Military History - Southern Africa:BushveldNET

Layout Table~~~~364~364~~

Military History~Southern Africa - Angola, SWA Namibia, South Africa~~~364~4599~%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3EMilitary History - Southern Africa%3Cbr%3EWars and conflicts, politics.%3CBR%3EBooks covering terrorism guerrila tactics conflicts in Southern Africa, the elite South African special forces, Recce Paratroopers, elite parachute battalions, psuedo-terrorist units, helicopter pilots, insurgency counterinsurgency techniques, guerrilla warfare counter-guerrilla warfare, swapo unita koevoet nis anc sadf saaf south west africa, buffalo soldiers. Colonization & independence, terrorism, freedom fighters, armed struggle . Includes popular titles%3A A Greater Share of Honour - Jack Greeff, Buffalo Soldiers - Story of South Africa’s 32-Battalion%3A 1975-1993 by Col. Jan Breytenbach, Mercenary Commander - Col Jerry Puren as told to Brian Pottinger, On South Africa%27s Secret Service - Riaan Lauschange, South African Air Force - Peter Dancey, The Silent War%3A South African Recce operations 1969 - 1994 - Peter Stiff, Warfare by Other Means%3A South Africa in the 1980s and 1990s by Peter Stiff~

19 with a Bullet: A South African Paratrooper in Angola - Granger Korff~A fast-moving, action-packed account of Granger Korff's two years' service during 1980/81 with 1 Parachute Battalion at the height of the South African 'bush war' in South West Africa (Namibia) and Angola. Apart from the 'standard' counter-insurgency activities of Fireforce operations, ambushing and patrols, to contact and destroy SWAPO guerrillas, he was involved in several massive South African Defence Force (SADF) conventional cross-border operations, such as Protea, Daisy and Carnation, into Angola to take on FAPLA (Angolan MPLA troops) and their Cuban and Soviet allies.Having grown up as an East Rand rebel street-fighter, Korff's military 'career' is marred with controversy. He is always in trouble - going AWOL on the eve of battle in order to get to the front; facing a court martial for beating up, and reducing to tears, a sergeant-major in front of the troops; fist-fighting with Drug Squad agents; arrested at gunpoint after the gruelling seven-week, 700km Recce selection endurance march - are but some of the colourful anecdotes that lace this account of service in the SADF.
March 2009. Softback, 376 pages 234 x 153mm 6 x 9, 75 colour & b/w photos, 2 maps.~Reader's Comments

"Totally authentic, I-was-there account of a real 'soldier's war' ... by a boots-on-the-ground troopie".
James Mitchell, Star

"… brought back the heat and dust of Ovambo like a sucker punch."
Leon Engelbrecht, defenceWeb

"A blood-pounding shoot 'em up; from a boots-on-the-ground paratrooperfighting Swapo terrorists in southern Africa. A must for the student ofunconventional warfare."
Lt-Col Robert Brown, Soldier of Fortune

"A vivid description of the Border War as seen through a young Parabatconscript's eyes: the tracking, the contact, the confusion of war, thedeaths. The writing of the period in the army is fluid and compelling ... and brutal."
David McLennan, Select Books

"Opinionated, brash, brutally honest and bloody marvellous. I loved it."
Jacqui Thompson, bestselling author of An Unpopular War

"A fascinatingly tough read, a compelling trip into the insanity of war."
Robert C. Mason, bestselling author of Chickenhawk

"An instant classic."
Kevin Richie, The Star~19 with a Bullet|X ISBN 9781920143312|~364~12456~~

32 Battalion - The Inside Story of South Africa's Elite Fighting Unit - Piet Nortjie~32 Battalion is the gripping inside story of South Africa's most controversial fighting unit of the 1970s and 1980s. Originally formed in order to lend support to the FNLA and UNITA in the Angolan war, 32 Battalion quickly gained the reputation of being an unconventional, secretive, yet highly effective group. Written by a man who was intimately involved with the unit and served as its Regimental Sergeant Major for two years, the book aims to explode the myths surrounding the legendary 32 and set the record straight. It records how and why 32 Battalion was formed, explores its unique identity forged by the men who fought in it, details the many operations in which they participated, and concludes with its eventual disbandment at the dawn of a new South Africa.What they did, and how they did it, would earn this controversial group official recognition as the best fighting unit in the South African Army since World War II.
ISBN 9781868729142, June 2004. Softback 315 pages, ~~32 Battalion|ISBN 9781868729142|32 Battalion|ISBN 9781868729142|~364~11484~32 Battalion~

A Cook's Tour of Duty - Peter Chapman~Memoirs of a conscripted National Serviceman, who served in the South African Army Service Corps between 1978 and 1980, including a year in South West Africa (now Namibia).
ISBN-13 978-1-920169-15-2, August 2006. Paperback A5, 131 pages.~JDP Publishing
Paperback
ISBN-10 1-920169-15-6
ISBN-13 978-1-920169-15-2
131 pages
Size A5
Publication Date 1 August 2006

~A Cook%27s Tour of Duty|ISBN-13 9781920169152|~364~11335~South African Army Service Corps~

A Greater Share of Honour: The Memoirs of a Recce Officer - Jack Greeff~The first major first person account of South African special operations written by a former Recce operator, Major Jack Greeff. As a young Staff Sergeant in the South African Special Forces Recces, Jack Greeff became one of the most decorated soldiers in the SADF. Leading two-man reconnaissance patrols deep into enemy held territories and operating under the noses of the enemy, they collected vital strategic information on enemy movements and installations. Using the information gathered, he led raiding parties to the targets to execute what were probably the biggest and most daring acts of sabotage in recent military history. The author also tells in detail how men, both black and white, trained together and fought a common enemy to create one of the most respected Special Forces units of its time. He chronicles the many operations in which he participated; from the start of his career in Operation Savannah (Angola) through to the almost catastrophic battle at Eheki (Angola) and the months spent as D Squadron Rhodesian SAS on external operations in Mozambique.
ISBN 0620279990. 1st Edition 2001. Out of Print. Red front cover shown on Detail Page.
ISBN13 9781920315061. 2nd revised Edition. 2008. POD publication. Cover shown on left. Softback 366 pages. Produced in 2 versions - "Colour" - 51 colour & 69 B/W photos & maps, "Black/white" - 120 B/W photos & maps .
NOTE - see 'Special Offers' section at bottom of this page~1st Edition
Ntomeni Publications, 2001.
ISBN 0620279990
Stiff Soft Cover. 150x220mm. 172pp
Original publication (cover shown on left - now out of stock / print, very scarce collectors copy)

Second revised Edition, produced in 2 versions (B/W photos only, Colour & B/W photos)
JD Publishing, July 2008
ISBN-13 978-1-920315-06-1
Softcover, A5 size, 366 pages
(POD print, text font size usually larger than usual)

This is the first personal account of Recce operations during the South African bush war, by one of the top and most experienced Special Forces officers." His adventures reveal some of the most brilliantly planned and executed special operations in the history of the SADF.The stories and numerous photographs, take the reader into the world of clandestine war, African guerilla warfare and undercover operations. The author not only gives an extraordinary knowledge into the secret world of South African Defence Force special operations, but also a great knowledge of modern warfare stategies and of the great battles of the past.

Jack Greeff's story gives a unique glimpse into the life and times of one of the very few elite warriors that we came to know as "recces". These soldiers, correctly known as 'Special Forces Operators', were truly special. Their selection was tough (arguably the toughest in the world) with a tiny percentage of those who applied making the grade. Their training was even tougher, culminating in an actual operation against the enemy so that those who were eventually able to wear the Compass Rose and Operator's badge knew that all others who did so had been through the same gruelling selection and training. Jack was already an accomplished soldier when he first attempted selection. He passed on his second attempt and finally joined this elite brotherhood. His story as related in this book chronicles the many operations in which he participated; from the start of his career in Operation Savannah through to the almost catastrophic battle at Eheki and the months spent as "D Squadron Rhodesian SAS". It also describes various strategic operations such as Amazone, Kerslig and Katiso.

Futhermore the Author reveals from his own experiences the advantages of operating in small groups. As detailed in the book, the success of his small group was such that his group was sent to help in other countries and in other desperate situations where his group of six, by means of stealth and suprise, took on hundreds of enemy. His small band was sent to Rhodesia to help the Selous Scouts in some of the tricky operations there. Quitely in the dark and stealth of night, and quickly out by means of a helicopter the next morning was their trademark.

The authors reference to his naming of the title of the book is most interesting. The author quotes from an adress by King Henry V to his band of demoralized soldiers on the eve of the battle of Agincourt against a Superior French force. " If we are marked to die we are enough.and if to live, the fewer men the greater share of honour" A most highly recommended book.

Their bravery in action was awesome, and their friendship and loyalty to me a stranger in their land, matched it.
Harry McAllion - author of Killing Zone. Former British Paras, Recce, 22 SAS, RUC.

And though they are extraordinary proficient in the use of small arms and have conducted some of the hairiest operations in modern warfare, the Recces are far more valuable to the SADF as eyes and ears
Capt (Ret) Larry Bailey. US Navy SEAL. Soldier of Fortune June 1993.~Select Edition||A Greater Share of Honour (2nd Edition B/W)|ISBN13 9781920315061 BW|A Greater Share of Honour (2nd Edition Colour)|X ISBN13 9781920315061 C|~364~1493~A Greater Share of Honour, Jack Greeff, South African special forces operations force Recces~

A Secret Burden: Memories of the Border War by South African soldiers who fought in it - Edited by Dr Karen Batley~This collection of poetry and prose, written by young, white South African conscripts deployed during the 'Border War' in Angola and Namibia, provides an intimate, sometimes shocking, glimpse of an important era in South Africa's history which has hitherto been swept under the carpet. Very few are aware of the sheer horror experienced by the young conscripts, or of the physical and emotional scars many of these 'walking wounded' carry to this day. A Secret Burden constitutes a literal unburdening for those whose voices have been silenced for too long. According to Justice Yvonne Mokgoro, Judge of the Constitutional Court of South Africa, who wrote the foreword to this book, '… it is greatly to be hoped that this work can bring about more compassion and understanding in a country that desperately needs it.'
ISBN 9781868422906, Sept 2007. Paperback 133 pages~~A Secret Burden|ISBN 9781868422906|~364~11990~border war~

Above Board and Under Cover - Capt Ivor C Little (SAN) (Rtd) R190~Ivor Little joined the South African Nautical College “General Botha”, which lead to a life at sea involving many demanding experiences. He worked hard and qualified as a Master Mariner at the age of 24 – a record at the time! By then he had virtually sailed the world and he describes in fine detail the personalities with whom he worked, the ports and cities he visited and the many ships on which he served. The book is unique if only for this characteristic. Thereafter some years of hard work contributed to the land-based years of his professional life, unrelated to those of a Master Mariner. All of his activities were as the book’s title indicates, 'Above Board', though some years were made very difficult being 'Under Cover' in a foreign country, described in his detailed manner. Later he served the South African Defence Force during its period of transition to its new organization. He was then posted to the newly created Defence Secretariat, where he worked at top level until he decided to leave his desk. The sea then called once more and the book takes us again on many and various vessels, from Tristan da Cunha to the Mediterranean. Ivor Little’s experiences and dealings with people range from Anneline Kriel, Adriaan Vlok, Naas Botha, Chris Barnard, FW de Klerk to Defence Secretaries of Africa and Russian delegations - all the anecdotes make an interesting read! The transition from SADF to SANDF is also reflected in his experiences which vary from Training, Public Relations to Counter-Insurgency Operations.
ISBN 13 978-1-920315-50-4. Nov 2009. Softback A4, 235 pages.~~Above Board and Under Cover|X ISBN13 9781920315504|~364~12810~~

Altered States - Frank Nunes~The memoirs of Frank Nunes recording his time in the South African Army during the 1980s. We follow his adventures through his two years National Service as he tries to get into the Parabats, then gets sent to 8 South African Infantry (8 SAI) and to the Border.
"...... Life is full of change, either small personal changes or at times large unpredicted changes that seem to occur outside of our control. The important element in this, is the way in which we react and then deal with each of these when we meet them. This will not only determine the final outcome, but also have a lasting effect on your life moving forward. The mind interprets these forces and reactions to form an 'Altered State', something that human's are capable of recalling at will as a memory or a feeling of Deja Vu. From these events we learn hopefully that we need to leave that experience in the past but at the same time learn from it. Use it in the present and build a new way forward. In my own life, conscription was not a choice, and I only got through it by using humour as a coping tool. At the same time for me it was a life changing event that taught to me how to accept responsibility, to value team work, camaraderie , trust, and that antaganism, violence and war are not good fixes to lifes problems. True forgiveness and the ability to work together on a common goal is paramount to success. By the same token, humour and having fun throughout life is just as important, and presents itself everywhere, but one has to look for it to find it.. The military is full of humourous anecdotes and situations. I hope this book allows you to cope with your own Altered States and enable to stand back and if possible get through it with a more positive outcome......"
ISBN: 978-1-9201-6942-8, April 2008. Paperback, 338 pages. 2 versions produced - 'Colour' (Colour & B/W photos), & 'B/W' (B/W photos). ~The memoirs of Frank Nunes record his time in the South African Army during the 1980s. We follow his adventures through his two years National Service as he tries to get into the Parabats, then gets sent to 8 SAI and to the Border.

From the Author:

" ..... …Of the several 'altered states' experienced in my life, the events pertinent to this personal reflection occurred throughout the duration of my two year period as a military conscript, in mandatory National Service in South Africa.

Sure, the military genre is not everyone's topic of choice, but this book concentrates more on the life changing experiences during my training. For those who feel they are not well versed in military doctrine, it is actually a tradition more than an institution. The military instils in one the character traits of obedience, honour, bravery, pride and comradeship by applying rules, uniformity and leadership. This system creates an environment which is capable of producing experiences that are extremely boring and staid one minute and full of adrenaline-pumping physical activity the next.

It has the ability to take one's emotional barometer from a negative reading one instant, to an overpoweringly positive emotional experience the next. At times, as impossible as this may seem, the army was even capable of producing a feeling of no emotion whatsoever, a state of numbness which is difficult to imagine unless one has experienced it.

There is a second intentional and more literal meaning in this title too. Whilst serving on the border, we always referred to home, South Africa, as 'The States', which at the time was also undergoing its own changes in our absence. Mostly these changes took shape in respect to politics, crime, business, financial markets and the increasing international pressures on the Apartheid policies of the day.

The essence of ALTERED STATES is the message that we have the ability to accept change and to ensure a positive outcome. I survived military service by using humour as a tool, even though at times circumstances were dire and life threatening. Most ex servicemen I have spoken to readily agree that at the time of service they found it tough, some hated the daily regime while others were more accepting. But collectively they strongly concur that they cannot let go of the powerful memories, feelings of camaraderie, shared purpose and friendships made during their years of service....."

An extract from the book

"One evening at 101 Battalion base, we went off to the camp canteen which was packed solid. In the corner was an old television set mounted on a wall bracket and a newly acquired video machine. They were showing a music video marathon, a very rare treat and the attendance was outstanding.

In fact we could not find space to fit into the canteen, so we sat outside smoking and watching through an open window. The VCR must have been brand spanking new because everyone seemed to have a go at fiddling to get the manual tracking right. Eventually someone came to the rescue, stopped the sporadic slipping of the picture and the night of pop videos commenced and continued into the wee hours. It is so much simpler these days with digital DVD equipment, it just works!

Well the same tape must have been played several times in succession. In particular I remember the Blondie clip 'The Tide is High' and Ultravox with 'Vienna.'

The video evening was escapism at its very best. As for our day job, after patrol duty, we would to retreat to the closest base for dinner, a shower and a hard army bed. I think mostly it was about sourcing a hot meal, but on some occasions we were denied entry and were forced to rough it in the bush. Either way we would spend a lot of time making small talk, cracking jokes, listening to music when we had batteries for the tape cassette player or at times rereading the latest letter or two. There was also a lot of time allocated to daydreaming and philosophising. I distinctly remember dissecting every lyric, every guitar riff and tune from Pink Floyd's 'The Wall' album. I was trying to find its true meaning, which was eventually and instantly revealed when I watched the music video several years later. But had I arrived at the same conclusion anyhow.

Everyone also wanted their own bit of quiet time, spending 24 hours a day with the same group of people, especially out of wedlock, can become taxing. Each of us had our own preference regarding singular recreation. Carl would sit under a bush and smoke, while writing poetry or drawing pictures in his little notebook. Most took lots of snoozes. In order to develop ideas on prospective careers, I used this time to rotate and talk to the guys who had come from working jobs, or those in apprenticeships. I was still undecided on my future plans….."

And another extract......

"….Leave pass was always good for a number of reasons, namely: no queues, no communal bathrooms, excellent home cooked meals, a comfortable bed and matching pillows, a real towel, hot water, no 2.4 km morning run, real soap, shampoo, no bluestone, real cutlery and crockery, soft toilet paper, friends, family and an undoubtedly positive reception. There was all this to look forward to, even though every time I got home, less of my clothing fitted me. Apart from my trusty, bright red, Adidas tracksuit top, this had stretched two sizes bigger in the wash. What a bargain! At the end of the leave period I got dad to drop me off at Johannesburg train station and caught the pre-arranged bus ride back to Upington.

