Ian Smith, Prime Minister of Rhodesia under UDI, has died aged 88. Whatever we think of him - and the kindest thing to say is that he was a man who lived in the past but who did what he thought was right - lets just remember that he was a Spitfire Pilot. And moreover, one who was badly burned in a crash and who fought on the ground alongside Italian partisans for three months after being shot down.
Was just about to post about him! I work with a Rhodesian and from what she's been saying, he was an inspirational man. The Cenotaph in the capital of Zimbabwe is now called Unity Square and all are banned from it but on Nov 11, Smith would always place a wreath of poppies on the memorial. No one ever tried to stop him. Ian Douglas Smith, Ex-Leader of Rhodesia, Dies - New York Times - four page obit but an amazing read.
There was a service for Smith at King's Park yesterday here in Perth. Rhodesian girl I work with says there were about 400 people there, excellent speeches, last post and a fly over by Tiger Moths right on time.
