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Auction: 21001 - Orders, Decorations and Medals (conducted behind closed doors)
Lot: 1196

The outstanding Bronze Cross of Rhodesia awarded to Warrant Officer Class II Y. Kupara, 1st Battalion, Rhodesian African Rifles

Rhodesia, Bronze Cross of Rhodesia, the reverse officially inscribed ‘641816 W.O.II Y. Kupara' good very fine

The citation states:

'Warrant Officer Yangama Kupara has been continually involved in counter insurgency operations since 1967, a total of nine years. During this time, he progressed from Section Commander to Company Sergeant Major, and has shown outstanding qualities of leadership and competence. Due to the shortage of Junior Officers, Warrant Officer Kupara frequently commanded Platoons on operations for long peiods with exceptional ability.

In October 1974, he commanded 2 Platoon, A Company, 1st Battalion, when they had two very successful contacts, resulting in the deaths of three terrorist leaders among eight eliminations.

On 7 January 1975, Warrant Officer Kupara was leading a patrol which had a fleeting contact with a number of terrorists. He carried out immediate aggressive action and killed one terrorist personally by a direct hit with a rifle-fired grenade.

Since January 1976, A Company has taken part in fire force operations at regular intervals an have had notable successes. Several of the kills and captures were attributable to the courage, calmness, tactical skill and excellent bushcraft of Kupara. On a contact on 3 April 1976, Kupara and his stick were pinned down by accurate fire by a terrorist using an RPD machine-gun. Kupara threw a white phosphorous grenade, and under its cover, moved around behind the RPD gunner and shot him through the head, killing him. Three other terrorists were also killed in this contact.

On the night of 6 May 1976, Kupara was commanding the lead vehicle of two vehicles carrying 2 Platoon and Company Tactical HQ of A Company, when the rear vehicle was ambushed by eight to ten terrorists using RPD, RPG and small arms. The vehicle was immobilised and one Section Commander was killed on the vehicle. Warrant Officer Kupara immediately stopped his vehicle, which was out of the killing zone and directed rifle grenade fire onto the terrorist position. Kupara showed a calm profession approach and handled his men in an excellent manner throughout.

His determination and confidence had an excellent effect, especially upon some of the younger soldiers, recently out of recruit training, who must have been somewhat shaken by the ambush and death of the Section Commander. Warrant Officer Kupara has a quiet personality, but is an experienced and well-respected soldier. His tactical ability and calmness in action are first class at all times. He has displayed continuous bravery and competence on counter insurgency operations over a long period.'

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Sold for
£700

Starting price
£480