The ride back was always tedious and every town we passed took us that much further from our homes and closer to the camp. People talked, laughed, boozed, ate and slept. By the time we reached Upington, we were all in agreement that thankfully the sitting was over. Once back at barracks, we exchanged leave stories as the rest of the troops trickled in slowly from around the country. The men who were already parents seemed to be missing their kid's youth and watching them grow. It must have been particularly tough on them. All said and done, the next day was going to be just another day in the army, and things were going to be done the army way, there really was no option."~Select Edition||Altered States (B/W)|ISBN-13 9781920169428|Altered States (Colour)|X ISBN-13 9781920169428 colour|~364~11387~south african army, parabats 8 SAI~

An Unpopular War: From Afkak to Bosbefok - Voices of South African National Servicemen - JH Thompson~In the seventies, eighties and nineties, conscription had a profound effect on hundreds of thousands of young men, particularly those who had to serve in the Angolan war. This book is a collection of reflections and memories of that time, collected by JH Thompson, who interviewed men who did the South African National Service. Contributors include ordinary soldiers, Special Forces members, helicopter pilots, chefs and religious objectors. The book is a fast, fascinating read that captures the spirit and atmosphere, the daily duties, the boredom, fear and other intense experiences of an SADF soldier. For everyone who did military service, as well as their loved ones, this book is a must.~~An Unpopular War|ISBN 9781770073012|~364~11485~South African National Service Special Forces members helicopter pilots religious objectors.~

At the Front: A General's Account of South Africa' Border War - Jannie Geldenhuys~Originally titled 'A General's Story', printed as hardcover (now out of print)
General Jannie Geldenhuys is widely regarded as one of the leading military commanders South Africa has ever produced. As Chief of the South African Defence Force from 1985 to 1990 he brought his experience to bear on the South African Border War, and was part of the negotiating team which brought an end to the conflict in 1989. In this completely revised and updated edition, Geldenhuys reflects on a life defined as much by a military career spanning more than four decades as it was by politics and indeed the need for peace on the African sub-continent. At the Front covers the years before and during the protracted Border War. But rather than a blow-by-blow official history, it consists of Geldenhuys' personal experiences and insights. These include facts unknown to civilians and even to some high-ranking military officials. In particular, Geldenhuys sheds light on the final years of the conflict and the negotiated settlement. Geldenhuys also writes of his early years, as he evolved from a rugby-mad young subaltern officer to a deep-thinking, reflective man with ever-sharpening insights into, war, peace, politics and, most of all, himself.
ISBN-13 9781868423316 Feb 2009. Trade Paperback 232x150mm. 288 pages.~~At the Front|ISBN-13 9781868423316|~364~12508~~

At Thy Call We Did Not Falter - Clive Holt~A frontline account of the 1988 Angolan War, as seen through the eyes of a conscripted soldier ( 61Mech).
This book is a brutally frank and refreshingly honest account, seventeen years after the fact, of a teenage national serviceman's exposure to and experiences in the war in Angola. It does not glorify or demonise war, but tells the real story of so many young white South Africans like Holt who were sent into battle against overwhelming forces less than a year after finishing school. This book will resonate with the vast majority of those men, now entering or in middle age.The timing of the book is extraordinarily fortunate, coming just as interest in Cuito Cuanavale is being revived, with moves afoot to arrange battlefield tours, and debates raging anew in military and veteran circles about who the victors and vanquished were. At Thy Call has the hallmark of a classic battlefield biography, as well as providing a window into the world of post-traumatic stress disorder. It is a riveting account of how a government took schoolboys and turned them into killing machines.
ISBN 9781770071179. Zebra 2005, softback, 195 pages~Zebra
ISBN 9781770071179.
2005, softback, 195 pages

At Thy Call We Did Not Falter is a gripping frontline account of the Angolan war, as seen through the eyes of a 19-year-old conscripted soldier. It tells the story of so many young white South Africans who, like him, were sent into battle against ' overwhelming forces straight after completing school.

Clive Holt was at the Battle of Cuito Cuanavale, where the South African Defence Force supported the rebel movement Unita after a massive build-up of Cuban and Angolan troops. It was the bloodiest and most significant battle fought by South African troops since World War II.

With diary extracts, previously unpublished photographs and a riveting narrative, this book transports the reader into the firing line and the dark realms of war. At Thy Call We Did Not Falter is a classic account of war, as well as a window into the world of post-traumatic stress disorder. It is a chilling account of how a government took schoolboys and turned them into killing machines.

Clive Holt was born in East London, South Africa, and started his national service in January 1987. During his time in the army, he was involved in several operations inside Angola, as a result of which he suffered post-traumatic stress disorder. He now lives in Australia with his wife and children, and works as a marketing consultant.

~At Thy Call|ISBN 9781770071179|~364~11486~angola~

Barrel of a Gun: Misspent Moments in Combat - Al J Venter~Sequel to 'War Dog: Fighting Other People's Wars - The Modern Mercenary in Combat - Al J Venter' (Listed below)
Al Venter has spent most of his adult life covering wars. From these 40 years has emerged his latest book which, for want of something better, he has called Barrel of a Gun. This book covers many of Venter's exploits, starting with his first real experience of conflict after he'd landed in Nigeria following the Ibo-led putsch that eventually led to the Biafran Civil War. From there he went on to cover the wars that the Portuguese were then fighting in a desperate rear-guard series of guerrilla conflicts to retain their African colonies in Angola, Mozambique and Portuguese Guinea (today Guiné-Bissau). Then came Beirut, Rhodesia, the Congo, huge dollops of the Middle East, South Africa's border wars in Angola and the consequential overflow into Zambia, Uganda, Liberia, El Salvador, the Balkans - where he went in twice - once with the United States Air Force over Kosovo and afterwards with mine-clearing teams in Croatia, Executive Outcomes (twice into Angola and once in Sierra Leone) as well five weeks with mercenary South African helicopter pilot Neall Ellis in the subsequent Sierra Leone war against the RUF rebels. There he flew combat in an antiquated M-24 Russian gunship that leaked when it rained. Since then, Al Venter spent a lot of time covering some of South Africa's security problems, including more than a month with para-military units active against drug elements along the Tugela River in KwaZulu/Natal. One recent phase in South Africa involved a brief spell in the mountains on horseback, and not the first time either. He was attached to a mounted unit along the Angolan Border in earlier days, not long before one of the soldiers was blown up by a Soviet TM-57 anti-tank mine. Venter has been twice injured in combat, once when a TM-57 detonated under his APC while with a long-range penetration group deep behind enemy lines in Angola and another time, through his own stupidity, that destroyed all hearing in his left ear ......
Planned release date: - July 2010

(ITEM CODE - BOAG)~~~364~12914~~

Bloodsong ! First hand accounts of a modern private army in action, Angola 1993-1995 - Jim Hooper~Executive Outcomes was the title of the most successful mercenary army of modern times, having been involved in Angola, Sierra Leone and Papua New Guinea. This is the story of Executive Outcomes' operations whilst in Angola. The eyebrow raising fact here is that Executive Outcomes' top staff were former South African Defence Force soldiers who had fought against that very same Angolan government in the Bush campaigns of the late 1970s and 1980s. Many of the EO members had served in the finest Special Forces units in South Africa.
ISBN 0007119151 Hardback; 240pp; 24pp colour, bw pics, maps
ISBN 000711916X Paperback, 240pp; 24pp colour, bw pics, maps

NOTE - See latest book by the founder of Executive Outcomes - Executive Outcomes: Against all Odds - Eben Barlow below.~~Bloodsong! Hardback|ISBN 0007119151|Bloodsong! Paperback|ISBN 000711916X|~364~1496~Executive Outcomes, mercenary guerrilla army angola unita private war,~

Border-Line Insanity: A National Serviceman's Story - Tim Ramsden~Tim Ramsden served his time as a National Serviceman in the SADF's elite Mechanised Battalions and tells his story from his tough training days to the SADF's final confrontation with Cuban armoured forces during the last days of the border war before a peace deal with Angola and Cuba was finalised in New York in December 1988. The book includes the journey's of three of the author's National Service comrades who were captured and imprisoned in Mozambique. The author also details his trip to the Namibian/Angolan border several years later to visit people who are no longer his enemies. The book includes many photographs that were illegally taken by the author who covertly carried a camera with him wherever he went.
ISBN 978-1-919854-24-3. June 2009. Softback 242 x 168mm, 352 pages + 32 pages of colour photos and map.~Border-Line Insanity offers the reader an insight into the life and times of a conscripted white soldier in the ranks of the South African Army during the border war fought in SWA/Namibia and Angola. In 1984, as an 18-year-old high school graduate, the author was thrust into a world of strict order, discipline, character building and a subtle brainwashing that moulded him into the soldier he needed to be for his mandatory two-years National Service, followed by ten years as a reservist in the Citizen Force.

The author takes the reader through his training and explains the unbreakable bonds of comradeship that developed between the members of his platoon. After the completion of basic training he experienced a spell of peacekeeping duty in a black South African township that had been subjected to political unrest. From there his platoon was deployed to the SWA/Namibian-Angolan border where they learned to live rough in the bush and where the author saw and smelt death and experienced the insanities that went with it. The platoon was then deployed to South Africa’s border with Mozambique to stem the flow of refugees where three of his comrades were captured and imprisoned by the Mozambique army.

Called up as a Citizen Force soldier in 1988, the author joined an armoured battle group that had been hurriedly formed to repel two Cuban armoured brigades that were threatening to invade SWA/Namibia east of Ruacana. Fortunately, when both forces were on the brink of a major battle, a peace deal between South Africa, Cuba and Angola, was being signed in New York, so Cuba withdrew its forces. This signalled the end of the Border War.

The book is richly illustrated with photographs illegally taken by the author who covertly carried a camera with him wherever he went, despite it being a chargeable offence. This provides what is probably the best published photographic record of South African National Service.

NB The book includes the SADF’s Roll of Honour which lists almost 2,500 of its honoured dead killed on active service during the Border War and the complete roll of the SADF’s Honoris Crux awards for bravery. ~Border-Line Insanity|X ISBN 9781919854243|~364~12534~~

Borderstrike! South Africa into Angola. 1975-1980 - Major Willem Steenkamp~When first published in 1983, it sold out almost immediately. A reconstruction of the early "external operations" of the South West African/Namibian border war between 1978 and 1980, it remains a standard reference work to this day. This was a significant publishing event because it showed how the nature of the border war had changed irrevocably, from the occasional ad-hoc "hot pursuit" of SWAPO insurgents into a full-blown semi-conventional conflict. It heralded the shape of things to come, which was to culminate in the fierce later battles of 1988/89, when South Africans and UNITA slugged it out toe-to-toe with the Soviet-supported and led forces of the Angolan government (Cuban & Russian). Out of print for many years, Borderstrike! has long been a sought-after item among those interested in African wars. Now reprinted with new information, new chapters and many new postscripts and annotations.
ISBN-13 978-1-920169-00-8, Mar 2006, 3rd Edition. Softback A4 350 pages~JDP Publishing
Cover Type Softback
ISBN-10 1-920169-00-8
ISBN-13 978-1-920169-00-8
No of Pages 350
Size A4
Publication Date 1 March 2006 - 3rd Edition

The first shots of a long war.

A generation ago soldiers of the South African Army slipped discretely over the northern border of what was then South West Africa on the country's first real external combat operation since World War II. Operation Savannah marked the start of a protracted campaign, part counterinsurgency and part conventional, that did not end until 1989, a decade and a half later. The book also covers the other external operations that the South Africans military were involved in - Operation Reindeer (May 1978), Operation Revenge (August 1978), and Operation Sceptic (June 1980).

In 1983 Willem Steenkamp wrote the first detailed account about the early days. Entitled "Borderstrike!", it went into two editions and is still a standard reference work on the place and period. In this new third edition, he has updated and greatly expanded his original work to provide what is virtually a new book; which retains most of the old material but has a great deal that is new.

Among the provocative comments, observations and revelations which emerge from the revised version of Borderstrike! are the following:

* Why the "border war" came within an inch of ending in 1978 instead of 1989 ... but didn't.

* How the Cold War drastically affected every single military war and insurrection in Southern and Central Africa for almost three decades.

* Why none of the three home-grown movements involved in the Angolan civil war had any proven legitimacy in terms of popular support.

* What was the real planning failure - not the flawed drop about which the Army and Air Force have been arguing for 3o years, but the actual defect - which nearly turned the 1978 Cassinga parachute attack into a disaster.

* Why did Operation Savannah end up becoming virtually a private war between the South Africans and Cubans?

* What happened to the three 5.5-inch guns the South African artillerymen had reluctantly abandoned after the disastrous Battle of Death Road on 10th November 1975?

* Why did the SWA/Namibia peace talks break clown on several occasions when they were close to a resolution?

* Was there a third alternative in 1975 which might have prevented both a protracted counter-insurgency campaign in SWA/Namibia and a South African incursion into Angola?

* How the frigate SAS President Steyn sneaked along the Angolan coast and snatched a top-secret South African mission which was in danger of being captured by the MPLA: the first time the full story has been told.

* How Savannah's tactical legacy, both good and bad, affected the South African military, then and much later.

* What happened to some of the "cast of characters" in later years.~Borderstrike! South Africa into Angola|X ISBN-13 9781920169008|~364~11337~Air Navy SADF Army Angola Russian CUBAN cuba, South Africa army,~

Buffalo Battalion: South Africa's 32 Battalion - Louis Bothma~"...In this book we are not the heroes and the enemy the villains; but also not vice versa. After all was said and done, 32 Battalion was not a beaten force that capitulated to the enemy at the conclusion of a war. It was a unit that was disbanded by the supreme high commander of the country's armed forces - the political head of state, F.W. de Klerk . .....".
It is the true story of white and black soldiers - South Africans, South-Westers (Namibians), Angolans, Australians, Britons, Rhodesians and others - who, through a combination of circumstances, landed up in the same battalion where they had to fight secretly for South Africa in a "terrorist war" beyond the country's borders. Written by a former 32 Battalion Platoon Commander, the book deals with more than just shooting. It is about who the men were, how they came to be together, what they learned from each other, and what happened in the bush; their fears and expectations, their tears and happiness, their camaraderie and loyalty towards one other. This book is not just for a military audience but, moreover, especially for those people who had never seen or understood the Border War; for parents,wives and children - for all who have respect for history and who want to hear the truth about that war. Contains a 31 page list of deceased members and a "graveyard report".Originally published in Afrikaans in 2006 ("Die Buffel Stuikel") , reprinted 6 times (10,000 copies sold), this book has been up-dated, corrected, and reproduced as a English edition.
"This book may be seen as a watershed contribution to the so-called Border War literature that, until now, has been dominated by journalists and writers with questionable motives" - Abel Esterhuyse of Militaria (SA Military Academy).
*** HIGHLY RECOMMENDED ***
ISBN 978-0-620-41523-1, Aug 2008. Softcover with 452 pages, 100 colour photos.

Out of Stock - UK. More stock expected mid Feb 2010.~Extracted from the book's Foreword

In this book we are not the heroes and the enemy the villains; but also not vice versa. After all was said and done, 32 Battalion was not a beaten force that capitulated to the enemy at the conclusion of a war. It was a unit that was disbanded by the supreme high commander of the country's armed forces - the political head of state, F.W. de Klerk .

After a visit to "the border" in 2001, I decided to write a book about the Border (or Bush) War, and specifically 32 Battalion XE "32 Battalion" , where I was a platoon commander in 1978. It had to be a book not just for a military audience but, moreover, especially for those people who had never seen or understood the Border War; for our parents, wives and children - for all who have respect for history and who want to hear the truth about that war.

I did not know what people were going to say about this book, but this is how it was - those years when boys had to be men. It is the true story of white and black soldiers - South Africans, South-Westers (Namibians), Angolans, Australians, Britons, Rhodesians (Zimbabweans) and others - who, through a combination of circumstances, landed up in the same battalion where they had to fight secretly for South Africa in a "terrorist war" beyond the country's borders. But rather than being the story of a cruel force of oppression, it is more a case study of how politicians can squander people in a war. It has been written for those who wish to see beyond race politics and economic growth, apartheid and democracy.

The book deals with more than just shooting. It is about who we were, how we came to be together, what we learned from each other, and what happened in the bush; our fears and expectations, our tears and happiness, our camaraderie and loyalty towards one other - even years after the battalion had been disbanded and we scattered in all directions.

We are not angry with our old enemies; they not with us. It is not necessary to lie about how brave we were, how cowardly they were; how many of them we shot dead, and how few of us fell. The war has left scars on both sides, also on the civilian population. That is why I dedicate the book to everyone.

Lastly, the book is not intended to open old wounds, but rather to heal and relieve us of baggage that should have been jettisoned and left behind a long time ago. All of us made mistakes in the bush; some fewer than others, some only less conspicuously than others. It was a war and we were young.

But the liars must not be seen to be the heroes and the honest ones the villains in the story of the Border War

This is an honest story - a sincere search for the sense of the Border War.

To preserve the storyline, I constructed the narrative around my own experiences and recollections. But I am only the narrator of the greater story; I myself only a minor link in a long human chain spanning many years.

Incidents and characters had to be balanced. I had to approach the task scientifically, but that was very difficult. Recording military history is a slippery terrain. Most of the characters in the book are still alive. They can refute one. That is why I took great trouble to involve as many of them as possible in the research. Just to track them down was a tough proposition. After that I had to travel far and wide to record their recollections on tape, and to collect documents and photos. Many were hesitant about coming forward. After repeated calls and e-mails some of them still decided to stay on the sidelines. There are many reasons for this. Most of the ex-servicemen do not realise that they made history, they are too modest, they do not believe that what they did is important within the whole context of the war, they are afraid that even more labels will be strung about their necks, they feel bad about mistakes they made years ago, and, last but not least, some are still angry with one another.

Because personal recollections - almost 30 years after the war - cannot be accepted blindly, I also had to consult the official documentation at the army's Documentation Centre in Pretoria. I had to submit an application, the documents had to be declassified, and in the end I had to wait two years for them. On top of that I did not get everything I had requested and which had been promised me. Nevertheless the personnel of the Documentation Centre were very friendly and I was well received.

Against this background it was sometimes very difficult - even impossible - to unearth the full truth. In some cases there are up to four versions of the same incident. Therefore I advise readers not to concentrate solely on the text but also to consult the endnotes and source references at the back of the book.

To compare what had happened in the bush with what people had heard or read at home, I had to work my way through piles of newspapers. Fortunately my good friend, Jaap Steyn, put his collection of press cuttings at my disposal and gave me good advice and guidance throughout.

Where I have made mistakes, they were unintentional. Where I point out the mistakes of other writers, it is not to criticise but to rectify.

Writing a history is something that is never finished. Accordingly, this book has also been a process.

The first edition of the Afrikaans version - Die Buffel Struikel: 'n storie van 32 Bataljon en sy mense - has had six reprints since it first appeared in November 2006. In the meantime I have been inundated with calls, e-mails and letters. Readers have generally applauded the book, but have wanted more. People with information and photos, which I otherwise would have traced with difficulty or possibly not at all, came forward. Some pointed out errors.

Consequently I revised and made further additions to the text, including an extra section with photographs, and altered the dust jacket. The 2nd Revised Edition of Die Buffel Struikel appeared in September 2007. It has had five reprints.

My good friend Ian Drennan began with the English translation during the latter half of 2007. Readers still wanted more, and information and photos came pouring in. From sheer necessity I conducted some additional interviews and two further visits to the "border". Following from those, the text and photos have been updated for the English version.

My email address and telephone numbers appear at the front of this publication. I would like to hear from readers.

I thank everyone who has made a contribution - however small - to this book. Their names are listed at the back in the sources.

A special word of thanks to my friend, Ian Drennan, who did the translation. Ian, with the support of his wife, Marianne, and their son Mark, has left a memorial to this work.

My thanks to my wife Chrizelmi and my son Louis for their unwavering support, encouragement and endless patience.

For the Lord of Hosts has prepared his plan: who shall frustrate it?
His hand is stretched out, and who shall turn it back? (Isaiah 14:27)

L.J. Bothma
Bloemfontein
August 2008

A Review

A vanished culture and a secret war
Christopher Merrett, 11 Feb 2009

THE recent past can become distant history very quickly as this book, with its illustrations, shows. It describes the character and role of a unit that grew out the Angolan civil war, was absorbed into the South African army and initially operated clandestinely north of the Namibian border.Louis Bothma has done an admirable research job, largely in the absence of official records. This is clearly a cathartic exercise, a search for personal meaning in the light of later political developments and the controversial disbanding of the battalion.

Politicians and generals fare badly - and deservedly so. Platoons of young white servicemen, like Bothma, leading foreign troops with whom they could barely communicate, were sent out for weeks on end into the bush. Signalling was only in English, although it is hard to imagine who this was meant to mislead. Their equipment was lacking, communication poor and intelligence often incomplete - they were poorly placed to face Swapo insurgents at company strength in a guerrilla war. Less than half of 32 Battalion's fatalities occurred in combat. The cock-ups were numerous.

