Fighting Men of Rhodesia ep109 | Sgt. Beaver Shaw | Op. Snoopy
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- čas přidán 17. 03. 2022
- Operation Snoopy was an operation launched by Rhodesia in response to Air Rhodesia Flight 825 being shot down by the communist backed insurgent group the ZIPRA. The Operation took place in Mozambique where many of the ZANLA's camps were located, particularly in the area in and around Chimoio.
The Rhodesians destroyed the ZANLA's camps in and around the town of Chimoio through a combination of ground operations and air strikes by the Rhodesian Air Force. In total the security forces attacked and destroyed twenty-five insurgent camps. The camps were spread over a 33km2 area, which was approximately 70km from the Rhodesian border.
During the operation Mozambique sent armoured vehicles to ZANLA's aid in the form of nine Soviet-made T-54 tanks and four Russian BTR-152 armoured personnel carriers. However, the Mozambicans were easily sent into a rout by the elite units of the Rhodesian Security Forces, who managed to destroy one of the Mozambicans' armoured vehicles, and kill an unknown number of Mozambicans.
Hawker Hunter fighter-bombers from the RhAF destroyed another two Mozambican armoured personnel carriers. According to official Rhodesian figures, "several hundred" guerrillas killed during Operation Snoopy, while the security forces lost only two troopers. One of whom was SAS trooper Steve Donnelly who was accidentally killed by a friendly air strike involving a Golf Bomb.
Sgt Beaver (Gordon) Shaw was one of those dedicated chopper techs, a true professional who loved every minute of his work and calling. As a gunner both in the G Car and K Car he was unparalleled; being a deadly shot with an uncanny knack of knowing the enemy's next move before it happened. He is also a great guy and a superb airman who has remained extremely modest.
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Great to see Beaver again and to listen to his corrections to what was written in A Pride of Eagles. A fascinating insight into a day in the life of our Rhodesian Air Force Brothers. Beaver, like a great many others, deserves recognition for his repeated acts of gallantry during our conflict. That he never received that recognition is, in my very humble opinion, a blight on the 'establishment'. I will always look at Beaver with the greatest respect and gratitude for not only his service but, the number of times he had our 'Brown Job' backs. Respect to you my friend. I salute you.
I have the highest respect for the Rhodesian men and women who fought so hard to protect their country from the communists, and suffered as well. Mr Shaw is one of the best of the best. Humble and brave and a true role model for other soldiers today.
Great to hear from you again Beaver . . Tough chaps in their flying machines under fire . Hero’s to so many troops . Thanks for your time , salute to all the blue jobs and you techs ! 🙏🏻
Brilliant recollections! I literally laughed out loud at the "ice-cream boy" chirp, such a Rhodesian thing to say - amazing how people still manage to maintain a sense of humour in the most adverse situations.
So true!
" Adapt and survive" seems to me to have been one of the staple watch-words throughout the duration of the war in Rhodesia. But such a watch-word is of scant use without an over-riding concerted will to fight harder and survive. The Rhodesian fighting units clearly possessed these requirements in huge abundance.. Some of today's fighting units seem to have the propensity to emulate such resolve. Fortunately, for them, they have the combined support of militarily, and financially powerful friendly nations flocking to their cause, rather than leaving them isolated to fend off 'Red' aggressors, hell-bent on their destruction, as a race. For me, this elevates the sheer guts and back-bone of Rhodesians, as a people, to a whole other higher plane. I hope that the damned English politicians resist the urge to renege on their promises, again....Makes me proud to know that I have never cast my vote to any of the buggers. Nor will I. I come from an ethnic minority people, whose 'watch-words' have always been, " Never trust a British politician, especially the English ones, or The Crown....I am 63. Cornishman. My Mother's side are Republican Irish.
Tim I am Cornish too. I live near Truro. Fancy a pint?
