Originally formed as The Rhodesia Native Regiment during World War I, this fine regiment first saw action in East Africa, pitted against the wily von Lettow-Vorbeck and his army of German askaris.
Disbanded and later re-formed, the regiment was to distinguish itself during World War II in the North Africa and Burma campaigns.
Using the counter-insurgency experience gleaned from the Malayan Campaign of the 1950s, the RAR provided the front-line troops in the battle for Rhodesia, 1965 - 1980.
(Quote from the book MASODJA)
Formation: The RAR was formed on the 1st January 1964
Roles
The roles of Dep RAR are:
a. To train African recruits for the infantry (normally 1 and 2 RAR) to such a standard as to enable them to assume duty as trained infantry soldiers.
b. To train African soldiers to fit them for duties as junior leaders within the African Infantry battalions or any other unit with which they may serve.
c. To train selected African infantry soldiers, at regimental level, for the following tasksi. Instructors and assistant instructors
ii. Drivers
iii. Signallers
iv. Trackers (basic only).
v. Cooks
vi. Storemen.