Bothma weaves his personal story, past and present, skilfully into the bigger military picture and the regional political context. His accounts of specific operations are highly detailed and atmospheric,but require a dedicated military enthusiast to appreciate them fully.

This is not just the operational and social history of a secret war, but an account of a vanished culture. Bothma's declared intention to set the record straight and tell the truth has been honestly addressed. He isgenerous about past foes and the book ends on a practical and moving reconciliatory note.But there is something missing. Exactly why did 32 Battalion have such a poor reputation in human rights circles? And what was it up to in the Natal midlands in the nineties? On such matters, the book is silent.

Christopher Merrett~Buffalo Battalion|X ISBN 9780620415231|~364~12305~Buffalo Battalion, South Africa 32 Battalion, Louis Bothma~

Buffalo Soldiers - Story of South Africa's 32-Battalion: 1975-1993 by Col. Jan Breytenbach~32-Battalion was forged from guerrilla irregulars during the South African military intervention in Angola in 1975 under the code name Operation Savannah. The author, Colonel Jan Breytenbach, was its founding commander. Because of the secrecy surrounding it, 32-Battalion not only became one of the finest fighting units in the South African Army, it also became the most controversial.
ISBN 1-919854-07-X. Aug 2003. Softback, 350 pages, 142 X 168mm; lavishly illustrated with colour, b/w pics and maps.~ISBN 1-919854-07-X
Softback, 350 pages, 142 X 168mm;
Lavishly illustrated with colour, b/w pics and maps.

The Buffalo Soldiers is the story of South Africa's 32-Battalion, forged in battle from black guerrilla irregulars and white South African officers and NCOs during the South African military intervention in Angola in 1975. It was destined to become the most elite infantry unit in the South African Army's order of battle - it also became its most controversial.

The author, Col Jan Breytenbach, was its founding commander.

It is a soldier's story about warring in southern Angola and Namibia and about the enemies that 32-Battalion fought. It tells of insurgency and counterinsurgency, guerrilla warfare and counter-guerrilla warfare, almost conventional warfare and conventional warfare. It tells of a conflict that the world regarded as unpopular and unjust and in which South Africa was perceived as the aggressor.

The South African soldiers who fought in it, however, saw it as a conflict aimed at stopping what is now, Namibia, from falling into the hands of the Soviet and Cuban-backed SWAPO black nationalist political organisation. They believed that after Namibia, South Africa would be the next target. They saw the conflict as an extension of the Cold War, a war that was `Cold' on the frontiers in Europe, but very `Hot' war in Angola, in other parts of Africa and in South-East Asia.

The Buffalo Soldiers is effectively the story of how the South Africans fought the Angolan War, for there was scarcely a combat fighting action during its course that did not involve 32-Battalion.

'Battalion' was a misnomer for towards the end of the Angolan War 32-Battalion was more a mini brigade with two infantry battalions, an anti-tank squadron of Ratel armoured cars with 90mm guns and anti-tank missiles, two artillery batteries and an anti-aircraft battery.

With the collapse of the Soviet Union imminent, the war was finally resolved in 1989 by the democratic solution of UN supervised free and fair elections in Namibia. Since then, regrettably, there has been interference by the ruling party with the democratic constitution put in place in there which has eroded much of that hard won democracy.

With peace in place in Namibia, the unit was withdrawn to South Africa and deployed to combat MK infiltrations into South Africa. After the ANC's unbanning in 1990, its troops were redeployed to deal with political troubles, principally between armed ANC self-defence units and armed units of the IFP. The intrusion into the townships of black foreigners who were prepared to deal with the troubles robustly and without fear or favour, did not suit either the ANC or the IFP as they could not be subverted to support local causes because they held no local tribal allegiances.

This resulted in 32-Battalion becoming something of a bargaining chip at the CODESA talks where a new political dispensation was being sought for South Africa. Despite having borne the brunt of South Africa's war in Angola with the blood of its troops, the National Party Government, to its lasting shame, ordered its arbitrary disbandment in March 1993 as an act of political appeasement.

The Author:
Col Jan Breytenbach, a living legend in South Africa, is a tough but thinking fighting soldier with an independent turn of mind. He commenced his military career in tanks in the SA Army in 1950. He left in 1955 and joined the British Royal Navy's Fleet Air Arm as a navigator, taking part in the Suez landings of 1956. In 1961 he rejoined the SA Army and became a paratrooper. Few soldiers anywhere have had the privilege of forming a fighting unit, but he formed the three most elite units in the SA Army's order of battle. He was the founding commander of 1-Reconnaissance Commando - the forerunner of the present Special Forces Regiments (the equivalent of the British SAS), 32-Battalion itself which he forged in battle from FNLA guerrillas during the South African intervention in Angola in 1975, using a command element of Recce officers and NCOs, and 44-Parachute Brigade. While commanding 44-Para Brigade he led the successful 1978 paratrooper assault on SWAPO's main base at Cassinga - one of the largest airborne assaults anywhere since World War-II. Another first was his formation of the SA Army's Guerrilla School, which he commanded until his retirement in 1987. Since hanging up his uniform he has pursued a career as a full-time author.

The Buffalo Soldiers is his fifth book.~Buffalo Soldiers|ISBN 191985407X|~364~1497~southern africa elite special forces recces sas selous scouts parabats, koevoet south african police sap airforce army battalion, secret services nis, sadf swapo unita~

Canberra: In Southern African Service - M Hamence & W Brent~The authors have combined their efforts and brought out a tribute to the Canberra in southern africa service. The Canberra served with distinction in the Rhodesian Air Force and is recorded by Michael Hamence, who had served on that aircraft for several years. Winston Brent records its SAAF service, including its operational service over SWA/Namibia and Angola. He lifts the lid on the South African "Nuclear Era" and speculates which aircraft would have carried the "A-bomb". He records the Canberra in an Electronic Warfare role and includes an aerial photograph of the Soviet "spy ship" Kapushka, when it passed around the southern tip of Africa in 1989.
IBSN 0 958 38804 0. 2001. Size - 297x210mm, 96 pages, 26 colour & 65 b/w photographs.~~Canberra|X ISBN 0958388040|~364~12152~canberra~

Carry On Regardless: An Officer's Story - Lt Col Kevin Mulligan~The Personal Memoirs of a Citizen Force Officer in the Rand Light Infantry.
This book gives a remarkable glimpse into the career of a dedicated senior officer of the Citizen Force of South Africa. Formed in 1905, the Rand Light Infantry has carved a name for itself as one of South Africa's most famous regiments, earning the six battle honours emblazoned upon the Regimental Colour through outstanding service in two World Wars. Kevin Mulligan joined the RLI as a young captain in 1978. In 1983 he became the Commanding Officer and at 31 was the youngest colonel ever to have been appointed in the Regiment. Kevin commanded the RLI throughout the difficult years of the Bush War in South West Africa/Angola, retiring in 1990 at age 36 to play a role in helping to shape the future of the citizen soldier and the traditional regiments in the new political order. This book gives a remarkable glimpse into those times from the perspective of a dedicated senior office of the Citizen Force.
"Kevin Mulligan proved to be an outsanding commanding officer and an exceptionally good leader...this story is a record of unselfish devotion to duty and a compelling argument for the retention of proud military traditions..." - Brigadier General A. C.( Tony) Chemaly, SM MMM JCD
ISBN 13: 978-1-920169-87-9. March 2009. Paperback A5. 306 pages, B/W photos, illustrations.~~Carry On Regardless|X ISBN13 9781920169879|Carry On Regardless|ISBN13 9781920169879|~364~12478~Rand Light Infantry~

Charlie's Omega - Danie Van Den Berg~During the Bush War in South West Africa / Namibia not much was known about 31 Battalion. Due to the secrecy surrounding all activities during the Bush war, and especially at this Unit, it was virtually unknown till the late 1980's. When 31 Battalion was relocated to South Africa, it started to gain notice, but with many misconceptions. This book has few words, but lots of colour photos of the activities at Omega. Its focus is Charlie Company, in which the Author served as a 2nd Lt. It takes the reader through the history, starting years, Omega Base, Charlie Company, Operations, the Reunion and the way the base looks today. It is the result of contributions from both visitors and soldiers. They shared the feeling that this was the correct time to give the general public, historians and ex-soldiers an insight into what made 31Battalion tick. Their opinion was that the photos must speak for themselves and that the words only fill the gaps, to allow people to experience Omega as it was to its people, the best soldiers there have ever been.
ISBN: 978-1-9201-6935-0, A4 Softback. Jan 2007. 120 pages, full color pictures.~JDP Publishing
Cover Type Paperback
ISBN-10 1-920169-35-0
ISBN-13 978-1-920169-35-0
No of Pages 120
Size A4
Publication Date 15 January 2007

During the Bush War, and in fact even to this day, not much has been known about 31 Battalion or its people. The idea behind the book started when the author realised that very few books had been written about 31 BN, and not much had been shown about the people at the base or what they had done. Due to the secrecy surrounding all activities during the Bushwar, and especially at this Unit, it was virtually unknown till the late 1980's. When 31 Bn was relocated to South Africa, people started taking notice of Omega's people, often getting the wrong ideas due to incorrect, and often amusing, reporting.

This book is a coffee table book with few words, but has lots of candid photos showing the activities at Omega. The Book focuses on Charlie Company, the company seen as the most successful at this unit, which was the company with which the Author served as a young 2nd Lt. The Book takes the reader through the history of 31 Bn, including the starting years, the base at Omega, Charlie Company and its people , the operations, the Reunion and a brief look at how the base looks today (2006).

The book was the result of contributions from people who had been at the base, both as visitors and as soldiers. Most of them shared the feeling that this was the correct time to give the general public, historians and ex-soldiers an insight into what made Charlie Company tick. They also felt that it was of no use having photos, but denying the world outside the opportunity to experience the real Omega. The general opinion was that the photos must say everything and that the words must just fill the gaps, a book that will be on the coffee table, close to the fireplace, close to hand, so that one can page through it at any time and experience Omega as it was to its people, some of the best soldiers there have ever been, dedicated and trustworthy till the end.~Charlie%27s Omega|X ISBN-13 9781920169350|~364~11338~Namibia War South Africa Bushmen 31 Battalion~

Conflicting Missions: Havana, Washington, Pretoria - Piero Gleijeses~ This is a compelling and dramatic account of Cuban policy in Africa and of its escalating clash with US policy and later its direct military clashes with the South African Defence Force in Angola. It is the other side of a conflict that South Africans have not been told about until now.
ISBN 1-919-85410-X Hardback, 504pp; size 242 X 160mm, b/w pics and in-text illustrations. ~ISBN 1-919-85410-X Hardback,
504pp; size 242 X 160mm, b/w pics and in-text illustrations.

Conflicting Missions is a compelling and dramatic account of Cuban policy in Africa and of its escalating clash with US policy and later its direct military clashes with the South African Defence Force in Angola.

It is the other side of a conflict that South Africans have not been told about until now.

Gleijeses' narrative gallops from Cuba's first hesitant steps in rendering assistance to Algerian rebels fighting France in 1961, to the war in the Congo (later Zaire and now the Democratic Republic of Congo) in 1964-65, when 100 Cubans led by Che Guevara, acting in support of the Simba rebels, were confronted by white mercenaries from South Africa, Rhodesia, Britain and elsewhere - supported and controlled by America's Central Intelligence Agency.Gleijeses writes about the dramatic despatch to Angola of Cuban troops to aid the communist-inclined rebel MPLA movement in 1975. And how, being the rainy season, their destruction of the major river bridges in Angola's north contributed to halting the rapid and victorious advance of the seemingly unstoppable Battle Group Zulu of South Africa's SADF.

The blocking of Battle Group Zulu from reaching Luanda led to political decisions by the US Secretary of State, Henry Kissinger, to call off the CIA's IAFEATURE operations in support of UNITA and the FNLA and to South African Prime Minister John Vorster withdrawing all South African forces from Angola. This left the MPLA and its Cuban and other communist allies in control.

This was undoubtedly the most significant domino that would soon lead to the fall of white Rhodesia and ultimately to the handover of Namibia to SWAPO and finally to black rule in the Republic South Africa.

Piero Gleijeses analysis is clear, rigorous and balanced; the archival research supporting it is unprecedented. Not only is he the first historian to have gained access to closed Cuban archives, he also worked extensively in the archives of the United States, Belgium, Great Britain and East and West Germany.

In addition he interviewed many of the protagonists in the United States, Cuba and Africa - from the head of the CIA station in Luanda to Che Guevara's second-in-command in the Congo - and analysed the American, European, South African and other African press. The result is a remarkably comprehensive document that sheds new light on the history of those times. It revolutionises our view of Cuba's international role, challenges conventional beliefs about the Soviet Union in directing Cuba's action in Africa and provides. for the first time, a look from the inside of Cuba's foreign policy during the Cold War.

Piero Gleijeses, since 1972 has been the Professor of American Foreign Policy and Latin American Studies at the John Hopkins University, School of Advanced International Studies. He is fluent in four languages and can get by in another four including Afrikaans - although he has not yet set foot in South Africa. This has clearly assisted him greatly in his penetrating researches.

His book Conflicting Missions was awarded the 2003 Ferrell prize of the Society of Historians of American Foreign relations and it has been the subject of high praise by numerous reviewers.

He is the author of five books and monographs and has written numerous articles for journals, newspapers and journals as well as contributing chapters to a number of books.

He is presently researching a further book on the Cuban/Angolan situation which will record events leading up to the Cuban withdrawal from the country in 1989. This will incorporate Cuban, FAPLA, UNITA and South African standpoints of the bloody battles and political events that took place around Cuito Cuanavale during 1987-1989.~Conflicting Missions|X ISBN 191985410X|~364~1498~~

Chopper Pilot - Monster Wilkins~The personal experiences and exploits of Monster Wilkins, who was regarded as the SAAF’s top helicopter pilot, with over 6,000 hours, of which he has spent in excess of 4,000 hours on his favourite chopper the Alouette III. He details his service in the various operational areas, such as Angola, SWA/Namibia, Rhodesia and Mozambique. He was still serving as a brigadier-general at time of the original publication in 2000.
ISBN 0958388075. JDP 2008 (Redone / re-printed from original first published in 2000). Size - 297x210mm (A4), 152 pages. 181 Black and White, 37 colour photographs.~JD Publishing, 2008
Re-worked edition of original title first published in 2000

"Monster Wilkins joined the SA Air Force after leaving school and qualified for his Wings before he had a driving licence. He had his first flight in a helicopter (an Alouette II) in April 1965 and that was the start of a love affair which has grown stronger over the passing years.

In CHOPPER PILOT he tells us of some of his experiences, the places he has visited and the fun he has had while serving in the SA Air Force. He writes easily and with feeling and has the gift of describing events in graphic form...Monster is the most experienced helicopter pilot in the Air Force and is well qualified to introduce us to the great variety of roles of which this versatile aircraft is capable - and what a kaleidoscope of experiences this encompasses: Operations on our northern borders during the Border War, in an environment which was often decidedly unfriendly and where navigation at low level in difficult terrain with virtually no navigation aids was the norm; working with the SA Navy on the oceans round our coastline, where he chalked up nearly 900 deck landings; co-operating with the police during dagga (marijuana) raids; fighting runaway fires and rescuing people from the sea, from floods, from snow and from fires; and evacuating casualties from accidents, often in mountainous terrain, to safety"
. Lt General R.H.D. (Bob) Rogers SSA, SM, MMM, DSO, DFC (Ex-Chief of the Air Force.~Chopper Pilot|X ISBN 0958388075|~364~12632~~

Corporal K-9 - Peet Coetzee~Peet Coetzee, author of Special Forces "Jam Stealer" served in the South African Defence Force Dog School between 1968 - 74. He was an instructor of this Infantry Unit and this book is a recollection of his time during that period, as well as some of the experiences of his colleagues/students operating on border patrols / reconnaissance in other countries against the SWAP0. Dog School personel were all animal lovers who had volunteered to do the Army Dog Instructors course - they all originated from a wide spectrum of SADF units. Here for the first time, read about the exploits while training thier dogs, and the ultimate, the training of an Operational Tactical Platoon.
ISBN 9780981402086. 2008. Format - Paperback 160 pages, 220 photos (some in colour). ~~Corporal K-9|X ISBN 9780981402086|~364~11986~sadf dog school~

Dropzone Africa: Gunships and Paradaks: Blitzkreig in the Bush - Marius Whittle~Much has been written on airborne and airmobile warfare from a First World perspective, but very little has been written about Africa's own. The African - and especially southern African - operational theatres posed unique challenges. Foremost among the forces were the Portuguese, Rhodesians and South Africans during their various counter-insurgency (COIN) campaigns, with the helicopter playing a pivotal role with its mobility, firepower and shock effect. This book studies the role played by their airborne and airmobile forces during these campaigns as well as their equipment, doctrine and tactics. No book has ever attempted an authoritative study of such a large canvas - covering Algeria to Kolwezi, from Cassinga to Chimoio and also presents little-known airborne/airmobile forces of Belgium, Cuba, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Angola and the former South African 'homelands' of Ciskei, Transkei etc. The book will include full-colour diagrams of battles, detailed maps and many previously unpublished photos.
Hardback, approx 544 pages, about 300 photos, maps & diagrams.
Planned Release Date: July 2010

(ITEM CODE - DAGP)~Much has been written on airborne and airmobile warfare from a First World perspective, but very little has been written from Africa's. The African - and especially southern African - operational theatres posed unique challenges. The lack of infrastructure, the lack of key points to attack, as well as the lack of mobility facing conventionally mounted forces and their subsequent inability to respond rapidly over the types of distances inherent in most African operational theatres, all played a role in the development of a uniquely African approach to this type of warfare. France's experiences in Algeria and the birth of the helicopter 'gunship' and its associated tactics led the way.

Foremost among the forces operating in subsequent theatres were the Portuguese, Rhodesians and South Africans during their various counter-insurgency (COIN) campaigns, with the helicopter playing a pivotal role with its mobility, firepower and shock effect. This book studies the role played by their airborne and airmobile forces during these campaigns as well as their equipment, doctrine and tactics.

While it is safe to say that the advent of rotary-winged aircraft had a seminal impact on modern warfare, it had an even greater effect on the COIN battlefield. Combining both the advantages of the glider (concentration of force upon landing) and the parachute (vertical descent) and having none of their disadvantages, it changed the face of vertical envelopment overnight.

The book will provide a vast continental panorama of war - from Algeria to Kolwezi, from Cassinga to Chimoio. No book to date has ever attempted an authoritative study of such a large canvas.
The book also studies the little-known airborne/airmobile forces of Belgium, Cuba, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Angola and the former South African 'homelands' of Ciskei, Transkei etc.
The book includes full-colour diagrams of battles, detailed maps and previously unpublished photos.

The Author
Marius Whittle, a South African paratrooper who served during South Africa's Border War, has an Honours degree in Strategic Studies and a Masters degree in International Politics from the University of South Africa. Having published various articles, this is his first book. He is an accomplished public speaker on matters military. He lives and works in Pretoria.

