Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A unique Rhodesian Order of the Legion of Merit group of six awarded to Sergeant-Major F. A. C. Shimongola, Lima Troop, Support Unit, British South Africa Police, who after service with this elite unit, later rose to Superintendent with the Zimbabwe Republic Police

Zimbabwe, Independence Medal 1980 (34736); Long and Exemplary Service Medal, with Second Award Bar (Supt. F. A. C. Shimongola); Ten Year Service Medal (16021 Insp Shimongola F. A. C.); Rhodesia, Order of the Legion of Merit, Civil Division, Member’s breast badge, 36mm, silvered and enamel, uni-face; General Service Medal (16021 Sgt. Alfred [sic]); Police Long Service & Good Conduct Medal (16021 Sgt-Maj F. A. C. Shimongola M.L.M.) mounted for wear, generally very fine (6) £400-500

M.L.M. awarded 7 July 1978, the citation states:

‘Sergeant-Major Shimongola is the troop Sergeant-Major of Lima Troop of the British South Africa Police Support Unit. During the time Sergeant-Major Shimongola has been the Troop Sergeant-Major, he has, together with the Troop Commander, by professional example, dedication and devotion to duty, moulded his men into a highly efficient and successful troop. The dedication and professional approach of the troop has earned them a tremendous reputation in the field as well as praise from other Services.

During three tours of duty in the operational area in 1977, under the command of the Troop Commander and with Sergeant-Major Shimongola acting as Second-in-Command, Lima Troop accounted for, either on their own or with support from other Services, 39 terrorists killed and others captured. In all contacts with terrorists Sergeant-Major Shimongola displayed outstanding qualities of leadership, personal courage and was an inspiration to the men under his command. Without doubt much of the success of this troop results from the example and dedication of Sergeant-Major Shimongola who at all times has shown himself to be a most competent and professional Troop Sergeant Major.’

Frederick Alfred Chakalanje Shimongola joined the British South Africa Police in January 1961, and advanced to Sergeant-Major and acting Second-in-Command of Lima Troop, Support Unit. The Support Unit (known as the "Black Boots" due to their footwear) was a Police field force staffed by about 50 white and 1700 (1980) black regular and national servicemen. From early 1978 to 1980 Support training and selection consisted of 3 phases culminating latterly in 6 months or 24 weeks training. The first phase lasting as long as 11 weeks (Rhodesian Light Infantry first phase was 6 weeks). Emphasis in selection depended on extreme physical fitness and aggression (running excess of 120 kilometres per week), mental strength in decision making and problem solving under extreme duress. The selection course consisted of a junior leader assessment in all areas concerning leadership. All Counter Operations Insurgency (COIN) battle drills being held in Battle camps at Concession and Shamva. The pass rate among recruits amounted to only 30%. On passing out recruits were deployed to one of 13 and latterly 14 Troops (Troop company strength 120 men, Mantle Mounted and November troop being new additions in 1981). The Support Unit supported the Police in rural problem areas (latterly dissidents) as well as in urban emergencies. In November 1980 during The Entumbani One uprising, 2 sections of 60 men each from 5 Support Unit Troops, Mantle Echo, Mantle Charlie, Mantle Juliet, Mantle Hotel, Mantle Lima, 300 men in all, travelled from all over Zimbabwe to reach Bulawayo in 11 hours. Due to the Support Unit Troops being independent with their own vehicles, stores, ammunition, medical supplies, tents etc., they could deploy anywhere at a moment’s notice all over Zimbabwe. During the bush war the Support Unit's primary task was to patrol the long distances in the Tribal Trust Lands, to maintain and reinstate order in the kraals (native villages).  

Shimongola served with the Zimbabwe Republic Police from its inception, 1 August 1980, and advanced to Superintendent in July 1982. He was also appointed a Justice of the Peace in 1982, and retired 20 January 1993, having completed 32 years and 1 day’s service with the police.

1 of only 2 MLM’s awarded to African recipients in the British South Africa Police, and unique to the Support Unit. In the Rhodesian Order of Precedence the Member of the Legion of Merit ranked above the Police Decoration for Gallantry.

Sold with the Bestowal Document for the Order of the Legion of Merit, dated 21 September 1978; original newspaper cuttings referring to the award of the recipient’s MLM, including photographic images of the recipient in uniform; and copied research.