Why did you fight? Narratives of Rhodesian identity during the insurgency 1972-1980 - Final project report

Onslow, Sue; Berry, Annie

Abstract

This research project began in March 2008 with the aim of interviewing up to 120 members of the Rhodesian armed forces and police service who were in post in Rhodesia (now-Zimbabwe) in the period c.1972-1980. The dates selected were to co-incide with the intensification of the insurgency in Rhodesia, rather than the formal period of UDI. Naturally, however, the interviews also covered the period before the December 1972 attack on Altena Farm in Centenary District, as well as extending into the Zimbabwean post-independence years. The interviewing stage of the project was completed in early 2010 and the project officially ended in September 2010. The collection of audio interviews, with transcripts, has now formed a searchable catalogue, creating a future research resource. The catalogue is currently being completed, to ensure all participants are given time to check their contributions.

The project was originally conceived to complement the Rhodesian Army Association Archives, which have been fully catalogued at the British Empire and Commonwealth Museum in Bristol. It presented a unique opportunity to supplement this written documentary material, with oral history from former members of the Rhodesian forces. This report provides an overview of its findings.

• Report Type: Project Report
• Deposit Date: Jun 27, 2017
• Publicly Available Date: Jun 27, 2017
• Peer Reviewed: Not Peer Reviewed
• Keywords: Rhodesian oral history project, rhodesia
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/974688
• Publisher URL: http://researchdata.uwe.ac.uk/104
• Contract Date: Jun 27, 2017