Fighting Men of Rhodesia ep108 | Sgt. Fergus O'Brien | Op Dingo Zulu 1 

Very humble and unassuming man....a good soldier...

These interviews are obviously priceless historical re-counts from the men who took part in hard-core combat. Significantly, they are vitally important for sorting the 'wheat from the chaff' ; hype and myth from hot reality. Some time ago I remember reading a British paratrooper's take on things, in which he said words to the effect, " I never could get over thinking how stupd it was jumping from a perfectly sound aircraft into a fire-fight that was taking place on the ground". He clearly wasn't in an aircraft that was low-flying, whilst at the same time receiving continual in-coming fire from numerous ground forces and entrenched enemy AA locations. Rhodesian combat parachutists clearly fought at a whole other level of intensity. Thank you Sgt O'Brien; John. Great talk, as always.

Just done a rewatch. All I can say is "Huge respect" for your courage.

My father fought for Zanla. Then served in the ZDF for 22 years until his retirement in 2002 in Mbalabala. I hope to join the army one day

Huge respect to a very humble, professional soldier. I wish I'd been of that era & amongst such heroes & heroines.

Hi Fergus..you were green squad and I was blue squad RLI recruit course intake 149.

Fergus is a real living legend. Thank you for taking the time to record ans share this timeless interview. I had chills when fergus was recollecting that drop.

Nice to see you Fergus. A good chat, well done.

Thanks John and Fergus, it gave us Territorial guys a huge Morale boost, morale had been dropping, guys leaving the country, increased call ups shorter times back home.

Waited patiently all kitted up with chutes on sitting on the tarmac at Grand Reef waiting to go in as 2nd wave only to be told at 11:00 that the SAS and Fergus and the rest of 3 Cdo were doing such a good job we were stood down. Still had the joy of taking part in Zulu 2 at Tembue a couple of days later. Thanks for a good sitrep of your experiences Fergus and great interview John. Two ex “Lovers” reliving the good times!!

Total respect !!, Odds, what are those ???

Tatenda Fergus and John for another great interview.. much respect for you all . Such a shame there was intelligence leakages . But good job well done and without major casualties . Sadly two losses , may they always be remembered for their service and sacrifice they made for their country the green and white . Salute 🙏🏻 RIP !

Great interview as always, thanks 👍🏻

Fascinating to hear these stories after all these years. As a Rhodaf TF Pronto I also got to spend some hours in the back of the RhAF DC3's, between 1975 and 1980 - but was not expected to throw myself out until we were back on the ground! I also went out, on several occasions, with the Fireforce guys, but purely in a (very much safer) support role. Thank you for bringing back a lot of memories...

I was just re watching pt one and thought to myself that the 2nd would never come haha talk about a jinx haha

Who are the people in the framed photo behind you Fergus ?

Another great video! Thanks from the US! 🇺🇸⚔️

Enjoyed the interview short ans sweet.

Thank you for the quality content. I’m so glad you can keep this subject so alive

You have the formula right now, detailed info given as a story for one operation and one operation only. Many fine men have come on board Fighting men of Rhodesia but how can anyone adequately explain 4,5,6 or more years of combat....there is just too much to say, so one story at a time is great. What I'm still looking for is the focus on perhaps one single contact inside such a story as Fergus's...."we skirmished forward all day" is a broad comment, maybe just a bit more nitty gritty if possible. But this is brilliant thanks to both for sharing this with us and the world.👍👍

Been in RLI 2 Komando from 1975 to 1980.

Another great interview, guys! One question, if I may - I also enjoyed Episode 96, Fergus O'Brien, Part 1, is there going to be a Part 2? Or is this interview concerning Op Dingo, Zulu 1, considered Part 2?

For those who read the comments. What is the best book to buy on the Rhodesian War ?

they tried to save the people and land from the maxists, but in the end it went down the toilet. very sad to see all that pain and poverty.