Beech 35 Bonanza VP-YGZ (c/n D-202), seen here at Redhill in the UK in June 1962, was owned and flown in Rhodesia by Roy Smart MBE. It became the first aircraft to operate with Smart’s callsign Copper 159 when it was used to develop radio compatibility between various forces. It was later re-registered with the South African registration ZS-YGZ.

A line-up of PRAW pilots and their aircraft during a parade at the June 1962 PRAW training weekend at Sinoia airfield. The aircraft include a Beech Bonanza, a Piper Tri-Pacer, an Auster and various other light aircraft. The PRAW was established in July 1957 and, after reverting to a civilian role in 1980, ceased operations in 2002.

The “G-Car’s" technician/gunner would provide cover from the port rear door with an FN 7-62mm-calibre MAG machine-gun coupled with a Collimateur Lightweight Reflector Sight. The fitting was upgraded over time to include a spent-cartridge holder, padded chestplate and twin handgrips, along with a Britiline fire-limiter to prevent accidental damage to the airframe. Later the MAG was replaced by twin Browning 0-303in-calibre machine-guns.

Illustrating how primitive conditions often were for the pilots of the PRAW, Peter Marchussen is seen here refuelling Cessna 172D VP-YUW at a remote airstrip using 200lit (44 Imp gal) drums. Note the Cessna’s grey anti-SAM heat-reflective matt finish.

Forward Air Fields (FAFs) were always protected from surprise attack and often had an armed element on guard during flying operations. Here PRAW pilot John Steed refuels Cessna 182M Skylane VP-WFY (c/n 59422) at FAF5 at Mtoko under the watchful eye of an airfield guard. This aircraft remains active at Charles Prince Airport.

With Mt Darwin providing the backdrop, PRAW pilot Roy Anderson undertakes a pre-flight inspection of Piper PA-32-300 Cherokee Six VP-WEL, formerly 5Y-ANI in Kenya, and re-registered ZS-KPI before being sold in 1980. Ex-Royal Navy man Anderson - husband of Shelagh - learned to fly in order to serve with the PRAW.

Cover star: the October 1977 issue of The Outpost, the BSAP’s monthly magazine, featured a photograph of Shelagh Anderson - also known as Copper 165, and somewhat less officially as “Angel” Anderson - at the controls of a PRAW aircraft. Note the “BSAP Reserve” epaulettes worn on the shoulders of PRAW pilots’ flight suits

Casualty evacuation (Casevac) from often-challenging locations formed a major part of PRAW operations. Here a casualty is helped aboard Cessna 177 Cardinal VP-WEE (c/n 00312), which was previously registered in Zambia as 9J-RGE and joined the PRAW to be used by Alan Murray from April 1980.