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Rhodesia Medal |
Zimbabwe Independence Medal |
Commonwealth Monitoring Force, Rhodesia (CMFR): 1979 - 1980
Op Agila
Australian Deployment Dates: 1 December 1979 to 2 March 1980.
Strength: Australian Army contingent of 152 all ranks.
Area of Operations (AO): Rhodesia / Zimbabwe.
Purpose: In December 1979, the CMF was established by the Commonwealth to supervise the
implementation of the Lancaster House Agreement between the government of
Southern Rhodesia and the guerilla forces of the Patriotic Front. Under the
agreement UK authority was restored over its rebellious colony and a ceasefire
implemented. A general election followed and independence was achieved by the new
Republic of Zimbabwe.
The role of the multi-national force was to keep the peace between 22,000 guerrillas
and the Rhodesian forces during the cease-fire run-up to the 1980 elections. The
CMF was tasked with monitoring the agreement and resembled a UN observer mission
except that its duties were more extensive, it enjoyed municipal backing.
Comments: The Australians were largely spread throughout the force, which consisted of a
HQ and 3 Groups. The CMFR were armed as well as conducting the monitoring of the
ceasefire and elections.
Veteran Entitlement Act (VEA) : Schedule 3; 1 December 1979.
Service Type: Non-warlike.
Gazette: Nil.
Awards & Qualifying Periods:
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Rhodesia Medal |
Zimbabwe Independence Medal |