Unit History:
MALAYSIA 1951-1955
During the Malayan campaign, Soldiers from Southern Rhodesia volunteered to go to Malaya and were initially known as " Far East Volunteer Group" later this group became the Malayan Scouts. While in Malaya, they became "C" Squadron (Malayan Scouts) of the already formed British SAS (A and B squadrons were already formed). Later on, a "D" Squadron was formed along with a HQ to complete the regiment. When "C" Squadron concluded their tour of duty they went back to Southern Rhodesia and the unit was disbanded.
RHODESIA 1961-1980
The formation of the Rhodesian SAS goes back to November of 1959 when it was decided in the Federal Assembly to form the "Parachute Evaluation Detachment" to to see if it was practical to train and have parachute units in the Millitary of the Federation of the Rhodesias and Nyasaland, with the veiw of eventually forming a parachute unit.
In 1960 a RAF detachment arrived under Squadron Leader E. Minter to train "the Parachute Evaluation Detachment" (PED). By March 1960, the PED was fully trained and those on the course were presented their wings by the Minister of Defence. The experiment had been a complete success and in July it was decided to form a SAS Squadron. In late 1960, No 1 Training Unit was formed, and once assembled and trained they formed the nucleus of what was to become : 1 RLI, "C" Squadron SAS and the Selous Scouts.
In early 1961 volunteers from the Rhodesian Air Force were sent to Abingdon, England for parachute instructor training. A further group of volunteer officers and NCO's were sent to complete a selection course with the SAS in Wales. On their return they called for volunteers and in August 1961 the first of many selection courses was run in the Matopos just outside Bulawayo. No 1 basic training course completed their training in November.
In1961 the SAS were moved to Ndola in Northern Rhodesia along with the Selous Scouts. By July ,1962, No 9 basic training course received their wings. In August 1962, the Unit had sufficient men to become an operational Squadron and was designated as "C" Squadron (Rhodesian) Special Air Service.
With the break up of the Federation in 1963, the Squadron was decimated by many many either leaving the army outright or leaving for service in Northern Rhodesia which included all the officers and the OC at that time. Only 40 NCO's and men were left to serve in Southern Rhodesia. The initial years after the break-up found the unit having difficulty in attracting recruits. This was mostly due to the high standards required of an SAS troopie and also due to the "ill feeling" between the SAS and the RLI which lead to a lack of recruitment from this elite unit. In June 1978 "C" Squadron (Rhodesian) Special Air Service became 1 (Rhodesian) Special Air Service Regiment, moving to their new barracks called Kabrit in 1979 . They continued to serve with success and distinction until the 31st December 1980, when, at the end of the war the Unit was finally disbanded.
