12/18/2022 0 Comments Rhodesian army tracker training![]() However it was in the art of rifle shooting that he excelled. He was a keen sportsman and played rugby, hockey and tennis with more than commendable skill. He believed in supreme fitness of mind and body and in this, was an example to all with whom he came into contact. He got his parachute wings with one of the first parachute courses held in the Army. On leaving school he completed his National Service in 1957, and during this time decided that the Regular Army was to be his life. This sound coaching was soon to show itself in the shooting world. He took an early interest in the art of rifle shooting, and at the age of 16 was shooting with the Gwelo Rifle Club where he was coached by Freddie Morgan. He was born in Bulawayo on 29 June 1939, and was educated at the Chaplin High School in Gwelo, where he was a regular member of the 1st Rugby XV. He died like a soldier at 4.45 a.m.’ No better summary of his life and times may be found than the following obituary: ‘We regret to report the death of Lieutenant Albert Tourle, who was killed in the Zambezi Valley when a lion sprang onto his back, whilst on patrol, on Sunday 9 April 1972. Eye-witness accounts describe how the lion broke his spine and neck, and how nothing could be done for him - ‘Albert talked all night about his family. His gallantry, determination, aggressive actions and complete disregard for his own safety were an inspiration to all, and were undoubtedly the major factor contributing to the outstanding success of the engagement.’ Albert “A.K.” Tourle, a legendary figure in Rhodesian Army circles, was killed by a lion whilst on a patrol during a Combat Tracker Training Course in the Matusadona alongside Lake Kariba on 9 April 1972. Sergeant-Major Tourle again displayed quite outstanding qualities of leadership in taking and maintaining the initiative when he saw his troop commander was ill-placed to execute control. So successful was he in the prosecution of the engagement that all nine terrorists were eventually killed at least six of them by Sergeant-Major Tourle himself. Throughout the contact, Sergeant-Major Tourle repeatedly exposed himself to terrorist fire while directing the outflanking deployment and when engaging the enemy with his grenades and rockets. Until these sections were in position, Sergeant-Major Tourle and his group successfully contained the terrorists with rifle, rocket and light mortar fire. Although this brought heavy fire onto himself, he nevertheless directed the movement of the two cut off sections until the terrorist position was surrounded. Then, because the Troop Commander, who was less advantageously placed, could not issue orders because of a faulty radio, Sergeant-Major Tourle shouted commands to the remaining sections of the troop, and deployed them as stops at the sides and the rear of the terrorist position. On his own initiative, Sergeant-Major Tourle quickly deployed his group onto high ground covering the terrorist position and engaged them with such effective fire that they were unable to escape. Contact was made during the afternoon and a fierce fire fight ensued. On 22 July 1968, Sergeant-Major Tourle with elements of Commando Headquarters joined with 1 Troop, 3 Commando, in the follow-up of a gang of nine terrorists. ![]() The success of this contact was entirely due to Sergeant-Major Tourle’s quick deployment, aggressive action, and exemplary leadership of an ‘ad hoc’ force. ![]() In the ensuing action, three terrorists were killed by Sergeant-Major Tourle himself while the fourth attempting to escape was killed by one of Sergeant-Major Tourle’s well sited stop groups. With commendable leadership and tactical skill, Sergeant-Major Tourle re-deployed his group across the enemy’s route and then with great determination attacked the terrorists with a small group of men. At 0600 hours on the 19 July 1968, four terrorists were seen moving cautiously towards a gap in the stop line. Sergeant-Major Tourle was put in charge of one such stop group consisting of Headquarters personnel and elements of a Police Anti Terrorist Unit. Before nightfall, stop groups were positioned on high ground North of the enemy to prevent their escape under cover of darkness. Throughout the 18 July 1968, troops of 3 Commando were engaged in a fierce battle with a large gang of determined and well trained terrorists in the Kariba area of North Mashonaland. Footnote Tourle was presented with his Bronze Cross of Rhodesia (B.C.R.) by the President, the Honourable Clifford Dupont, at the first investiture of Rhodesian awards to be held at Government House, Salisbury, on 13 October 1971, the citation stating: ‘Warrant Officer Tourle, as Commando Sergeant-Major, 3 Commando, has on two occasions commanded elements of his commando and shown outstanding powers of leadership and personal bravery of the highest order on active operations.
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