Hardback, approx 448 pages, about 300 photos, maps & diagrams.
Planned Release Date: Aug 2010
(BOOK CODE - DAGP)~Dropzone Africa|X ISBN 9781920143435|~364~12762~~

Eagle Strike: The Story of the controversial airborne assault on Cassinga 1978 - Colonel Jan Breytenbach~Written by the highest decorated soldier in the South African Defence Force and author of several top class military books. Founder of top South African elite army units - the SA Special Forces (Recces), 32 Battalion, 44 Parachute Brigade, SA Guerrilla School, and the SA Pathfinders (The Philistines).
This is not only an autobiography but also a comprehensive journal of one of the greatest airborne assaults ever mounted in Africa. Colonel Jan Breytenbach planned, jumped in and led the paratroopers into the Battle of Cassinga in Angola with total commitment, superb strategy and leadership ability that has made him legendary in military circles worldwide. The book is lavishly illustrated with some 60 colour photographs, detailed map overlays and to crown it all, both the full Fit Chute lists as well as Colonel Breytenbach's original 20 page handwritten battle orders that he wrote at De Brug on 28 April 1978! There are numerous appendices that should further assist historians and students of military history.
Manie Grove Publishing, 2008. ISBN 9780620406147. 640 pages, 60 colour photos. Two editions available - Standard & autographed Limited editions
Standard Edition - 1.2kg
Limited Edition - 2kg. Limited signed and numbered leatherbound collectors edition, with slipcase (250 copies only). Strictly 1st come, 1st serve basis. VERY FEW COPIES LEFT! (By special arrangement - contact us first before ordering to ensure availability)~Manie Grove Publishing
May 2008
ISBN 9780620406147
2 Editions - Standard & Limited leatherbound with slipcase.
640 pages, 60 colour photos

This is the story of an audacious airborne assault, on 4 May 1978, on a SWAPO fortified base containing its Military Headquarters, logistical support, reserves and training facilities. The assault was supported by a very strong airstrike by bombers and fighters as well as by air transport to drop the paratroopers into battle in one of the major, post World War para drops, 250 kms deep behind enemy lines, and thus, of a necessity, the deployment of a veritable swarm of helicopters to extract the paratroopers back to safety. This required intensive combined planning and slick execution of the whole intricate operation through a Joint HQ deployed in the field.

Unfortunately the subsequent uproar in the International media, based on allegations that this assault was a brutal attack on a refugee camp, did much to detract from the incredible victory the SADF had claimed for the paratroopers and the air force.

Was it a refugee camp as claimed by the Third World and the Communist block, a SWAPO HQ and strategic military establishment as claimed by the RSA Government and the SADF, or a mixture of both as claimed by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission? Were the casualties mostly combatants or were they innocent civilians? This is the only personal account ever written by somebody on the SADF side who 'was actually there' and who was the commander of the paratroopers. It also brings to light much more than this brief outline, especially the dangerous nature of the whole enterprise through personal experiences, by paratroopers and air crews, and how and why it nearly became the most disastrous undertaking of the whole 'Bush War' era through uncalled for meddling by an outsider who should not have been there.

This rivetting account is told in nearly 640 pages replete with maps, the original pax lists (fit chutes manifests), the original handwritten opso's by Col Jan Breytenbach and over 50 colour images of the SWAPO base photographed by one of the paratroopers! This work is destined to become a reference work by which future airborne operations will be measured by.

Standard Edition
Limited Edition - Limited signed and numbered leatherbound collectors edition, with slipcase (250 copies only). Strictly 1st come, 1st serve basis. VERY FEW COPIES LEFT!

Accepting pre-orders, expected dispatch date from UK - end Nov 2008 (new stock). (Southern Africa customers - if ordering 'Eagle Strike' and/or 'Ongulumbashe' only, please select cheapest P&P in CheckOut - book will be dispatched from within SA).~Eagle Strike (Std Edition)|X ISBN 9780620406147|Eagle Strike (LTD Edition)|X ISBN 9780620406147 LTD|~364~11898~Cassinga Angola, Colonel Jan Breytenbach, paratroopers~

Executive Outcomes: Against all Odds - Eeben Barlow~Eeben Barlow a former lieutenant-colonel in the Permanent Force of the South African Defence Force, served in the Engineer Corp, the Reconnaissance Wing of the elite 32-Battalion, Military Intelligence and in the shadowy Civil Co-operation Bureau division of Special Forces.When the government arbitrarily disbanded the CCB Barlow found himself on the street. Taking advantage of his exceptional military skills he formed Executive Outcomes, a private company under whose aegis he was invited to train the SADF's Special Forces in intelligence skills and to stem the flow of stolen diamonds from the De Beers Corporation's properties.He was then invited to recruit a force of ex-servicemen retrenched from the SADF to assist an oil company in the recovery of equipment that they had been forced to abandon at Soyo in north-western Angola after it was overrun by UNITA rebels. EO's successes resulted in a contract to re-train the Angolan army and lead it in a fight to defeat the UNITA rebels.A contract to restore order in Sierra Leone and other like contracts followed, including one to rescue Western hostages taken by separatist rebels in Indonesia .
Aug 2007, ISBN-13 9781919854199, Softback 552 pages.~August 2007
552pp, 32 pages colour photographs
Six in-text maps and other in-text illustrations
Softback
ISBN-13 978-1-919854-19-9

Executive Outcomes is the model on which all Private Military Companies (PMCs) operating in Iraq and Afghanistan are based. Founded by author Eeben Barlow in the early 1990s he originally offered courses in intelligence to South Africa's Special Forces and security work to De Beers' diamond mining industry. This was greatly expanded in 1993 when an oil company offered EO a contract to provide security for its staff while they recovered valuable drilling equipment stranded at the Angolan oil port of Soyo - after its capture by UNITA rebels.

Barlow recruited ex-members of South Africa's elite military units for the job. EO was contracted for a month, but this ended up being extended and EO spearheading an Angolan Army assault on Soyo and its capture from UNITA. This highly successful operation led to a contract to retrain the Angolan Army. Both UNITA and MPLA had taken part in UN supervised elections in 1992, but UNITA had rejected the results after losing and it had returned to civil war.

During a hard-fought campaign, retrained Angolan Army units led by EO captured Cafunfu - the diamond producing area that funded UNITA's war effort. Eventually, international pressure spearheaded by the UN and the 'blood diamond' lobby, forced EO's withdrawal from Angola which quickly sank back into chaos. The UN's efforts to restore the situation achieved by EO for US$35 million, cost the world body many billions of dollars.

EO's next contract was in May 1995 when 200 men were despatched to Sierra Leone where RUF rebels, chopping off people's limbs and engaging in cannibalism, were marching on Freetown. EO smashed the rebels and this led to free and fair elections with a new government being elected. Pressures were again exerted which resulted in EO's withdrawal. In the place of its 200 troops the UN deployed 18 000 soldiers at a cost of US$1 billion per year. The rebels regrouped, frequently taking UN troops as hostages, and the country again sank back into an orgy of cannibalism and limb chopping.

There is much, much more to the Executive Outcomes' story and Eeben Barlow tells it the way it was in this no-punches-pulled account.

Media Reviews:

Interviewing Eeben Barlow is not an experience you would describe as comfortable.

It's not because he is a former CCB operative nor the fact that he is proficient in multiple ways of killing and maiming. It's because what he says not only makes a lot of sense, it also makes you somewhat ashamed of both yourself and your profession, journalism.

He doesn't like most journalists, whom he accuses of helping his enemies wage a vicious disinformation war against him and his company, Executive Outcomes, for many years.

"All that shit you wrote, all the garbage you passed on from the so-called 'sources' - where was even the slightest bit of evidence to back it up?"

In his newly-published book - Executive Outcomes, Against All Odds - Barlow savages many local and international journalists who, he says, willingly did "hatchet jobs" on EO.

I'm one of them. Back in 1993, my byline was one of three which appeared on a piece quoting former SA Defence Force Colonel Jan Breytenbach as saying EO was "training ANC hit squads" in Angola . (At the time, EO had been given a contract by the Angolan government to re-train the army - a project which effectively spelled the beginning of the end of Jonas Savimbi and his UNITA movement, as the Angolan forces were better trained and prepared for battle.) The alleged ANC squads had a hit list of prominent people, including himself, claimed Breytenbach. I don't even remember the story, save to know that Breytenbach was never one of my sources or contacts. But my byline was on the story and I must have contributed to it.

Did we ever try to get corroboration or confirmation of Breytenbach's claims? No. Why would we? Barlow and his bunch of ex-SADF "mercenaries" could only have been up to no good in Angola . After all, we told ourselves, why would they help the people who were once their enemies, unless they were being paid huge amounts and were involved in oil or diamond deals?

Barlow sits across from me in a Pretoria coffee shop, his blue eyes accusing. I have no answers. He has a point.

In conversation, Barlow echoes the litany of accusations and claims which were levelled against EO in the eight or so years it operated as a private military company in Africa and elsewhere: they committed atrocities, they were given huge diamond and oil concessions, that they were a front for Britain's MI6 secret service, that they fronted for the American CIA; that they were incompetent buffoons.

"Take the case of Sierra Leone (where EO helped the Freetown government crush RUF rebels): we were accused of committing atrocities against the local people. No proof. Nobody ever charged. No witnesses. The opposite was the case. As we went into action against the rebels in a new country and environment, we realised that we needed intelligence and information. And we got that from the local people, who realised that we were bringing stability and security after years of rape and murder by the rebels. We gave them some medical help and we made it safe for their (them) to go back to their normal lives. They helped us with the information we needed to mount our operations. Think about it - if we had been slaughtering them, would they have helped us?"

Barlow is correct. Neither the United Nations, whose peacekeeping troops replaced EO and who then virtually lost the country back to the rebels; nor the Sierra Leone government, has made any atrocity charges against the company.

"A professional journalist," Barlow says with just a hint of a sneer, "visited the country and wrote that the people were happy with our presence and what we achieved."

Angola , likewise, was an area where EO was repeatedly under fire, mainly from journalists in South Africa .

"You people," he says, "ignored everything we provided you in terms of intelligence about who was really benefiting from the continuation of the war between UNITA."

Those people were senior officials in the former SA government, companies and businessmen.

Barlow believes that UNITA's supporters in South Africa were making a fortune out of the diamonds-for-arms trade which saw the rebel movement exchanging gems for weapons which were flown into Angola from South African airfields.

"When General Ita (the then head of the Angolan military intelligence) told journalists this was happening and even provided registration numbers of the aircraft, nobody followed up on it." They actually verbally attacked Ita, claiming he was lying and then attacked the government for attacking UNITA.

He adds: "There are people who have a lot of blood on their hands - by prolonging the Angolan civil war, tens of thousands of people died.

"But I'm proud of what we in EO did and the sacrifices we made."

Undoubtedly, Barlow and the company made a lot of money contracting out their military expertise - he has long since ceased to care about being labelled a "mercenary" he says - but the costs of the EO intervention were miniscule when compared to that bucket loads of money spent by the UN and African Union whose troops replaced the South African company in Sierra Leone.

"What the Executive Outcomes experience proved was that there is a place in Africa - and the rest of the world - for private military companies. In our case, we did jobs that others either couldn't do or didn't want to do. And we did those jobs well, without any bias, because we were employed by legitimate governments."

In Angola , the company started off training the Angolan Army's 16 Brigade, but was also involved in some of the heavy fighting against UNITA. Barlow says that it was more the comprehensive training given to the Angolans which enabled them to turn the tide against UNITA, rather than EO's own combat team: "we had only 500 people, spread out around Angola and you can't win a war like that with that number of soldiers..."

In Sierra Leone , EO's combat-hardened veterans - white and black, former SADF and from the ANC's armed wing, Umkhonto we Sizwe - didn't pussy-foot around when hitting the RUF rebels. Using highly mobile teams on foot and in vehicles, and backed up by air support which included a Russian-made Mi-24 helicopter gunship, EO decimated the rebels' jungle hide-outs after initially saving the capital, Freetown, from what looked like a certain surrender to the rebels.

"It is a great pity that EO did not continue, because it would have been a very effective instrument for change in Africa - and it would have enabled South Africa to project its influence to far corners of the continent. It wasn't long before the US and European governments stepped into to the vacuum we left. So, again, it's outsiders sorting out African problems..."

Ironically, many people are not aware that EO played a major role in drafting South African legislation which controls the private military industry, the Foreign Military Assistance Act - and that, so far, EO is the only company to have been licensed by the government to offer military assistance and know-how outside the borders of this country.

Although EO has been shut down, Barlow gets a number of calls from abroad, "asking me if I'd start it up again."

One such was for assistance ahead of the Iraq invasion in 2003 which, Barlow says, "I turned down because that is not legitimate, it is just about oil and resources."

It pains him to think that the expertise of thousands of former South African policemen and soldiers has been lost to this country, as they apply their skills and experience all around the world.

"Those in the military field know just how good the former SADF was and how capable some of our people were. It is a great pity that this government, in the name of transformation, has turned its back on those skills."

Barlow, in common with many ex-SADF officers, doesn't have a high opinion of the current SA National Defence Force (SANDF) and especially in its peacekeeping missions around Africa .

"Our guys seem more interested in theft, robbery, rape and murder than they do in carrying out their jobs."

These days, sitting in retirement in Pretoria , Barlow watches cynically from the sidelines at developments. Like the fiasco of the abortive Equatorial Guinea (EG) coup, where scores of South African ex-soldiers were detained in Zimbabwe en route to EG and later served jail sentences in Harare .

"Simon Mann (the coup plot leader who now sits in jail in Harare awaiting extradition to EG) is an arsehole and from my dealings with him, I regarded him as incompetent. So I'm not surprised at what happened."

But, that disaster also brought down the curtain on the 60s-style cowboy mercenaries, thinking that with a few people and a few guns they could take over a country.

"We were accused of that sort of plotting all the time. We could have overthrown governments, sure, but we were professional suppliers of military services, not hired guns."

Barlow still keeps a jaundiced eye on the media: "I can see the disinformation and bullshit all over the place."

The reports on the Pikoli/Selebi/Zuma sagas should all be looked at with extreme caution and cynicism, he says.

"There are some many different agendas at play and there are so many people involved who are past masters at spinning a lie: some of the people who put together smears against us are still at it and the ANC is also highly experienced at the art of disinformation."

He says he can see the media being used and manipulated.

"Some things never change..."

Brendan Seery - The Star, Johannesburg

"I first met Eeben Barlow in 1982 … (as) a young and eager reconnaissance officer with 32 Battalion …" writes the old South African Defence Force's former Intelligence chief, General R (Witkop) Badenhorst, in his foreword to this book.

A quarter-century later Barlow still looks surprisingly young, but definitely not so eager. Wary, perhaps.

Surely the founder of the first private military company to place this type of business in an ethical framework that saw him contracting only to legitimate governments - the man credited with paving the way for the expansion of similar operations around the world - could afford to look a little more satisfied with those achievements?

Why not is suggested by the second part of the title, "Against All Odds", as well as at the back, in a tailpiece.

There he confesses: "Today, I have little interest in the misery and chaos that is spreading across Africa . I have come to realise that any attempt to stem the tide is viewed as sinister - especially by those who are pursuing alternative agendas for personal gain. ...I still receive calls from governments asking if I would be prepared to assist them to resolve their problems. They have totally lost faith in the UN and even in South Africa , whose 'peacekeeping' missions have become tainted with gross misconduct, poorly disciplined troops and political partiality. To them, my answer is always 'No'."

(Prior to publication, Barlow reiterated the above comment, confirming continuing approaches from African, European and Far Eastern governments, hoping he would revive Executive Outcomes.)

To read the pages in between is to travel a journey that started with Barlow as a sapper - an engineer - in then South West Africa clearing mines (and getting wounded in the process), before moving to 32 Battalion, patrolling deep, and dangerously, into Angola. Then came a transfer to the Directorate of Covert Collections (DCC), where he built an agent network in Botswana and "controlled people within the SACP, the ANC, the PAC and the BDF". Later counter-intelligence work included spotting, developing and recruiting an agent with the US Embassy in Pretoria , before resignation from the military to join the Civil Co-operation Bureau, the CCB.

In the not-yet-notorious CCB his responsibility was for the United Kingdom , Europe and Middle East . However the actions of its Region 6 (within South Africa ) as a sort of "Murder Incorporated", in Barlow's words, led to the organisation's collapse. So sudden was this that Barlow ended up using his own money to bring home four of his overseas agents … leaving him both "broke and heavily indebted".

Thus was laid the road to Executive Outcomes. But first came (among others) a request from a South American country to enter the field of drug enforcement (stymied by the US); training for the SA Army's Special Forces, mainly in covert operations but also counter-espionage; and assisting De Beers to curb the illegal diamond trade.

Then in early 1993 Barlow was presented with "a very delicate problem". It led to the Executive Outcomes operations which made that company's name and brought invitations to operate far and wide.

With South Africa out of Namibia , there was no reason for Pretoria to be hostile to Angola . It was thus entirely legitimate for South African citizens to accept a contract to protect recovery teams extracting heavy equipment from a Unita-controlled area in Angola's far north, in "a little town called Soyo".

Barlow's description of the fighting that ensued is a classic of its kind: descriptive, detailed and vivid, at times passionate, without moving at any time into Soldier of Fortune bravado. It displays also the compassion and understanding which mark a true soldier.

But while this was going on, the South Africans doing their job for the government of Angola - a country with which this country was officially now at peace - were being shafted.

"In Pretoria , I received a frantic telephone call from London at about 05:00 South African time. It was one of my old CCB agents.

" 'Eeben, you guys are in big shit', Richard declared. 'A friend of mine works at GCHQ, Cheltenham . They intercepted a telephone call last night from the South African Parliament building in Cape Town to the Unita representative in London …"

Both Barlow and his company had been mentioned, together with the advice "by someone in your government" that Unita hang on to Soyo regardless of cost.

Meanwhile, fed by leaks from both Military Intelligence and the Department of Foreign Affairs, a media war was unleashed back at home, with very little consideration being given to what EO might have to say, or indeed as to whether the material being "fed" was in the least reliable.

Much more - both triumph and tragedy - followed in Angola . Then came the challenge of Sierra Leone .

Suffice it to say that a small group of South Africans restored peace, at minimal cost and loss of life, only to see these achievements negated following international pressure.

For around US$31-million a year, Barlow tells us that EO defeated the rebels on the battlefield, saw the child soldiers who had been a tragic feature of that conflict demobilised, the government regain control of the country's mineral wealth, a cease-fire in place and fair elections.

Enforced replacement of EO with the UN force Unamsil cost some US$600-million a year, lost Sierra Leone to a coup, led to thousands of civilians being killed, the capital overrun, floods of refugees and massive infrastructural damage. With presumably no sense of irony, the UN rated Unamsil as a "most successful" mission.

In 1996 Barlow mounted a low-profile and extremely successful mission at the request of the Indonesian government to rescue hostages from an irredentist group. Invitations were extended by other governments with whom SA has friendly relations to assist in various projects, but these did not come to fruition.

EO closed its doors at the end of 1998, when "the South African Government lost a perfect vehicle for projecting force and bringing about stability in Africa ".

