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