The Rhodesian Soldier

Over many years I have, for various reasons, performed research into many areas of Rhodesian and international military history, be it in response to a widow's quest for information about her late husband's service during World War II in North Africa, or following up on the scant information given by a pioneer headstone.

​If you wish to find out more about an individual, such as a family member, who served during one of the wars, I am geared up to provide such a service.  Or perhaps you are looking for more archival information on a specific event.


The very nature of research is that it is extremely time-consuming - 95 per cent sweat and 5 per cent reward!  Accordingly, I do levy a nominal search fee of £50 to cover direct expenses and some of my time spent on the search.  If the time spent is significantly greater, because of the volume of information found, then I shall discuss with you possible extra charges.  My findings will be presented in a format which I refer to as a Fact File.  


Here are examples of some of my Fact Files:

Professional Research Services



Example 1          Example 2            Example 3


I have access to a variety of sources, both here in the UK and overseas, including military service records, census data and birth and death records. If you require any of my research services please contact me.


Client Feedback:

“Gerry – you have done a phenomenal job on this. We are most grateful – truly something that we can pass on to the family.”
 
“Thanks again Gerry – it is fantastic to have this record of my grandfather. Due to family circumstances as a child I was never told much about my family especially once my mother passed away nothing was ever said about her family so that makes this record very special. Thanks so much.”

“You have dug up an amazing amount of info through a big network of people and as my wife says, this is a valuable family record, of which we had little beyond scrap books.”

“I can’t begin to thank you for ALL the information you have sent me. All you information is just brilliant.”

“My wife was so excited to receive your lovely email this morning, you will never realise what you have done for her. You are obviously a Scholar, Gentleman and a Rhodesian to do such an outstanding service for us.”

“May I conclude by just saying we are both extremely grateful to you for all this excellent work you have done for us, and informing and apprising us of some things we never knew about Gerald.”

“What an absolutely wonderful surprise receiving your email re my Dad yesterday morning.  I knew so little of his war time exploits.  The only person I ever remember him talking to about this was one of the chaps he had befriended in the army from Cape Town.  I was not even in my teens then, so it didn't mean that much to me. Sadly these things seldom do until it is too late.  Now I would love to have the opportunity to sit and talk to him about this! I appreciate so much more now knowing the sort of person he was, it would have been wonderful though being able to tell him how proud I am of him before he died.  I guess we all have regrets as we get older.”

 “That’s a mighty piece of work – thanks very much. My sister is equally impressed.”

 “Thank you so much, that is amazing, and so interesting  and emotional to read all the details – you have done a great job. I was only 10 months old when my Dad died, so I never knew him, apart from one photo I have of him holding me when he was about to leave. All this information makes him so much more real to me.”
 
“What can I say to thank you for that wonderful information on DF Roper? It was so utterly good and generous of you. I have passed the information on to the OG President who is compiling the book of remembrance. I know he will be thrilled, the more so as he has been rather ill and this will buck him up. I am so thrilled.”

 “Thank you so very much for sending the information on my great, great uncle, it is very much appreciated. My daughter will be able to give a lovely little talk on ANZAC day as part of the RhSA. If ever I am your way, the first couple of beers are on me.”