Far too often we tolerate behaviour that should be unacceptable; put up with that which should be insupportable. If the written word has a sound, in Executive Outcomes this would reflect the quiet rustle of a coat being trailed.

Barlow freely names his villains. They come chiefly from the old Military Intelligence, the old Department of Foreign Affairs, and ambitious businessmen with multiple agendas. They also include journalists.

There is no way this reviewer can comment on the accuracy or otherwise of such charges. But they cannot be ignored.

Shortly before this book appeared there were rumours that one journalist was asking for help in seeking an interdict to prevent publication. More to the point would be an action for libel, mounted perhaps by one or more of the "eminent" businessmen and former top public servants whose characters and activities are also ripped to shreds here.

Yet Barlow appears to have been a compulsive acquirer, and keeper, of sometime incriminating records. What would happen if those suing him, lost? And what would the media do about some of those who have been employed and trusted for so long as opinion-formers, if - in court - the records and documents which Barlow says he has safely cached "off-site", substantiate his allegations?

Overall, this is an extremely important contribution to our understanding of recent political and military history, both here and throughout Africa . It would be a great pity if, because of the many cans of worms it exposes, it was ignored.

James Mitchell: The Star, Johannesburg

This is the story of the birth and demise of Executive Outcomes. It is also the side of the story of Eeben Barlow, founder of EO, and he does not mince his words…

Barlow was a Lt Col in the Army and served in the Engineer Corps, 32 Battalion, Military Intelligence and he later entered the shadowy world of the CCB.

He was a spy with a network of agents overseas and in southern Africa . He knew a lot about sensitive issues and especially who was involved. This was probably the reason why he and EO were castigated when they sold their talents to the "enemy" in Angola .

Barlow presented courses to the SADF's "Recces" until shortly before EO accepted a contact with an oil company in Angola .

Due to their success, EO was asked to aid the Angolan Armed Forces to train its troops in order to break the stranglehold of UNITA on parts of that country in order to establish a government of national unity.

Due to the fact that South Africa had supported UNITA, EO and Barlow were branded as traitors. It was however the continued support from South African diplomats, businessmen and other highly-placed members in UNITA - even after the UN implemented sanctions against UNITA - that clearly had a sobering effect on Barlow.

Disinformation campaigns, threats and even an attempt on his life made him realize that big money was fuelling the war behind the scenes.

The police regularly investigated EO but never found any reason to prosecute the company. This did not stop the South African government and MI's determined efforts to destroy EO. Indeed, Barlow used his contacts in MI to brace himself for the continued attacks on his person and that of the company.

The book stretches from EO's Angolan operations to those in Sierra Leone , as well as smaller contracts tackled by the company.

He writes frankly about the alleged ineptitude of MI, the Defence Force, Foreign Affairs, Armscor, the UN. He does not shy away from using documentation to name those officials involved - nor those he identified as double agents.

Ironically enough, some of the senior military officers who apparently helped to hound the company, are themselves now in security jobs abroad, where they do exactly the same work…

Beeld - Erika Gibson, Military Correspondent~Executive Outcomes|X ISBN-13 9781919854199|~364~11576~~

First In, Last Out: The South African Artillery in Action 1975–1988 - Clive Wilsworth~From the 25 pounder to the devastating G5 and G6 guns - to the Valkirie 127mm multiple-rocket launcher and M5 mortar. This work covers all operations of the Border War in which the South African gunners took part, starting in early 1975 when a young second lieutenant was seconded to train UNITA troops in Angola on US 4.2-inch mortars - through Operation Savannah, the first operation, to the last rounds that were fired in June 1988 against the Cuban 80th Division in southern Angola. During this period, the artillery grew from an under-strength troop of 17 men and two medium guns to an artillery brigade supporting a mechanized division. It is a story of heroism, of fear, of well-planned, successful operations and of losses to own forces by ill-timed and inaccurate fire. It tells the story of the 8,500 South African gunners who took part in operations during that time. Personal accounts are merged with historical fact organized in chronological order, highlighting the shortage of modern equipment and the efforts to combat a well-equipped, numerically superior enemy through innovation, application of the principles of war and sheer pluckiness. The author served in the SADF for 25 years in various roles in Artillery.
Paperback, 352 pages. 200 colour & b/w photos, maps.
Planned release date: Aug 2010

(ITEM CODE: FILO)~The book includes detailed maps of operations and dozens of previously unpublished photographs and highlights the development of the supporting systems such as fire-control computers and unmanned air vehicles as well as covers the establishment of the defence industry in SA. It even details the tacit participation of foreign governments during the international arms embargo, together with the methods used to smuggle artillery equipment and ammunition into South Africa.

The Author
Clive Wilsworth was called up for national service in 1969 to the School of Artillery, Potchefstroom, and then posted to 4th Field Regiment as an assistant OP officer. After a six-year stint with the Natal Field Artillery and as a territorial captain with the Regiment Port Natal, he signed on as a regular with 14th Field Regiment, South African Artillery. From 1978 to 1988, as a battery commander and Intelligence Staff Officer, he saw action in several major operations during the Border War. He was involved in the development of new weapon systems, leading the first 127mm multiple-rocket launcher and G6 courses. His last posting was to Army HQ, Pretoria as Project Officer for the development of the Artillery Target Engagement System-the digitization of the artillery. He retired in 1994 with the rank of lieutenant-colonel. Clive is now a business consultant living in Johannesburg.

Paperback, 352 pages. 200 colour & b/w photos, maps.
Planned release date: Aug 2010
(BOOK CODE: FILO)~First In, Last Out|X ISBN 9781920143404|~364~12769~~

From Fledgling to Eagle: The South African Air Force in the Border War - Brigadier-General Dick Lord~By the author of highly sought after renowned books - 'From Tailhooker to Mudmover', 'Vlamgat', and 'Fire, Flood and Ice'. (1st 2 titles are available to order on this site)
With Foreword by Colonel Jan Breytenbach. The crucible of combat over 23 years forged the fledgling South African Air Force into a formidable strike weapon, capable of defeating the best Soviet air defences at the time. From Fledgling to Eagle chronicles the evolution of the SAAF in the `Border War' that raged in Angola and South West Africa (Namibia) from 1966 to 1989, covering all the major South African Defence Force (SADF) operations from Omgulumbashe to the `April Fool's Day war' in 1989. Dick Lord, who writes in a `from the cockpit' style, has drawn on his own first-hand operational reports and diaries, incorporating anecdotes from dozens of aviators from a wide variety of squadrons - Buccaneers, Canberras, Mirages, Bosboks, C-160s and C-130s, and helicopters. He also expands on the close relationship the SAAF had with the ground troops in a variety of operations - such units as the Parabats, Recces and Koevoet.
A complete, chronologically accurate operational history of the Border War.
ISBN 9781920143305. Hardcover with dustjacket; 234 x 153mm; approx. 448pp; approx. 300 colour & b/w photos, 40 maps. diagrams
(NB - South African residents - if only ordering this book, select cheapest P&P. .
NOTE - see 'Special Offers' section at bottom of this page~ISBN 9781920143305. Oct 2008
Hardcover with dustjacket
234 x 153mm
Approx. 448pp
Approx. 300 colour & b/w photos, 40 maps. diagrams

The Book
The crucible of combat over 23 years, forged the fledgling South African Air Force into a formidable strike weapon, capable of defeating the best Soviet air defences of the time.

From Fledgling to Eagle chronicles the evolution of the SAAF in the 'Border War' that raged in Angola and South West Africa (Namibia) from 1966 to 1989, covering all the major South African Defence Force (SADF) operations from Omgulumbashe to the 'April Fool's Day war' in 1989. Dick Lord, who writes in a 'from the cockpit' style, has drawn on his own first-hand operational reports and diaries, incorporating anecdotes from dozens of aviators from a wide variety of squadrons-Buccaneers, Canberras, Mirages, Bosboks, C-160s and C-130s, and helicopters. He also expands on the close relationship the SAAF had with the ground troops in a variety of operations - such units as the Parabats, Recces and Koevoet.

However, Lord studies the broader ramifications of the conflict in that it was not a simple black-white war. Angola was really just a sideshow for the Soviets who wanted to bleed the SAAF in a war of attrition before attempting total domination of South Africa - their ultimate goal. He is unafraid to admit SADF mistakes - of Operations Hooper and Packer, he says: "Lines of communications were too long to ably support the battle, which is why we did not clear them off the east bank of the Cuito River and why they captured the three Oliphant tanks which was their only propaganda victory."

Although he gives credit to the enemy when they put up a stiff fight, he clearly outlines the overwhelming South African successes and dispels, in accurate detail, all enemy claims by giving an accurate account of each battle. He says: "I agree with General Geldenhuys that we thrashed them severely on the Lomba in '85 and '87 … much recent publicity has also been given to the so-called victory of the Forces of Liberation (SWAPO, MPLA, and 50,000 Cubans and Soviets) over the SADF at Cuito Cuanavale in 1988. Nothing could be further from the truth - it is blatant propaganda."

The Author
Brigadier-General Dick Lord was born in Johannesburg where he grew up. He joined the Royal Navy as an air cadet in 1958, where he qualified as a fighter pilot. Flying Sea Venoms and Sea Vixens, he served on board the aircraft carriers Centaur, Victorious, Hermes and Ark Royal on cruises around the world. In the mid '60s, he was selected for a two-year exchange tour with the US Navy, flying A4 Skyhawks and F4 Phantoms out of San Diego, California. He completed tours of air warfare instruction, flying Hunters out of the naval air stations at Lossiemouth, Scotland and Brawdy, Wales.

He returned to South Africa in early '70s and joined the South African Air Force (SAAF), flying Impalas, Sabres and Mirage IIIs. During the Border War, he commanded 1 Squadron, flying Mirage F1AZs into Angola, followed by running air force operations out of Oshikati, Windhoek and SAAF Headquarters in Pretoria. He was mentioned in dispatches for his role in the remarkable rescue of all 581 people from the ill-fated liner Oceanos. A highlight of his career was organizing the successful fly-past of 76 aircraft for Nelson Mandela's inauguration as President of South Africa in 1994.

He retired to Somerset West near Cape Town with his wife June. He is author of Fire, Flood and Ice, which chronicles some of the SAAF's spectacular search and rescue operations; Vlamgat-The Story of the Mirage F1 in the South African Air Force and From Tailhooker to Mudmover, an autobiographical account of his service in the Royal Naval Fleet Air Arm, the US Navy and the SAAF.

Reviews
"Lord is to be congratulated in his meticulous record keeping and in publishing this book. It is highly recommended to both SAAF enthusiasts and military tacticians alike." -- Dean Wingrin,www,saairforce.co.za, January 2009

"…the truth about the Bush War is being hidden to satisfy political objectives...From Fledgling to Eagle intimately details the airborne arm of service's involvement in the conflict." -- Kim Helfrich,Citizen, January 2009

"Written by a jet jock who flew for Britain's Royal Navy and the US Navy before returning to South Africa in the early 1970s, this is a book to get enthusiastic about…a wonderful memorial…" -- Bill Krige, Eastern Province Herald

"This is a very readable account of a 'forgotten' conflict." -- FlyPast

"From Fledgling to Eagle is a fitting testament to the bravery and the sacrifice of those serving in the SAAF during that time…I have no hesitation in recommending it." -- Fleet Air Arm Officer's Association

"From Fledgling to Eagle is a remarkable book that relates a remarkable effort by some remarkable people." -- Air Commodore Graham Pitchfork, Chairman Buccaneer Aircrew Association and former RAF pilot ~From Fledgling to Eagle|X ISBN 9781920143305|~364~12018~south african air force, saaf, dick lord~

From Tailhooker to Mudmover - Dick Lord~From Tailhooker to Mudmover recounts the author's (a former SAAF Brigadier-General) experiences during his 4 decades of service as a military aviator. Dick Lord served in the Royal Navy's Fleet Air Arm. He was a carrier pilot based on the HMS Ark Royal and was later seconded to duty with the United States Navy. In the latter part of his military career, he commanded a SAAF F1 Mirage squadron during the SWA / Angola campaigns. Dick Lord's previous two aviation books, Fire Flood and Ice and Vlamgat!, were both best sellers.~~From Tailhooker to Mudmover|ISBN 0620307625|~364~10863~SAAF F1 Mirage squadron SWA Angola south african pilot aviator aviation~

Grensvegter?: South African Army Psychologist - Barry Fowler~This book details the experiences of a South African military psychologist during the counter insurgency war against SWAPO in Owamboland, South West Africa / Namibia in 1987. The book covers the author's mobilisation and de-mobilisation, the characters involved and lifestyle of the medical section at the HQ, experiences as a clinical psychologist debriefing soldiers who had been involved in firefights, and various insights into working and living in a military environment. There is also a detailed description of the psychological model used within the South African Medical service to debrief soldiers and others who were exposed to traumatic events which it could be expected could then lead to post Traumatic Stress Disorders. An interesting addition to the book are essays written by children living in garrisons that were under rocket attacks. This book could interest people involved in military medicine, especially with a conscripted army in a counter insurgency war situation.

ISBN: 0 9524423 2 9. Paperback 1996, 146 pages, index.~Sentinel Publications, 1996.
ISBN 0 9524423 2 9. Stiff Soft Cover. 146pp

This book details the experiences of a military psychologist in Sector 10, Owamboland, South West Africa / Namibia in 1987. Appendices include children's descriptions of their experiences of living in Oshakati and Ondangwa, as well as the Critical Incident Debriefing Model used with personnel vulnerable to developing Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

An autobiography, the first chapter deals with the author learning of his duty, preparations and his journey, and the tenth chapter does the reverse, winding down and returning to ordinary duty in `the states' (South Africa). Chapters 2 & 4 are mainly descriptions of the various characters involved, as well as the lifestyle of the medical section at the HQ of the most active sector of the South African occupation of Namibia in their counter insurgency operations against SWAPO. After that the author focuses more on his experience as a clinical psychologist working in a military medical environment, the debriefing of soldiers involved in firefights, one of which is described almost as a case study, and then the duties of visiting various out lying bases, and various insights into working and living in a military environment, some of them humorous anecdotes. There is a detailed description of the psychological model used within the South African Medical service to debrief soldiers and other exposed to traumatic events which it could be expected could lead to post traumatic stress disorder - possibly of some interest to those involved in the Vietnam war, the Falklands war and even the 1991 Gulf War and the British Army in Northern Ireland. There is a chapter devoted to extracts of essays written by children of the garrison (`army brats?) on their experiences of living in a town that was going to get rocketed several times a year. Although there unlikely to be many people interested in the South African army of occupation in what is now Namibia, this book might be of interest to people involved in military medicine, especially with a conscripted army in a counter insurgency war situation.~Grensvegter|ISBN 0952442329|~364~11086~South African military psychologist~

Guerrilla Wars in Africa: Lisbon's Conflicts in Angola, Mozambique and Portuguese Guinea - Al J Venter~ ('Cover' on left is not the book, just a picture we have selected pending the official cover design from the publisher)
This is not a definitive history of campaigns in Portugal's former colonies - Angola, Mozambique and Portuguese Guinea, but rather one of a military correspondent's own impressions after many visits to the three theatres of conflict in Africa. A well illustrated, major work (140,000+ words) with over 1000 photos from that period.

(ITEM CODE - GWIA)~~~364~12676~~

I Flew for Savimbi - Simon Van Garderen~In this entertaining autobiographical account, veteran South African pilot Simon Van Garderen recalls his days as a bush pilot during the 1980s and 90s, flying the length and breadth of sub-Saharan Africa on secret missions for a clandestine air transport company dubbed 'Savimbi Air' by its employees. A former SAAF jet fighter pilot, Simon had retired from military flying when he secured a job with Pasload Flights - a supposedly civilian air transport company operating from Wonderboom airport in Pretoria, South Africa. It was, in reality, a covert operation of the South African government of the day, set up to secretly assist the UNITA terrorists in Angola, led by Dr Jonas Savimbi, who were waging a protracted civil war against the Communist-backed MPLA.
Softback, 192 pages, colour photos~Woodfield Publishing
Softback, 192 pages, colour photos
ISBN 1-84683-034-6

A South African bush pilot recalls his 25-year association with Angola UNITA terrorist leader Dr Jonas Savimbi

In this entertaining autobiographical account, veteran South African pilot Simon Van Garderen recalls his days as a bush pilot during the 1980s and 90s, flying the length and breadth of sub-Saharan Africa on secret missions for a clandestine air transport company dubbed 'Savimbi Air' by its employees.

A former SAAF jet fighter pilot, Simon had retired from military flying when he secured a job with Pasload Flights %7E a supposedly civilian air transport company operating from Wonderboom airport in Pretoria. It was, in reality, a covert operation of the South African government of the day, set up to secretly assist the UNITA terrorists in Angola, led by Dr Jonas Savimbi, who were waging a protracted civil war against the Communist-backed MPLA.

Simon flew Jonas Savimbi on many occasions %7E to secret meetings in various African countries and even as far afield as Munich in Bavaria. In the process they developed a mutual respect and affection that continued until Savimbi’s untimely death in 2002, when he was assassinated by his former allies for reasons of political expediency.

Simon’s abiding affection for his old friend Savimbi, his love of Africa and his passion for flying are the three main themes that run through this book.

Readers are offered a co-pilot’s seat in Simon’s aircraft, from where they will marvel at the spectacular African scenery and wildlife, learn first-hand about the continent’s bizarre and troubled recent history and meet some of its wacky kleptocrat leaders whose excesses have inflicted such misery on their own peoples.

They will also experience the thrill of flying in some incredible aircraft, such as the C47 Turbo-Dakota, the Lear 35 and 23 and a turboprop Cessna 310 … and to laugh at the crazy antics of those who fly them.

Simon’s enthusiastic and descriptive writing brings all these to life in vivid Technicolor and does the same for his old, dear friend Jonas Savimbi, a giant of a man who Simon believes to be much maligned and misunderstood and whose memory has, he claims, been besmirched by his political enemies.

[For legal reasons Simon has written his story in the third person and appears as the character 'Harry' in the book]

An extract from the book - Part of Chapter 'Always 'Check Your Six''

In no time flat, they are airborne. Fred, the chief pilot and Ralph are in the cockpit for the first leg. Harry sits in the cabin with Matie, who briefs him on the mission, saying:

"I'm flying as an extra pilot today, since we have to fly more than 22-hours without sleeping over. That's why you're so welcome to share the flying. We are flying to Jamba now to pick up Dr Savimbi, codename Spyker, with four of his top generals, and taking them to Kinshasa, Zaïre, whence the Americans will fly them to Washington in preparation for the talks with the so-called Front Line States later.

The Americans are sick-and-tired of the civil war in Angola and are naive enough to think that an enduring political solution can be found in Africa... I have news for them!

By the way, we address Dr Savimbi these days as ‘Mr President’, in the hope that he will be president of Angola in the very near future. I believe that it is attainable. How well do you know him, Harry? Do you know that he is reputed to speak seven languages? "

"Yes, Matie, I know him well enough. We often picked him up at Omega airstrip when I was flying at 21 Squadron, VIP-Transport. A Puma helicopter would bring him in from Jamba, just across the border and we would jet him to Air Force Base Waterkloof, in Pretoria for talks with our Government. I found him very charismatic and a gentleman.

