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Rhodesian Services Association Incorporated |
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At the first RV in October 2002 the CO of the 6th Battalion (Hauraki) Group, Lt. Col. John Dick ED invited us to form a display of Rhodesian military history as part of the unit's Garrison Club and History Room. Never in our knowledge has this privelage been offered anywhere in the world. The first display was built and funded by donations and it was offically opened by Lt. Gen. Peter Walls in April 2003
Lt. Gen Walls gives the display his 'thumbs up' In around 2005 we were invited to form displays at the newly built privately funded museum, the Classic Flyers Museum at Mount Maunganui ( www.classicflyersnz.com ). We now have 4 display cabinets as well as and interactive video display and the only full size replica of a Rhodesian made Golf bomb to be found in the world. All these projects are ongoing.
A visitor looking at the menu of the video display. The tail of a Hawker Hunter can be seen in the background. A tribute to New Zealanders who fought and died in Rhodesian from the late 1900's is our most recent achievement. Named after Simon Clark, it is another of our unique achievements.
Our storage unit, known as The Lion's Den, is sited at the Classic Flyers Museum. This was a refrigeration unit which we renovated in order to store items and have them viewable by appointment.
Inside the Lions Den we have a working area as well as items that we do not have space for in our other displays.
It is the aim of this association to one day own a suitable building to house the ever increasing and historically valuable collection. This is a big task and like eating an elephant, needs to be taken one bite at a time. Currently the displays are the largest of their type in the world. We need everyone's assistance who has a love of Rhodesia. You can help by purchasing from our CQ Store. If you are able to offer financial assistance of have items for donantion please email hbomford@clear.net.nz
PROJECT COBRA We purchased a Rhodesian made Cobra 9mm pistol-carbine which we intend to use in a display in honour of Rhodesian farmers and civillians at some point in the future. They were made by Stellyte Co Ltd in Bulawayo and were the highest quality of the Rhodesian made weapons. There were only around 2,500 of these weapons ever made.
To buy this weapon we raised $2,000 with the help of all you out there. Our primary benefactor was Phaedon Constan-Tatos aka Fred Tatos ex 8RR. A big "Thank you" to all who supported us. DONATIONS New Zealand residents can email hbomford@clear.net.nz to get our bank details or, if you live outside New Zealand you can make a donation using the button below via PayPal. If you are not registered with PayPal, on pressing the button below you will be given instruction how to make a credit card via PayPal. Thank you - every bit helps.
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