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Old 07-31-2015, 06:58   #1
Guymullins
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The Crow has fallen

11813336_10153001173669599_2428653342405616579_n.jpgIt is with great sadness that we learn of the death of Colonel Delville Linford. The Colonel was the founder of the formidable Bushman Battalion, 31 Bn, which later became 201Bn. The Bushman Battalion began in difficult circumstances in that they needed to be persuaded to fight alongside UNITA and FNLA , two groups that traditionally persecuted the bushmen and their families. Col. Linford , after much discussion with the Bushman leaders got their agreement to proceed so long as they could be led by white officers, there being much distrust between the tribes of the area. 31Bn became a formidable fighting force that excelled in tracking the enemy through any terrain and using the Bushmans supreme bushcraft to avoid ambush and navigate through the featureless bush with unerring accuracy. Both 31 Bn and 32 Bns were formed around the same time. 32 Bn was founded by Col Jan Breytenbach and the two units fought side by side in Angola forging a formidable multi-racial force against Communism.
Col Linford was well loved by his men and anyone who came in contact with him were impressed with his humanity and great leadership qualities.
All South African soldiers extend their deepest condolences to the family and friends of this great son of South Africa. We will never see his kind again.
The 31 Bn badge is the crow, a bird most sacred for the Bushmen and the name by which the Colonel was affectionately known.
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Old 07-31-2015, 10:28   #2
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Great story, made by a great man. Thanks for sharing.

What time frame was this??? 80's-90's???
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Old 07-31-2015, 13:15   #3
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Blue Skies Colonel Delville Linford
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Old 07-31-2015, 13:18   #4
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To be remembered

To be remembered by comrades.

RIP
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Old 07-31-2015, 14:22   #5
Guymullins
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Originally Posted by glebo View Post
Great story, made by a great man. Thanks for sharing.

What time frame was this??? 80's-90's???
Late 70s. His book is to be launched in Sept. It will make fascinating reading. I will let everyone know when it is available on Amazon.
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Old 07-31-2015, 14:53   #6
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Is there any greater honour then to be loved by the men you served?

RIP Sir

S
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Old 08-02-2015, 09:02   #7
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Rest in Peace, Sir.
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Old 08-03-2015, 01:54   #8
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He's my Great Uncle. That picture literally made me cry.

He was a great; infinitely compassionate, frighteningly deadly, extremely happy man.

I'm just ABRN INF. - but I hope to be as great as this man one day.
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Old 08-03-2015, 06:01   #9
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He's my Great Uncle. That picture literally made me cry.

He was a great; infinitely compassionate, frighteningly deadly, extremely happy man.

I'm just ABRN INF. - but I hope to be as great as this man one day.
That's a good start. Time and place is everything....Sad to see a great man go...as do they all in time.
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Old 08-03-2015, 07:11   #10
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RIP Warrior
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Old 08-08-2015, 13:15   #11
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Rest in Peace Colonel Delville Linford.
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Old 08-08-2015, 19:53   #12
CAARNG 68W
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Late 70s. His book is to be launched in Sept. It will make fascinating reading. I will let everyone know when it is available on Amazon.
Looking forward to reading it. Huge into Rhodesia and SADF Bush War Era readings.
Thank You
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