I think it was during these operations, that I started seeing politicians for what they really are – disgusting, power drunk buffoons, who order war at a whim, then sit back, watching how fit young men kill each other while their own sons are kept very far from killing zones, by father’s influence… Bastards!

They would come and meet Dr Savimbi at my aircraft, smiling and greeting me by my first name, because I often flew them all over the country. Tomorrow on National TV, they sit there with their false smiles, denying all knowledge of where that bloody terrorist Savimbi finds himself…"

Harry's eyes are flashing. Politicians are not all that high on his love list…

Some 3¾ hours later Fred lands a pisser on the Jamba airfield. (Forgive us pilots our scatological fascination, but there is an American saying that goes we landed as smoothly as a cat pissing on plate glass… Sorry, but it is part of your education in things aeronautical!) They taxi in to the apron on the southern side of the airfield and shut down.

Dr Jonas Savimbi’s stocky figure is easily identifiable amongst his generals and soldiers assembled on Jamba airfield, where not a single cigarette butt or cold drink can ringlet can be found. It looks like any crack unit’s parade ground, such is UNITA’s neatness and discipline.

Savimbi welcomes the four pilots as his guests for lunch. As they walk to the Mess Hall next to the Apron, his resonant bass voice drones at Harry in English:

"So, my Colonel," he says, in the French form of address, "we meet again!"

"Indeed, Mr President, we do. I am happy to see you looking so well."

"My Colonel, I see you are now a civilian captain, if you will pardon my Irish."

"Yes, Mr President. I have exchanged my military epaulettes for the four-bar insignia of an airline captain; as you have exchanged your general’s insignia for the suit and tie of a politician."

"Oh, but my Colonel, it is only for such opportunities as these that I must play the role of a politician. I will always prefer the honest life of a soldier, which I really am at heart, but tell me… I hear that you almost came a cropper at Mavinga the other night," he teases, with the soldier’s gallows humour.

Dr Savimbi’s memory and attention to detail is legendary…

"Yes, Mr President, we were expecting your usual warm welcome, but almost met with the white hot kiss of one of our own missiles!"

"You know that I would have wept for you, my Colonel, had it happened…" resumes Savimbi seriously, but continues teasing a moment later, "even though you were hunting me down near Mavinga, some 20-years ago."

"Yes, Mr President! But you were a terrorist leader then."

"Would you have killed me, my Colonel, had you found me then?"

"Yes, Mr President," answers Harry simply, as one soldier to an opposing one.

"Perhaps you and I should stay away from Mavinga in future, my Colonel!"

"Mr President, even when we were adversaries, I respected you. Now that we are allies and friends, the respect is greater. But will you please remember one lesson from the Bush War, when you deal with the devious politicians in future?"

"And that is, my Colonel?" asks the future Angolan President.

"Check your six, Mr President! Among fighter pilots we always say ‘check your six!’, referring to the vulnerable six o’clock position behind your aircraft."

"You give sound advice, my Colonel…," Dr Savimbi ends off, inviting his guests and four select generals to take their places around the beautiful, highly-polished, solid Rhodesian teak tables in the Mess Hall at Jamba airfield.

Unhurriedly the four pilots dine with Dr Savimbi and his selected generals, while they patiently wait for the bush fighters’ greatest ally; the night. For at night, the seasoned bush fighter can operate unseen and it is very difficult to prevent him from doing what he wants to do…

Later that evening, in pitch-blackness, Harry sits in the cockpit with Fred, who wants to "show-him-something."

They do the start-up procedures, with Harry wondering how they are going to take-off in the dark, as Jamba certainly does not have the normal lighting system that airports posess for such operations.

When they are ready to taxi, Fred flicks the aircraft's powerful landing lights on-and-off for a split second.

Like magic, little flares begin to sprout up along both sides of the runway.

"Each flare is an empty Coke can, with its top cut off," Fred laughingly explains. "It is placed on the ground, next to the runway then filled with sand and a cupful of diesoline is poured into this sand. To make it easier to light it, a teaspoonful of petrol is added. left unattended a mini-flare like that would burn steadily for 15-minutes on end, but every one is attended by a UNITA soldier. On the agreed signal he strikes a match or lighter to ignite the flare. As the aircraft on take-off passes, he puts his boot on the open end of the Coke can, smothering the flame, so the flare-path disappears like magic as the aircraft runs past it, with no landing lights giving away its position to possible prowling fighters. It is very operational and very efficient!"

Harry is enormously impressed with this smuggler’s trick and performs the take-off between the mini flares into the pitch-black Angolan night. He turns north after take-off and flies up the 22° Eastern longitudinal line, the boundary between Angola and Zambia.

There is no radar coverage in that part of Angola or Zambia and even if someone hears an aircraft overhead, it is on an international border. Anyone who knows Africa will know that they will still be arguing over who is to do the interception a week after the aircraft has flown past! In any case, a night fighter interception at 1,000 feet above ground level could not be carried out anywhere in Africa at that time ... or even now.

Ralph comes to the cockpit to relieve Fred. He shows Harry how the route is to be flown: up along the 22° longitude line, then in between the fighter bases of Mongu in Zambia and Cazombo in Angola, outside the maximum range of the fighters.

When they meet the civilian airway between Lubumbashi and Kinshasa, they climb on that airway to 10,500 feet, switch on their internationally accepted navigation lights: red on the left wing tip, blue on the right wing tip and white on the tail extremity.

Nice and legal again, they contact the ATCO at N’Djili-airport in Kinshasa. It is all very simple, provided that each and every one of the liaisons has been done and every key person is in the picture. Otherwise fuel starvation will force you down in hostile territory, where you could very well be shot as a spy…

Life is not held in very high esteem everywhere in Africa, especially during revolutions and civil wars, which are rife in this neck of the woods.

Tonight it all goes like clockwork. Harry does the BONBI-1A-standard-arrival into Kinshasa; he intercepts the 12-mile-DME-arc, turns onto the ILS runway 2-4 at the lead-in Radial and executes a smooth landing at N’Djili International on the stroke of midnight, where the ATCO’s are fully conversant with the high-level delegation on board.

They taxi in to the red carpet, where the Zaïre Government Officials await Dr Savimbi, who walks down the air stair when the propellers swish to a stop, his trademark swagger stick with the ivory-topped handle hanging by a leather throng from his left wrist.

Just before entering the main airport building the Doctor turns around, facing the turbo-Dak and, like a naughty schoolboy, seemingly waves at the pilots, holding up his hands above his head, the fingers of the right hand spread, the left fist clenched, with only the left thumb raised, his white teeth sparkling in a wide grin under the lamplight.

In disbelief Harry whispers to Ralph.

"He is indicating check-your-six – just like I showed him! What a naughty old sport he is!"

© copyright 2007 - Simon Van Garderen - all rights reserved~I Flew for Savimbi|ISBN 1846830346|~364~11710~UNITA, Angola, Dr Jonas Savimbi,~

Journey Without Boundaries - Andre Diedericks~This is the extraordinary tale of an extraordinary man. An honestly told story of his military career, of a man who was twice decorated for valour, who pioneered and developed the concept of "Small Team reconnaissance" within the South African Special Forces. The author gained early experience in "small team reconnaissance" whislt with the SA's secretive Special Forces '5 Recce' attached to the Rhodesian SAS as Delta Squadron, in Rhodesia 1978-79, and then went on to develop the concept further with former Rhodesian SAS and Selous Scouts members in South Africa. (After the Rhodesian Bush War, several Rhodesian SAS & Selous Scouts joined Special Forces units in the SADF). He was a consummate warrior and gentleman and has told his story with humility and a disarming sense that what he did was simply the job he was given, when even the most cursory reading will show that it was anything but simple or easy. From start to finish, his life was truly a 'Journey without Boundaries'. These memoirs were written by Col Diedericks, better known as "Diedies", before his untimely death from cancer in 2005.
ISBN 13 9781920169589, June 2007. 212 A5 pages - main text section 129 pages, balance is Glossary, Index, photos and maps. (NB - POD publication, font is larger than normal).
Produced in 3 versions:-

Softback with colour & B/W photos and B/W maps
Softback with Black/White photos & maps
Hardback (red board, no dust jacket) colour & B/W photos and B/W maps

Killing Zone: A life in the Paras, the Recces, the SAS and the RUC - Harry McCallion~Harry McCallion left UK school at sixteen with no qualifications. His father was a Glasgow gangster. Harry joined the British Paras and served for seven years including six tours in Ulster. Then came two years with the Recces, the South African Special Forces, during which he did operations in Angola as well as in Mozambique alongside the Rhodesian SAS. He was part of a small group that attempted to assassinate Robert Mugabe and Joshua Nkomo. Harry returned to England after he had completed his contract and passed the rigorous selection procedure for the British SAS. After arduous training, he served for six years in the elite force, and played, with others, a role in the Falklands conflict. He also served two tours with the SAS anti-terrorist team. On leaving the SAS, he joined the RUC and spent six years policing the trouble spots of Belfast. His career came to an end after a near-fatal car crash. In Killing Zone Harry McCallion charts his own development in his own words, and does not shirk from describing the violence and killing that have dominated much of his life.
ISBN 0747520135 1995. Hardback 281 pages, b/w photos.

Book Status: Out of Print. Stocking good second hand copies, internally clean and tight. Dust jackets - slight markings on covers. IE these are not new copies.~~Killing Zone|ISBN 0747520135|~364~12235~Recces~

Koetvoet South Africa: The Men Speak - Jonathan Pittaway~One of the three books in the series about South African elite forces by J Pittaway.
This title follows a similiar high quality format to the earlier publications already done on the Rhodesian forces - Long Range Desert Group Rhodesia: The Men Speak and the Special Air Service Rhodesia: The Men Speak. The book will be lavishly illustrated with many previously unseen photos of operations & personnel and includes personal stories by well known men, and details gallantry citations. It includes full nominal rolls, Rolls of Honour, chronologies, orbats, tables, medals, badges, uniforms, documents, maps and miliaria. There will be numerous black & white & colour illustrations throughout.
Softcovered, US Letter size, coffee-table quality, gloss finish, with over 400 pages, 1000 photos.
Planned release date: 2012.

ITEM CODE - KSAP~~~364~12872~~

Mercenary Commander - Col Jerry Puren as told to Brian Pottinger~On the 30 June 1960 the Congo became independent. Within five days the country had split into four squabbling parts. Tied with blood and history to the troubled country were the mercenaries, drawn from Britain, Rhodesia, France, Belgium and South Africa. They were le affreux - the frightful ones. This is their story and the story of those troubled and bloody times.
It also tells of one of the most audacious and yet badly planned mercenary exploits in history; the abortive coup attempt in the Seychelles in 1981 that nearly claimed the last of Colonel Puren's nine lives. This is a true story of adventure, of politics, of love, of betrayal . . . and of death. It is Colonel Puren's amazing story . . . and it all happened.
ISBN 0-9470-2021-7. Hardback, 384pp; 242 X 168-mm; 32pp b/w photographs. Now Out of Print.
~~Mercenary Commander|ISBN 0947020217|~364~1501~~

My Life with the SA Defence Force - Magnus Malan~After graduating from the University of Stellenbosch in 1949 Magnus Malan joined the South African Defence Force as a candidate officer. He would have an illustrious military career. Commissioned as a lieutenant in the South African Marine Corps in 1953 he rose rapidly through the ranks. He was appointed Deputy Chief of the Army in 1972, Chief of the Army shortly afterwards and as Chief of the SADF in 1976. In 1980 he retired from the SADF and became the Minister of Defence in the National Party government. There is little that occurred during South Africa’s ‘total onslaught’ years that General Malan didn’t have knowledge of.
Protea Publishing, ISBN 978186919146. Hardcover 511 pages, Numerous B/W photos and maps in text.~Protea Publishing
ISBN 1869191145
ISBN-13 9781869191146
Hardcover, 509 pages.
Numerous black and white pics and maps in text.

As a schoolboy at the age of thirteen, Magnus Malan had already run away to join what was then the Union Defence Force. This was to no avail, of course, but ever since he was permitted to join the Physical Training Battalion in 1946, for a period of some 45 years, his career and life has been closely entwined with the South African Defence Force.

Malan's military career took him to many places in Southern Africa: Robben Island, the former South West Africa, where the Territorial Force was charged with protecting the South African Mandate territory, to the Military Academy in Saldanha and the Castle in Cape Town. As Chief of the Army and later Chief of the Defence Force he was closely involved in South Africa's incursion into Angola in 1975 and 1976, and also in many cross-border operations in the years thereafter.

Malan then entered politics, and will be particularly remembered as Minister of Defence during the troubled 1980s. Malan offers a brief account of the influence that political developments in Southern Africa since 1960 had on the structures and functions of the South African Defence Force; on the successes of Armscor, and on South Africa's nuclear arms capability. He also provides valuable context for a period of many political and military events; a period of immense importance to the present generation and their descendants, but which has become almost forgotten. The title pays tribute to all those who contributed to the successes of the South African Defence Force and Armscor in a critical era of South Africa's history.

This book is essential reading for those interested in southern Africa 's military history.~My Life with the SA Defence Force|ISBN 978186919146|~364~11622~~

Nine Days of War and South Africa's Final days in Namibia - Peter Stiff~By 1st April 1989, in terms of the UN supervised peace deal, the South Africans had demobilised the powerful SWA Territory Force, drastically reduced the strength of the SADF in Namibia and confined the rest to their bases. Meanwhile, more than 1 600 heavily armed SWAPO fighters were massing in Angola along the Namibian border. This tells how when they crossed into Namibia, the Koevoet counter-insurgency unit fought them to a standstill and defeated them.
ISBN 0-620-14874-8 Softback - 2nd edition. 304 pp; size 242 X 168-mm; 35 b/w illustrations and 5 maps.~~Nine Days of War|ISBN 0620148748|~364~1503~~

No Mean Soldier - The autobiography of a Professional fighting man - Peter McAleese~"This was the first time I had been in contact and killed anyone. I felt good, I felt fit, I felt hard. But the euphoria was nothing to do with ending another person's life. I felt good because I had not panicked, I had not let down my friends, I had reacted as a professional soldier trained by professional soldiers, and the excitement of the firefight was nothing short of fantastic. I've never taken drugs but I can't believe there is anything which can equal the thrill of battle. I loved it."
Peter McAleese obsessive quest for action and danger took him to many theatres of war - as a British SAS soldier in mountainous Aden and Borneo jungles, as a mercenary for the FNLA in the african bush in Angola, as a Rhodesian SAS soldier in Rhodesia, Zambia and Mozambique, as a South African SADF soldier in Angola .....
292pp; 240 X 162mm; 16pp b/w pics.
ISBN 1-85797-250-3 Hardback.
ISBN 0304356840 Softback~292pp; 240 X 162mm; 16 b/w pics.
ISBN 1-85797-250-3 Hardback.
ISBN 0304356840 Softback

Peter McAleese's record of servicein the world's finest elite regiments is unique. Brought up in Glasgow's tough Shettleston district ('where the boys from the Gorbals came to learn how to scrap'), he was determined from an early age not just to be a soldier, but to be the best.

Joining the Parachute Regiment in 1960, he quickly volunteered for the SAS and saw action first amidst the arid mountains of Aden and then in the jungles of Borneo. When the SAS could no longer provide him with that intense 'high' of battle, he signed up as a mercenary, fighting for Holden Roberto's FNLA in Angola, where he came face-to-face with full-scale Soviet-Cuban armoured columns and the murderous chaos perpetuated by the notorious 'Colonel' Callan.

His obsessive quest for action and danger took him to Rhodesia where he took part in almost continuous operations with the Rhodesian SAS, including parachute assaults on massive ZANLA training camps in Mozambique, covert assassination operations against ANC personnel while attached to the Rhodesian Special Branch. Later, as a soldier in the SADF, he fought against SWAPO guerrillas in Angola and suffered terrible injuries in an ill-fated parachute jump. But it was in Colombia, again fighting as a mercenary, that he came the closest to death, when a daring attempt to assassinate drug baron Pablo Escobar in his mountain stronghold ended in disaster.

Told with great humour and remarkable humanity, Peter McAleese's brutally honest account of 25 years of almost constant combat is a uniquely revealing portrayal of the realities of modern warfare. It is the rivetting story of the ultimate professional soldier.
~Select Edition||No Mean Soldier (S/B)|ISBN 0304356840|No Mean Soldier (H/B)|ISBN 1857972503|~364~12258~No Mean Soldier - The autobiography of a Professional fighting man, Peter McAleese, SAS~

On the Border - The White South African Military Experience 1965-1990 - David Williams~Though life "on the border" was often deeply upsetting, much of it was plain boring or humdrum, even pleasant - and occasionally hilarious. For those who were there, it was an unforgettable time with after-effects ranging from bitterness to fond nostalgia, often a mix of both. With his new title, author, broadcaster and journalist David Williams captures an era that defined the life experience of white men who are now between 35 and 60. Conscripts and their families will read this book with a sense of recognition, while those who did not understand the broader picture at the time should find it here. On the Border is accessible and anecdotal, using personal accounts to enliven the narrative. It draws on the experiences of both conscripts and regulars, moving through basic training to major operations like Savannah, Cassinga and the battles around Cuito Cuanavale in 1987/98 - the conclusion of "the war for Africa".
ISBN-13: 978-0-624-04469-7. Sept 2008. Paperback, 245 x 172 x 13mm. 151 pages

Ordered on special request - not normally stocked~~On the Border|ISBN-13 97-062404469-7|~364~12655~~

Ongulumbashe: Where the Bush War began - Paul Els~By the author of 'We Fear Naught but God' - retired Warrant-Officer (Class 1) of the former South African Defence Force.
This eyewitness account is a must for the serious collector and researcher of the revolutionary wars in Southern Africa. This book describes the first clash that took place between elements of the South African police, army and air force on the one side and Swapo's PLAN soldiers on the other side. The book also describes how members of the Security Branch of the SA Police infiltrated the area as employees of PASCO, ostensibly a private company. (The name PASCO was derived from the South African Police = SAP = PAS + Company = PASCO). A special agent is recruited and the Security Branch spy and infiltrate the terrorists. All this action leads to the arrest and conviction of several terrorists. This humble operation "Blouwildebeest" led to a bitter and sophisticated war in South Western Africa including Angola. A worthwhile read and a nice addition to the bookshelf - 290 pages, well illustrated with photographs (200+); many are published for the first time! Foreword by Gen J van der Berg, epilogue by Genl J Geldenhuys
Reach Publishers, ISBN 9781920084813. 2007~~Ongulumbashe|X ISBN 9781920084813|Ongulumbashe|9102|~364~11897~SAP, angola, sadf~

Ops Medic: A National Serviceman’s Border War - Steven Webb~As a recent British immigrant Steven Webb was exempt from the compulsory two-year call-up for National Service that all white South African males faced when they turned 18. Despite this, he volunteered for National Service in July 1984. The author writes of his experiences during his South African army's National Service basics in the SAMS Depot Potchefstroom to training as an ops medic in Pretoria and from there to the Angolan-South West African border where a counter-insurgency war had been raging for many years. Published for the first time is the SADF's Roll of Honour which lists almost 2,500 of its honoured dead, killed on active service, and the complete Roll of the SADF's Honoris Crux awards for bravery.
ISBN 978-1-91985-429-8. Softback, 296pp. 16 pages colour illustrations, map.~Galago, 2008
ISBN 978-1-91985-429-8
Trade paperback
296pp; 242 X 168mm,
16 pages colour illustrations, map

As a recent British immigrant Steven Webb was exempt from the compulsory two-year call-up for National Service that all white South African males faced when they turned 18. Despite this he volunteered for National Service in July 1984 and then volunteered to serve in the South African Medical Service. Following basic training he was posted to SAMS Combat Medical Operation Company (Ops Company) for six months of advanced specialist training. In the lecture room and later in civilian hospitals he learned the arts of stabilising patients, stopping bleeding, maintaining airways, suturing wounds, administering drips and performing minor lifesaving medical procedures.

