Rhodesian Women Service Regimental Poster - 18x12"

Original print from the "Uniforms of the Security Forces of Rhodesia" by Laird and Drake, as printed by Musketeer Press in Salisbury 1979. The original collector's edition is extremely rare, with only 500 elephant hide bound copies made at the end of the Rhodesian Bush War. For decades, many of these books were stripped for their prints and sold individually, often in shoddy condition. We are proud to reproduce poster prints from this long out of print work, with painting prints and text indicating histories of various Rhodesian Security Force units.

The Rhodesian Women's Service was born out of necessity, as the Rhodesian Bush War intensified in 1975. Formed to employ women in administrative roles in the Rhodesian Security Forces, it was intended to free able bodied soldiers for operational duty. Shortly after the public announcement of their formation, a incredible 1,200 patriotic Rhodesian women had volunteered for active service.

Despite rag-tag origins with a lack of military ranks and limited pay, the "brown birds" of Rhodesia would dutifully earn the respect of the Rhodesian Security Forces establishment. Working in tasks as varied as administrators, signallers, dog handlers, mechanics and drivers, the Rhodesian Women's Service built their own regimental identity. By 1977, the unit was fully recognized with military rank, officer commissions and equal opportunities for career development. Their service in critical military sectors made them the unsung heroes of the Rhodesian Bush War. Upon Zimbabwe's independence in 1980, the regiment marched off to the tune of "Hello Dolly", into the pages of history.

Measures 18 inches x 12 inches, printed as a full bleed colour on extra thick 1.5mm glossy stock. Please note, the Fireforce Ventures watermark is only on the preview image, and not on the poster you will receive.

All prices are in Canadian Dollars (CAD). We ship internationally!