From the very beginning of the history of Rhodesia
Intaf has had armed men in the field. In
the early days the Matabeleland Native Police (the forerunner of the modern
District Assistant) were armed with Martini Henry breech loading single shot
rifles. 303 rifles replaced these later
on.
As the war in Rhodesia progressed more modern firearms were issued to the members of Intaf to defend themselves. When the ARUs were established they were issued with SLRs and FN assault rifles as well as G3s. Section weapons were also issued. These consisted of 7,62 and 303 Bren guns and 303 Browning machine guns that had been removed from Rhodesian Air Force aircraft. A few MAG general purpose machine guns were made available to Intaf. A number of old Sten Guns and newer Uzis were also issued. Various privately purchased pistols and revolvers were carried.
The diagrams below indicate the variety of weaponry used over the years.
Martini Henry. Country of origin Great Britain. Calibre .577/450. Operation falling block single shot. Effective range 370m.
SLR L1A1. Country
of origin Great Britain. Calibre 7,62 x 51mm. Operation gas. Magazine capacity 20
rds. Effective range 600m. Most SLrs in Rhodesia were made in Australia.
G3. Country of origin Germany (under licence in Portugal and Spain). Calibre 7,62 x 51mm. Operation roller delay blowback. Magazine capacity 20 rds. Effective range 500m.
DA manning a 303 Browning modified light machine gun at a Keep.
SMLE No 4 Lee Enfield. Country of origin Great Britain. Calibre .303. Operation bolt action. Magazine capacity 10 rds. Effective range 500m.
FN FAL. Country of origin Belgium. Calibre 7,62 x 51mm. Operation gas. Magazine capacity 20 rds. Effective range 600m.
Bren Gun. Country of origin Great Britain. Calibre .303. Magazine capacity 30 rds. Effective range 1000m.