On 1 March 1985 he was sent to SWA/Namibia, where he saw service in Angola until the SADF withdrew its troops a month later. From there he was posted to 53-Battalion’s company base at Etale. It was garrisoned by Owambo troops of the SWATF’s 101-Battalion and white National Servicemen.

He writes about border patrols conducted on foot and in Buffel mine protected fighting vehicles, seeking out SWAPO’s armed guerrillas who had infiltrated from Angola and the constant anticipation of ambush by an elusive foe. He tells of the stabilisation and casevac of casualties by helicopter.

In truth, white National Service units achieved little success in the border war against an underrated enemy. As one senior officer put it: ‘In my view SWAPO, despite inferior weaponry, was ahead of us in most respects. We took a boy who had just matriculated, gave him a gun, two or three months of basic training — and threw him into the middle of a country that he didn’t know, people he didn’t understand and an enemy he had never seen. No wonder he didn’t do very well. Nevertheless, the young conscripts bore a terrible load, for which they received little gratitude.’

So this is not the story of elite and glamorous fighting units like the Reconnaissance Commandos, Koevoet, 32-Battalion, or the Parachute Battalions and the successes they achieved, but of young, white, conscripted National Servicemen, often straight from school, who were thrown headfirst into a guerrilla war in a country outside of South Africa and far from home.

Many National Servicemen, including 37 Ops Medics, died fighting in the Border War. Fifteen were awarded the Honoris Crux (two of the silver grade) for bravery — four posthumously.

Important note: Book includes the SADF’s Roll of Honour which lists almost 2,500 of its honoured dead killed on active service and the complete roll of the SADF’s Honoris Crux awards for bravery — both published for the first time.~Ops Medic|X ISBN 9781919854298|~364~11869~Medical personel, SADF, Medic~

Para South Africa: The Men Speak - Jonathan Pittaway~One of the three books in the series about South African elite forces by J Pittaway.
This title follows a similiar high quality format to the earlier publications already done on the Rhodesian forces - Long Range Desert Group Rhodesia: The Men Speak and the Special Air Service Rhodesia: The Men Speak. The book will be lavishly illustrated with many previously unseen photos of operations & personnel and includes personal stories by well known men, and details gallantry citations. It includes full nominal rolls, Rolls of Honour, chronologies, orbats, tables, medals, badges, uniforms, documents, maps and miliaria. There will be numerous black & white & colour illustrations throughout.
Softcovered, US Letter size, coffee-table quality, gloss finish, with over 400 pages, 1000 photos.
Planned release date: 2012.

ITEM CODE - PSAP~~~364~12873~~

Parabat: Personal accounts of paratroopers in combat situations in South Africa's History - Matthew Paul~This book offers the reader a personalised history of the adventures of those men in the South African Defence Force who used to be known as the Parabats.Their experiences are recorded in three historical 'war epochs': the border wars in Southern Africa, the township wars and finally the military intervention in Lesotho. In the course of countless interviews with the author, these men relate their experiences in their own words. Though every effort has been made to verify the details provided in various accounts, this does not pretend to be an official history. This is the story of men reminiscing about events that happened many years ago. It is as if one is sitting with them in the pub at 44 Parachute Brigade, listening to their stories. Though much older and more mature now (some have passed away since the interviews), there is no denying the raw emotion that still comes through as they recall those difficult times. History comes alive in such moments. The author refrained from drawing conclusions, and merely recorded these experiences as they were narrated to him as honestly and openly as possible, to enable the reader to make up his own mind on both the experiences and the period in South Africa's history that they reflect, and that now appear to be light years away from the present dispensation. Yet they deliver an excruciatingly painful comment on the futility of war and political exclusivity. These stories of individuals who did battle with 'the enemy' may come back to haunt us if we, as members of the human race, continue pointing fingers and keep on looking for others to blame for whatever is wrong in our country and on our planet.
2nd Edition reprint
JDP Aug 2008. ISBN-13 978-0-620-40921-6. 2nd Edition. Softback A5~~Parabat 2nd Edition|X ISBN-13 9780620409216|~364~11966~parabats, paratroopers, sadf~

Pathfinder Company: 44 Parachute Brigade 'The Philistines' - Graham Gillmore~After the most audacious but successful parachute assault since the Second World War - The Battle of Cassinga, Operation Reindeer, deep inside Angola against the tactical HQ of SWAPO's PLAN army, a need for a specialist Pathfinder Company was patently clear. 44 Parachute Brigade was formed later that year (1978). Into the ranks came professional veterans from the UK, USA, Australasia, Rhodesia and elsewhere, from Rhodesian Special Forces units such as the SAS, Selous Scouts and the RLI. This book is a collection of stories about the founding and deployment of a unit of ‘Foreign Legionnaires’, from different parts of the world who became welded together into a remarkable combat unit, unsurpassed by any other South African Defence Force unit in their positive and aggressive approach to battle.
Softback, 224 pages. 200 colour & b/w photos, maps. RRP £24.95
Planned Release Date: 2010

(ITEM CODE: PC44PB)~Colonel Jan Breytenbach writes in the foreword:

"On Ascension Day, 1978, a composite South African parachute battalion jumped onto the tactical HQ of SWAPO's PLAN army, based at Cassinga, 250 kilometres north of the Angolan border to destroy the facility, their logistics, and to wipe out a strong concentration of SWAPO guerrillas. The airborne assault, part of Operation Reindeer, was an unqualified success; the whole base was destroyed. 608 PLAN fighters were killed, with many more wounded which pushed the final SWAPO death toll to well over a thousand. We lost only four paratroopers killed in action plus a dozen or so wounded. According to airborne experts in Britain and Australia, this was the most audacious parachute assault since the Second World War; the mounting airfield was well over 1,000 nautical miles away. I was the commander of that airborne assault, which although successful above all expectations, also highlighted many shortcomings, some of which nearly led to a disastrous outcome."

44 Parachute Brigade was formed later that year, with the need for a specialist Pathfinder Company patently clear. Into the ranks came professional veterans from the UK, USA, Australasia, Rhodesia and elsewhere, from Rhodesian Special Forces units such as the SAS, Selous Scouts and the RLI, during the closing stages of and shortly after the Rhodesian Bush War.Formed by Col. Jan Breytenbach, the Pathfinder Company was organised to to provide an independent unit capable of conducting covert unconventional warfare in the border areas of South-West Africa (modern day Namibia) and Angola.The primary mission of the unit was the selection and operation of drop and landing zones for the remainder of the parachute brigade, and to establish OP's along SWAPO infiltration routes. The information gathered from these activities would then be relayed back to Section 10 headquarters who would deploy troops, such as 32 Battalion, to intercept and bring SWAPO into contact.The Pathfinder Company was disbanded in January 1982. The company never numbered more than 30 members, and given the short period of its existence, it created problems for SWAPO and its allies out of all proportion to its size.

"This is their book, a collection of stories about the founding and deployment of a unit of 'Foreign Legionnaires', from different parts of the world who became welded together into a remarkable combat unit, unsurpassed by any other South African Defence Force unit in their positive and aggressive approach to battle. For me it was an honour to have faced incoming lead together with them."

The Author
Graham Gillmore enjoys country life in the natural beauty of East Anglia and the Fens but was born a Londoner in 1952. An innate fascination with history and all things military inevitably led him to joining the Grenadier Guards, and for six months the Guards Depot drilled into him soldiering skills of the highest standard. Graham left the British Army in 1977 to join the Rhodesian Light Infantry in their war to prevent communist terrorists overthrowing the country. After two years as the signals rep to Support Commando, 1RLI, Graham was promoted to Signals Troop Sergeant, but with the fall of Rhodesia to the Marxists in 1980, he moved to South Africa to continued the anti-terrorist fight with the Pathfinder Company, 44 Parachute Brigade. He returned to England still on crutches after being wounded in Angola and joined the Territorial Army. After a career in VIP security Graham is now a leading member of the Victorian Military Society for whom he runs The Diehard Company, an internationally known and highly regarded re-enactment group. He advises and writes articles on the British Army on Home Service and on campaign during Queen Victoria's reign.

Softback, 224 pages. 200 colour & b/w photos, maps. RRP £24.95
Planned Release Date: 2010
(BOOK CODE: PC44PB)~~364~12846~~

Pro Patria - Barry Fowler~Pro Patria is a collection of oral stories from normal South African men, who were called up ("drafted") to do military service in South Africa between 1976 and 1989. These stories have been related to Barry Fowler, who has transcribed them and edited them to make them easier to read.Pro Patria is pieces of the real story, in the words of the normal men who participated, of the military experience during this turbulent time.One of these stories relates the experience of a "Parabat", who took part in the largest air-borne operation that South Africa has ever undertaken, at Cassinga. Another relates the story of an "Airman" in the South African Air-Force who primarily performed guard duty. The rest are stories of medical personnel, a doctor and two psychologists.This is not primarily a book about combat or derring-do, but rather allows the reader to catch a glimpse of the ordinary life in the military at that time.
ISBN: 978-1-9201-6914-5. 2006 2nd Edition, Softback, 216 pages.~~Pro Patria|X ISBN 9781920169145|~364~11434~SADF, medical personnel~

Recce: A Collector’s Guide to the History of the South African Special Forces - P. Matthysen, M. Kalkwarf & M. Huxtable~"The quintessential professional - prepared to die for his country, but not trained to … this is the elite 'Recce' soldier"
This book has been some 15 years in the making and can claim, with some justification, to be the definitive publication on the 'Recces', unlikely to be topped for many, many years. The South African Special Forces have invariably been portrayed as a sinister force, used in covert operations locally and abroad but this is pure political expediency and media propaganda. The unit's operators are shy, humble soldiers, whose primary role is intelligence gathering, although they will take offensive action, ruthlessly, if necessary. Highly trained professionals in class of their own, these elite troops have garnered for themselves an international reputation par excellence. Book includes a comprehensive history and training methods and a plethora of memorabilia, actual-size badges, insignia, collectibles etc.
Hardback, 384 pages. Over 1500 colour images, maps. RRP £50.00
Planned Release Date: May 2010

(ITEM CODE: RECC)~"The quintessential professional - prepared to die for his country, but not trained to … this is the elite 'Recce' soldier"
This book has been some 15 years in the making and can claim, with some justification, to be the definitive publication on the 'Recces', unlikely to be topped for many, many years. The South African Special Forces have invariably been portrayed as a sinister force, used in covert operations locally and abroad but this is pure political expediency and media propaganda. The unit's operators are shy, humble soldiers, whose primary role is intelligence gathering, although they will take offensive action, ruthlessly, if necessary. Highly trained professionals in class of their own, these elite troops have garnered for themselves an international reputation par excellence. Book includes a comprehensive history and training methods and a plethora of memorabilia, actual-size badges, insignia, collectibles etc.

The 'Producers'

Paul Matthysen - Author. An ex-army platoon sergeant in the infantry corps, Paul also trained with the Hunter Group. Being interested in things military from a young age, he became a specialist in the field of insignia and uniforms, especially South African militaria. His speciality is World War II German insignia, for which he has won numerous awards at various exhibitions. Paul lives in Johannesburg and helps out in his daughter's bookshop.

Matthew Kalkwarf - Co-author, Photography & Research Assistant. A qualified instructor NCO at the Army Gymnasium, Matthew later served with 2 South West African Specialist Unit. He retained his interest in the military after completing his service. His extensive sales experience has equipped him well to assist in this project, where excellent inter-personal skills are vital for research and interviews. His technical intelligence has proved invaluable during this process. Matthew lives in Johannesburg and manages his own company.

Michael Huxtable - Layout Artist. With a keen interest in the military, Mike served two years' national service in the South African Defence Force Intelligence School during 1988/89. In 2003, he joined the SANDF Reserve Force, serving as Intelligence Officer with the Light Horse Regiment. His dream to publish books on South African military insignia came to fruition after meeting Paul Matthysen. He lives in Johannesburg.

Hardback, 304 pages. Over 1000 colour images, maps.
Planned Release Date: May 2010
(BOOK CODE: RECC)~Recce|X ISBN 9781920143411|~364~12764~~

Recce South Africa: The Men Speak - Jonathan Pittaway~One of the three books in the series about South African elite forces by J Pittaway.
This title follows a similiar high quality format to the earlier publications already done on the Rhodesian forces - Long Range Desert Group Rhodesia: The Men Speak and the Special Air Service Rhodesia: The Men Speak. The book will be lavishly illustrated with many previously unseen photos of operations & personnel and includes personal stories by well known men, and details gallantry citations. It includes full nominal rolls, Rolls of Honour, chronologies, orbats, tables, medals, badges, uniforms, documents, maps and miliaria. There will be numerous black & white & colour illustrations throughout.
Softcovered, US Letter size, coffee-table quality, gloss finish, with over 400 pages, 1000 photos.
Planned release date: 2012.

ITEM CODE - RSAP~~~364~12874~~

SA Naval Digest No 12, April 2007: Names and Ships' Badges of the Valour Class Frigates - Chris Bennett~This study covers the naming and ‘badging’ of the four new Valour Class vessels of the SA Navy. These vessels were initially designated as Patrol Corvettes but were officially reclassified as Frigates in 2006. Although the classification of corvette was mainly based on playing down size and capability of new acquisitions at a time in South African history when social issues were the focus of the new government, it was an appropriate choice at the time, as it accurately defined the planned roles and functions of these new vessels. These ships, as part of the national and very well publicised Arms Acquisition Programme, became the centre of national debate, political controversy and great public interest, probably more so than any other warships in the 85-year history of the South African Navy. They became the public symbol of the new SA Navy – a ‘peoples’ navy – and it was thus critical for the public to identify them with pride and common ownership.
ISBN , 2007. Softback 76 pages.~~SA Naval Digest No 12|X 8866|~364~11520~south african navy frigate, navy ship Mendi Islandlwana amatola spioenkop,~

Someone Else's War: Mercenaries from 1960 to Present - Anthony Rogers~Traditionally, a mercenary is somebody who fights for a foreign power in return for financial or material gain. In ancient times, this may have been the case, but how appropriate is such a definition today?The volunteers in the Congo were mercenaries in the accepted sense of the word, but many who arrived in Rhodesia in the 1970s later resented being labelled as such. It somehow mattered that they were part of a regular army, police or air force, serving under the same terms and conditions and for the same meagre wages as their Rhodesian colleagues. Men came from all over the world to fight in the former Yugoslavia, but they knew they would be paid a pittance by American or West European standards.As Anthony Rogers reveals, few mercenaries have got rich by fighting in a foreign uniform. Many mercenary operations are aborted or end in bloody disaster like Angola in 1976 (Colonel Callan). Yet men are still prepared to meet in secret, to plot the downfall of an African government and risk life and limb in a coup d'etat. At the end of the twentieth century, more governments are changed by men with machine guns than by the voting public. As long as this continues, the modern mercenary will still be in business. The author served in the Royal Marine Commandos and in the Rhodesian Army in the mid to late 1970's.
ISBN 9780004720777 1998. Hardcover 255 pages. Color photos, maps.~~Someone Else%27s War|ISBN 9780004720777|~364~12236~mercenary, mercenaries~

South African Air Force - Peter Dancey~Covering the history of the SAAF, from the Unie van Suid Afrika (Union of South Africa) Air Force and its involvement in WW2, the introduction of new equipment after WW2, the Bush War., to the 'new' SAAF. There are dedicated sections such as Helicopters, and the SA Police Wing (including SAPW list of Equipment). SAAF Battle Orders and Equipment as of specific historical milestones, and the SAAF Museum inventory.
110 pages, maps, squadron badges, approx 100 b/w photographs
ISBN 0-946-99566-4. Aug 2004. Paperback, A4 size.~~South African Air Force|ISBN 0946995664|~364~4818~South African Air Force Peter Dancey, SAAF, SA Police Wing~

South African Special Forces: Osprey Elite Series (47) - Robert Pitta~This book provides a background account of the history, organisation, uniforms and insignia of South African Special Forces from their origins up to the early 90s - units such as the 44 Parachute Brigade, the Hunter Group and the infamous SWA Police COIN Unit 'Koevoet'. These elite units of the South African Defence Force and the special anti-terrorist units of the South African Police Forces comprised the largest, best trained and best equipped of any country in southern Africa. Robert Pitta and Jeff Fannell provide the text in a volume packed with photographs and illustrations. Includes: SADF Parachute Battalions, The Pathfinder Company, The Hunter Group, SADF 32 Battalion, The Reconnaissance Regiments, and other SADF / Police Units .
Osprey 1993. Elite series, No. 47. Published 0105/93, soft back, 64 pages.~~South African Special Forces%3A Osprey|ISBN 9781855322943|~364~11858~special forces,~

South African War Machine - Helmoed-Romer Heitman~Although the South African armed forces have attracted world-wide media attention during and after the Border Wars and have become known as the most powerful and efficient in southern Africa, comparatively few details of their operations and organisation were known. South African War Machine briefly describes the history of South Africa's armed forces, outlining their roles in the two World Wars and in Korea and explaining how this background has contributed to the unique make-up of South Africa's defence force. South African War Machine provides an well-researched analysis of the country's defence force, with Helmoed-Römer Heitman's authoritative text being supplemented by carefully chosen illustrations, many of them never previously published.
ISBN-13 978-0831779290, 1986. Hardback large format (coffee table), 192 pages, numerous b/w and color photos.

NOTE- Out-of-Print. These are good quality second hand copies. Dust Jackets may be slightly marked / torn from general wear/usage.~~South African War Machine|ISBN-13 9780831779290|~364~12229~~

Special Forces "Jam Stealer" - Peet Coetzee~Afrikaans version available - Verkennings Kommando's: Ons Vergeet Nie (Select edition below)
Peet served in the South African Defence Force as a career soldier for 33 years, commencing with border duties in 1968 and contributed to the war effort till SADF ended its role in Namibia in 1994. Read about this first ever to be told intelligence support role that he filled, earning him a place to serve with South Africa's elite special forces - The Recces. Discover the role that Photo Interpreters played in SADF Operations such as Savannah, Sceptic, Askari, Kropduif (Eheke) and Reindeer (Cassinga). In one way or other, he had insight in the majority of the cross border operations that SADF conducted in those days. The highlight of his military career was his serving 12 years in the Intelligence Support group for South African Special Forces Recces. His specialised Photo Interpretation service was specifically directed in aiding the Recce's Small Team Operators - a very vital role as this service entailed provison of accurate, detailed target and route intelligence - the small 2-3 man Recce teams operated deep in enemy terrority, far from immediate back-up support.