@@chrisjones6736 I'm a Mylor boy Chris, we don't drink over Truro, not since some of us Mylor crew fought as mercenaries for Falmouth during the Falmouth/Truro Conflict back in the '80's.....wink. Chris, I'd definitely come for a beer with you, however I live in the sticks of Herefordshire nowadays. i go back home for a couple of weeks every summer/early autumn. I have a reasonably keen memory, so I will look this chat up again when I'm down Kernow. If you get a bell from me, and still fancy a beer, we shall do that. Until such time : chons da Chris.
Thanks for all the comments, watching the war in Ukraine makes me feel so sad to see the loss of so many lives. This talk reminds me how thin that golden thread of life is.
So So Thin Mate. Thanks for the share. Love to You Both. "Enjoy Life....It's Later Than We Think". Keep Safe < Take Care.
Well said boet I feel the same! Life is precious.
Good to see you again, Beavs, great interview. Maaningi maaningi tatendas to you, John and Hannes. Stay well always. 🚁🚁🚁
Did you know the late Chris Milbank HC, SAAF pilot who served in the RRAF until the end of military ops in Rhodesia? His family would like to know more about his involvement. As an aside, I knew the late Piet du Toit O'Neil HC in 19 Squadron 'B' Flight and near Bridge 14.
I so admire you Beaver, God bless brother and keep up the good work. I look forward to episode 233 from you alone!!
Welcome back Beaver
Looking forward to watching, have quite a few of these videos stacked up.
As you can image events in Ukraine are getting lots of attention
Well done gentlemen, another great interview. We'll done Beav, necessity is the mother of invention, bud! I think that was what brought many of the guys home. That and the thought of ice cream!
Awsome name
Hi Beaver, the old saying " ingenuity is the mother of invention " was well applied in your account of the piece of plate & two jubilee clips to get your chopper to a safe area . I've done some similar repairs myself, to get our only vehicle mobile again & out of a hostile zone .
Take care & God bless.
I've got his book "Choppertech". Worth every penny.
how much was it? i seen something ridiculous like £1200.
@@zzDevotion Reprinted a couple of years ago for under $300.
@@mikecavallaro466 thank you man, can't see it up anywhere, must ha e to buy it privately
@@zzDevotion You can find it on a social media platform that the genius censors at CZcams evidently won't allow me to mention.
Love this one - soft serve ice-cream in the middle of the ngagene!
lol
Oh yes!
Another fantastic episode - many thanks. Is there an episode 108 or has this been skipped ?
Well spotted! Yes it's Fergus O'Brien on Op. Dingo. I am just awaiting his go-ahead so it's unlisted at the moment. He's away in SE Asia...
@@fightingmenofrhodesia Many thanks for prompt response
Lekkerrrrrrr! Where does one get that shirt? Was with 1 Indep Vic Falls.
Howzit Beaver my Boet Dave Pirie sends his regards. He's just retired from NAC.
Give Dave my best regards
Roger that.
How can I buy this book? Can't find it anywhere! :(
Should you wish to purchase Beaver's books please email yebomimi@gmail.com
or WhatsApp +254714396493
@@fightingmenofrhodesia Does he has other books? Where can I see them?
I finished "Fireforce" by Chris Cocks and I want to know more!
@@anon2034 have a look here www.exmontibusmedia.co.za
Hi Beaver
The pictures behind you. Any of those by Ian Henderson or are they yours?
They are mine
What's the problem? Why can't I reply to the gentleman inquiring about Choppertech?
Not sure Mike, no problem from my side
@@fightingmenofrhodesia CZcams is apparently stopping me from telling someone how to get a copy of Choppertech.
@@fightingmenofrhodesia They just did it again. I posted a response to Hereford walking club and it's gone.
@@fightingmenofrhodesia I hope you've archived everything on another platform....because you just never know.
@@fightingmenofrhodesia I'm picturing an officious little bureaucrat making censorship decisions. But these days it's probably just a machine.