Original Bush War Rhodesian Selous Scouts Sgt Derek “Eddie” Edwards Grouping.
Outstanding grouping that belonged to a career Special Forces Officer who served in the Rhodesian Selous Scouts during the Bush War and in the South African Defence Forces elite 5 Reconnaissance Regiment (RECCE), 5.2 Commando during the Border War.
Edwards’ initial service in the military started in Rhodesia, answering his nations call in 1966, upon enlisting, Edwards served with pride in the Rhodesian Light Infantry up until 1975, At the height of the Bush War, Edwards completed Selous Scouts Selection becoming a fully qualified Operator at the rank of C/SGT. Edwards served with the Scouts until the very end of the Bush War in 1980, after which he went to South Africa, as many Bush War veterans did, and completed Special Forces Selection earning the coveted Operator’s Badge in 1985 at the rank of WO2. Serving as an Officer with 5 Reconnaissance Regiment (RECCE), whose heritage comes from the Selous Scouts.
This grouping consists of;
Edwards’ European Soldiers Pay-Book.
Edwards’ Rhodesian Military Drivers License noting he is a Selous Scout.
A photo of Edwards and six fellow 5 RECCE Operators (Edwards is seen wearing a brown shirt and black shorts in front)
Edwards’ Selous Scouts Beret with Reutler manufactured Osprey Insignia Badge.
Two Selous Scouts Certificates of Service, both signed by Ron Reid Daly, founder of the Selous Scouts.
June 1968 Selous Scouts Warrant Officer’s & Senior NCO’s Mess Group Photo (Edwards is second right of the Standard Bearer)
Edwards’ Warrant Officer Certificate dated January 1979.
Two Appreciation of Devotion and Loyalty Certificates, one dated December 1976 and the other dated April 1980.
Edwards’ Rhodesian Light Infantry Certificate with original tube it was issued in.
Edwards’ Selous Scouts Wings hand numbered 0037 with a letter from Edwards indicating he lost his original issued wings and the Scouts had re-issued him this original and hand numbered it.
Edwards’ Bush War era used Bush hat, signed on the inner flap by Edwards.
Note: the two rocks and the reading light in the first photo are NOT included, these were used to help show the RLI certificate that had been in the storage tube for some time.
Edwards’ original issued Selous Scouts Stable Belt
and Edwards’ original issued Selous Scouts operational T-Shirt made by Monogram and signed on the lower inside by Edwards.
Also included are two original frame backings signed by Edwards and a typed sheet of paper describing the Selous Scouts and the Bush War.
Further history; The Selous Scouts, a specialized special forces unit of the Rhodesian Army, played a pivotal role in the Rhodesian Bush War (1973–1980). Founded by Lt.-Col. Ronald Reid-Daly, the unit was renowned for its effective counterinsurgency tactics, which included employing pseudo-guerrilla methods and conducting raids into neighboring countries. These tactics significantly contributed to the Rhodesian military’s efforts against liberation movements such as ZANLA and ZIPRA. The unit’s name was inspired by the renowned explorer Frederick Selous, and it was celebrated for its members transcending cultural barriers and earning a high number of military decorations.
