Agila was the British contribution to an International (largely Commonwealth) cease-fire monitoring mission, principally along the Rhodesian-Zambian border. It provided reception centres for disarming fighters in the run up to the second round of post-
UDI elections in Rhodesia (the first round remaining un-recognised by the international community).
Troops from UK, Australia, New Zealand, Kenya and Fiji assembled and were distributed around the country to one of 16 declared assembly areas, supported by RAF and Army helicopters. A cease-fire had been arranged, for the opposing forces to enter the areas and register themselves and their weapons, although this was not a disarmament and the atmosphere was very tense throughout. Towards the end of the deployment, around the elections proper, a contingent of UK Police were sent as election observers. Early in March, preparations began for the withdrawal and most
Agila personnel converged on New Sarum airfield for flights home.
As well as British, Australian and New Zealand aviation assets, the US and Canada also provided fixed wing support. This deployment was known as
Operation Midford to the Kiwis.