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High Adventure History
$4.50

Green Leader Decal

Tribute decal for Squadron Leader Christopher John Taylor Dixon, better known by his call sign "Green Leader". In 1978, following the downing of the civilian Air Rhodesia Flight 825 by ZIPRA guerrillas, the Rho Government planned retaliatory strikes against ZIPRA bases across the border in Zambia. The attack, later code-named Operation Gatling, was to be led by Dixon. Upon crossing the border in his English Electric Canberra bomber, he contacted the control tower at Lusaka Airport identifying himself as "Green Leader" informing them to contact the Zambian Air Force commander at Mumbwa. Dixon told the tower to communicate to the commander that he was temporarily taking control of Zambian airspace on behalf of the Rho Air Force. He clarified in the message that the reason was to attack "Rho dissidents and not against Zambia" and stated Rho had no quarrel with Zambia. He did, however, warn the Zambian authorities not to interfere and stated that the Rho were orbiting Zambian airfields and had orders to shoot down any Zambian Air Force planes that attempted to take off. He also had civilian aircraft approaching Zambia put on hold. He kept control until 10 minutes after the RhAF had completed their raid after a Kenya Airways pilot complained about whom had control of the airways (which Lusaka had responded "I think the Rho do"), Dixon said that the airport could let civilian aircraft land.

The exchanges were broadcast on television and radio by the Rho Broadcasting Corporation. Dixon's role in the raid was commemorated in the song "Green Leader" by John Edmond as he was considered a hero in Rhodesia for his actions. He later led the bombing raid against ZIPRA in Operation Vanity over Angola flying an English Electric Canberra bomber but almost had to abort participation due to a radio fault. For his military successes, he was awarded the Defense Cross for Distinguished Service on April 13, 1979.

Following the end of his military service, Dixon remained in the newly reconstituted Zimbabwe until his death in 2011.

4.5x3 inch decal printed on high quality, weather resistant vinyl