"We spent considerable time with the Air Photo Interpreter at Special Forces HQ, Warrant-Officer Peet Coetzee. Peet was a master in his field, he assisted us to make detailed studies of routes and potential laying-ins" - Col. A. Diedericks in JOURNEY WITHOUT BOUNDARIES.
"It was a pleasure working with WO1 Peet Coetzee and could always rely on especially good image intelligence supplied by him" - Major Jack Greeff in A GREATER SHARE OF HONOUR.

ISBN 978-0-620-43564-2.
2nd Edition May 2009 English (streamlined with a new cover). 424 pages, 450 colour and B/W photos. Now Out of Print, few copies remain (all in UK only).
2nd Edition Oct 2009 English & Afrikaans (revamped with larger photos) B/W photos only
(The Recce's Small Team Operator concept is covered in two current Recce books "A Greater Share of Honour" & "A Journey without Boundaries" - both are also available on this web page)
Autographed / Afrikaans copies available on request - please allow for 6-10 weeks delivery.~~Select Edition||Jam Stealer (2nd Ed)|X ISBN 9780620435642 B/W|Jam Stealer (2nd Ed) Autographed|X ISBN 9780620435642 B/W Auto|Ons Vergeet Nie (Afrikaans)|X ISBN 9780620435642 Afrikaans|Jam Stealer (2nd Ed) Colour photos|ISBN 9780620435642 Colour|~364~11970~Recces, photo interpreter intelligence~

Stand By! South African Air Force Search and Rescue - Brig-Gen Dick Lord~Unsung heroes-the selfless heroism of South Africa's airmen. Originally published in 1999 as Fire, Flood and Ice, this updated edition includes yet more spectacular South African Air Force (SAAF) search and rescue missions, both military and civilian. Included is the remarkable rescue of all 581 people from the ill-fated liner Oceanos, for which the author was mentioned in dispatches for his role as commander of the rescue operation. Also new are heart-warming accounts of SAAF rescues during the devastating floods of 2000 in Mozambique, which captured the world's attention.
Paperback, 352 pages, 234 x 153mm / 6 x 9. 100 colour & b/w photos, maps. RRP £17.95
Planned Release Date: Oct 2010
(ITEM CODE: SBSASR)~Unsung heroes-the selfless heroism of South Africa's airmen. Originally published in 1999 as Fire, Flood and Ice, this updated edition includes yet more spectacular South African Air Force (SAAF) search and rescue missions, both military and civilian. Included is the remarkable rescue of all 581 people from the ill-fated liner Oceanos, for which the author was mentioned in dispatches for his role as commander of the rescue operation. Also new are heart-warming accounts of SAAF rescues during the devastating floods of 2000 in Mozambique, which captured the world's attention.
Paperback, 352 pages, 234 x 153mm / 6 x 9. 100 colour & b/w photos, maps. RRP £17.95
Planned Release Date: Oct 2010
(BOOK CODE: SBSASR)~~364~12847~~

Starting Out: Collecting South African Militaria - Dudley Wall~Dudley Wall's book of South African Militaria is the perfect book for those starting out with a collection as well as for those who wish to have a reference work. It will also be of interest to people who served in the SADF/SANDF because most unit and proficiency badges are recorded. The book has been out of print for some time. First and second editions have become scarce, commanding high prices, which prompted the author to ensure that a new edition was available. This third edition has been slightly updated, printed in full colour and contains a good basic collection of South African military insignia reproduced along with text that contextualizes the development of the insignia.
JD Publishing Oct 2007, ISBN 9781920169701. 3rd Edition. 86 pages, full colour, A4 format.~~Starting Out%3A Collecting South African Militaria|ISBN 9781920169701|~364~11615~SADF SANDF, south african army navy airforce, Dudley Wall~

Staying Alive: The Paratrooper's Story - John Delaney with Jan Greenough~"As I peered under the branch, I saw an enemy soldier lying on his back, with his weapon pointed at me and ready to fire. I took a step back and raised my rifle, but the range was too short and there was no room to aim. I fired..." At 19 John Delaney was a tough, highly-trained, finely-honed Parabat - a member of the elite South African Parachute Battalion. He had fought bush wars in Namibia and Angola. The impulse to fight, to demand respect - to kill - burned strong within him. He was a man without boundaries. The girls, the boozing, the drugs and brawling, back in civilian life failed to mask his emptiness. "I had not died as a soldier. I didn't know how to live...but I didn't want to die." Under the guidance of friends at Rhema Church he discovered Jesus. "I had come home. The fight was over at last," John recalls. "I had thought religion was shut up in churches. Now I was experiencing the power of God." John's qualities as leader and self-starter found fresh expression: running crusades in Angola and Zaire, followed by relief work in the refugee camps created by the Rwandan genocide. Today John divides his time between the UK and South Africa, working with AIDS victims, street children and the poor in both Bristol and Johannesburg.
ISBN-13 9781854246707. Oct 2004. Paperback 176 pages.~~Staying Alive|ISBN-13 9781854246707|~364~12511~~

Taming the Landmine - Peter Stiff~The first book written on the development of the landmine as a tactical weapon combined with the advances made in the design of mine protected vehicles as used during the bush war in Rhodesia and later in South Africa.
The 1950s saw the beginnings of most of the post-war uprisings against colonialism in Asia and Africa. In almost every case the communists provided training as well as weapons to nationalist insurgents. The landmine, instead of being used principally in its more usual role of holding up the advance of motorised enemy forces, began being deployed as a terrorist weapon to halt the movement of all civil and military vehicles in an effort to bring a country's economy to a halt and strangle the ruling administration. In the Portuguese colonial wars in Africa, the insurgents' landmine tactics worked exceptionally well. The Portuguese found no effective way of combatting them. In the early 1970s, the landmine menace spread to both the South African-controlled Caprivi strip of South West Africa (now Namibia) and to Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe). Both countries were stumped in their first efforts to find an answer, but they found it. A number of revolutionary ideas, including the v-shaped vehicle hull to deflect the blast of landmines, were successfully developed in both countries to minimise the explosive effects of vehicles and to reduce injuries and the deaths of people being carried in them. This told for the first time, is the remarkable story of those developments as well as the historical events that shaped them.
IBSN 0 9470 2004 7 Size 330x245mm, 128 pages, over 300 illustrations.~Galago
IBSN 0 9470 2004 7
Size 330x245mm, 128 pages, over 300 illustrations.

The first book written on the development of the landmine as a tactical weapon combined with the efforts made to combat its devastating effects.

It was the advent of superior firepower in the 19th Century, particularly the machine gun, which caused soldiers to cease fighting in the open and seek cover in trenches. A natural follow-on was the appearance of barbed wire to defend those trenches against attack. The stalemate of the trenches in World War-1 was finally broken by the tank, a weapon designed to crush barbed wire entanglements, cross trenches and provide a protective steel shield behind the safety of which the crews could fight the opposing infantry. The landmine, developed by the Germans to combat the tank, made its first tentative appearance in the final stages of the war.

World War-2 saw radical developments. The British and French hierarchy who still viewed the tank in much the same light as they had in the last war, were rudely surprised when the Germans utilised them in powerful and fast-moving formations with motorised infantry in support, to break through battle lines and cleave through the soft underbelly of the rear echelons.

By the end of the war both the Allied and Axis powers had adopted the same armoured tactics. The unglamorous and inglorious landmine laid by the tens of thousands to combat armoured breakthroughs, or making landings from the sea, had become a major weapon in the hands of all armies. To breach minefields, the South African-invented flail tank and other devices such as mine rollers were brought into service by the Allies and used with great effect at the Battle of El Alamein and later on the Normandy beaches.

The 1950s saw the beginnings of most of the post-war uprisings against colonialism in Asia and Africa. In almost every case the communists provided training as well as weapons to nationalist insurgents and successfully prised them away from Western influences. The landmine, instead of being used principally in its more usual role of holding up the advance of motorised enemy forces, began being deployed as a terrorist weapon to halt the movement of all civil and military vehicles in an effort to bring a country's economy to a halt and strangle the ruling administration. In the Portuguese colonial wars in Africa, the insurgents' landmine tactics worked exceptionally well. The Portuguese found no effective way of combatting them. In the early 1970s, the landmine menace spread to both the South African-controlled Caprivi strip of South West Africa (now Namibia) and to Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe). Both countries were stumped in their first efforts to find an answer, but they found it. A number of revolutionary ideas, including the v-shaped vehicle hull to deflect the blast of landmines, were successfully developed in both countries to minimise the explosive effects of vehicles and to reduce injuries and the deaths of people being carried in them. This told for the first time, is the remarkable story of those developments as well as the historical events that shaped them.

Reviews and comments

A welcome addition to the limited amount of published material on that crucial topic for combat engineers - mine warfare. Peter Stiff has prepared a profusely illustrated book, aimed particularly at the lessons learned during the low level operations in Rhodesia and South Africa . . . the excellent photographs throughout provide much scope for reflection.
Few of us have had the misfortune to face the effects of mine devastation, but these photographs provide sobering insights into the consequences . . .Royal Engineers Journal - Great Britain

Peter Stiff in his book Taming the Landmine reveals how South Africa, by learning from Rhodesia's experience, has taken the lead among Western nations in securing a highly sophisticated landmine-protection industry . . .The Star - Johannesburg

Peter Stiff, best known for his books on the Rhodesian bush war and the Selous Scouts, has found an unusual subject for his latest effort and has written the first book on the development of the landmine as a tactical weapon.The Citizen - Johannesburg

A well documented book by Peter Stiff, an authoritative writer, provides interesting and important reading.Paratus - South Africa

The book, a truly incredible work by Peter Stiff . . . a meticulous researcher.South African Sapper

South Africa, and before it, Rhodesia, was forced by necessity to find solutions to the threat of mines and I wonder what our solutions would be, faced with a similar threat, because I've seen very little so far to suggest we've given the problem anything more than passing interest.Army (Australia)

I have read with interest Peter Stiff's SA Bush war trilogy, Taming the Landmine, and others. It was (is) really stupid of the US forces to use those unarmoured and makeshift-armoured Humvees in Iraq. We should have bought Casspirs or at least licensed production of them. Robert Starnes Pleasanton, CA 94588 United States 44

I can't help thinking that the British and American forces in Iraq would do better with Casspirs than their soft-skinned Land-Rovers and Humvees. I have written to every National newspaper and TV broadcaster in the UK to try to publicise this fact without an answer. Graham Smith, Poole UK

If you don't have this book or have not read it, you are simply not on top of the world of the mine, countermine and counter-ambush. This book should be purchased en mass by the US Army and made a standard student text at the Combat Engineer School. Peter Stiff shows how the armies in the southern African area SOLVED the landmine, automatic weapons fire ambush, and if we want to avoid learning the same lessons all over again at a high cost in destroyed lives, we should read and heed this book's ideas into our own army. This is NOT being done as combat engineering concerns have been marginalised by armor/infantry branch officers dominating decision-making even though the landmine is the biggest killer of our soldiers since Vietnam. Sam Damon Jr - Fort Bragg, NC, USA.

A very good illustrated book on landmine-protected vehicles. Peter Stiff has written an excellent account of the evolution of landmine-protected vehicles in southern Africa. Apart from an initial section on early armoured vehicles and their protective capabilities, the book focuses on the development thru trial, error and experience of mine protected vehicles firstly in Rhodesia in response to the terrorist mining campaign and then in South Africa as the threat escalated. The book contains a large number of photographs of the various vehicles that were developed and used, culminating with the current South African mine-protected armoured fighting vehicles which are some of the best available in the world. All in all it's a very good read while the accompanying photos really make the book. A reader - Amazon.com

I truly think that this is a valuable contribution to the recording of the development of armaments for the particular type of conflict in southern Africa. P G Marais - Chairman, Armaments Corp of South Africa

Defence Minister General Malan has noted the contents of the book with interest and appreciation. Capt H C M Burger - Military Secretary: Ministry of Defence

It has been an interesting experience working with such an obvious expert in this field as yourself. Col J C Beyers - PP Chief of the SA Defence Force

I found the book to be a first-rate account of the Rhodesian and South African efforts at beating the landmine. Peter Cooke - Wellington, New Zealand~Taming the Landmine|ISBN 0947020047|~364~11320~Taming the Landmine - Peter Stiff~

The Chopper Boys: Helicopter Warfare in Africa - Al J Venter~In Association with Neal Ellis and Richard Wood.
A study of helicopter warfare in sub-Saraha Africa, from the war in Rhodesia (1962-80) to the last days of Somalia. (pre-1994). The largest part of book covers the South African Wars, with a fair section on the Rhodesian Bush War.
ISBN-13 978-1853671777 1994. Hard cover, Large format, 240 pages, numerous colour and b/w photos, maps and plans.

Out of Print, few good condition copies available.~From the book's jacket
It was the French who began to use the helicopter as a 'gunship' in the mid-1950s in Algeria. Until then helicopters had been employed mainly for the evacuation of casualties, search and rescue, observation and troop transport.

They first deployed armed helicopters during a battle with Muslim rebel forces in the Atala Mountains. During that action a French commander strapped a man with an automatic rifle in each litter and sent the helicopter up against the rebels, apparently with good success.

Since then helicopters have become the mainstay of most governments engaged in counter-insurgency or semi-conventional conflicts, notably in Africa, the Middle East, South and Central America and Asia. After Vietnam it was Africa that commanded the most interest among helicopter enthusiasts: first with the French in Algeria, then later in Chad and afterwards with Portugal fighting a succession of guerilla campaigns in Angola, Portuguese Guinea and Moçambique. Then came the Rhodesian war, where the use of helicopters in combat became a fine art - the concept of quick reaction 'Fireforce' was born here; and, most recently, the South African border war and the conflict in Angola.

There were other events in which helicopters were used in Africa, and this books deals with many of them: the succession of army mutinies that plagued East Africa after independence, the civil war in Nigeria, the perennial war against drugs, seen here in the mountains adjacent to Lesotho; helicopters at sea in both operational and lifesaving functions; the search for poachers and the use of helicopters by the South African Police in the dreadful carnage caused by black-on-black tribal faction-fighting in South Africa.

Somalia features in this work too. Who has not seen pictures or images on TV of American gunships hovering over Mgadishu? Or the more tragic shots of shattered Blackhawks, shot down by recalcitrant Somali warriors? Al Venter spent time in the Horn of Africa to compile a complete portrait of helicopter operations in that sad country.

To give a farily complete picture, a variety of other uses of helicopters are also dealt with, including joint American-Egyptian military exercises in the desert and the rescue of hundreds of passengers from the sinking passenger liner Oceanos, which went down in the Indian Ocean in August 1991 without loss of life.~The Chopper Boys|ISBN-13 978-1853671777|~364~12228~~

The Covert War: Koevoet Operations in Namibia: 1979-1989 - Peter Stiff~The 3rd book in Peter Stiff's Trilogy on South African Warfare.The mostly untold story of Koevoet, the South African Police's highly successful counterinsurgency unit, initially based on the Selous Scouts of Rhodesia, formed in 1979 and deployed in Namibia until independence in 1989 when it was disbanded as a sop to the UN. During its almost ten year existence it fought in 1 615 contacts and killed or captured 3 225 of SWAPO's PLAN soldiers - the equivalent of almost six battalions of troops. But it paid a high price in blood and lost almost 160 policemen killed in action with another 949 wounded - more grievous casualties than any other South African fighting unit since World War II.
Size - 512pp; size 242 X 168mm; 32pp mostly colour pics; maps; in-text illustrations.
Hardback ISBN 1-919854-02-09
NOTE - see 'Special Offers' section at bottom of this page~Size - 512pp; size 242 X 168mm; 32pp mostly colour pics; maps; in-text illustrations.
Hardback ISBN 1-919854-02-09

The Covert War is compelling reading. In 1978 the counter-insurgency war on the Angolan/SWA Namibian border was going badly for the South Africans. Externally the SADF was in control, but internally SWAPO was gaining the upper hand. The SAP Commissioner and SADF Chief met to find a solution. They decided to form a joint 5-Recce Commando/Security Branch organisation on the lines of the Rhodesian Selous Scouts. A highly experienced Security Branch officer, Col 'Sterk' [strong] Hans' Dreyer, was despatched to Owamboland with five police officers. They were tasked under 'Top Secret' Project Koevoet (crowbar) to find and provide operational intelligence for the Recces. But they needed the Recces to provide captures for interrogation, but they were heavily engaged in operations in Angola.Col Dreyer came to realise that the situation in SWA/Namibia was completely different to the Rhodesian scene. What worked in Rhodesia wouldn't necessarily work there. So his team reverted to basic police work, building informer networks and so on. A single arrest led to the smashing of SWAPO's sabotage networks throughout the country. During one investigation three policemen, armed only with pistols, almost blundered into a large PLAN group which would have spelt their certain death. This narrow escape resulted in the recruitment of black special constables into units to protect the investigators. This led to a realisation of the astonishing tracking abilities of the Owambos. While tracking has been a tactic used by the military since time eternal, it had never become a strategy where it was always used - which is what happened with Koevoet. It led to the unit's major expansion.

As with other insurgencies in southern Africa, the Security Forces were faced with a serious landmine threat. This problem for Koevoet was overcome when it was equipped with the remarkable mine-protected Casspirs. Combining their police investigational abilities and skills at getting information, the tracking abilities of their special constables, the landmine protection provided by their Casspirs — with the support of SAAF helicopter gunships — Koevoet emerged as the premier counter-insurgency unit in SWA/Namibia. It cut bloody swathes through PLAN's internal organisation and tellingly acted in support of the army in southern Angola.

In its ten year existence it fought in 1 615 contacts and killed or captured 3 225 PLAN soldiers — the equivalent of almost six battalions of troops. But it paid a high price in blood and lost almost 160 policemen killed in action with another 949 wounded — more grievous casualties than any other South African fighting unit since World War II.

After heroically repelling SWAPO's invasion of Namibia in April 1989 — while fighting under the direct authority of the Secretary-General of the United Nations — the unit was ignominiously disbanded and its black members disgracefully abandoned to take their chances at the unforgiving hands of their former SWAPO foes.

While this book is expressly focused on Koevoet, it is also the first full story of the internal border war in Namibia.~The Covert War|X ISBN 19198540209|~364~10957~south african counterinsurgency covert war koevoet operations namibia, africa police anti-terrorism , peter stiff~

The Military Badges and Insignia of Southern Africa - Colin R Owen~This is the revised edition of "The Military Badges of South Africa and Rhodesia from 1850-1976", first published 1976.
This authoritive well bound large coffee table format book contains 3991 photos of badges, 1152 photos of cloth insignia which consist of wings, half wings and parachute wings with colour centres, and 1223 colour photos, of all the badges issued from 1850 to 1990. This book still remains the top reference guide for collectors and historians worldwide.
ISBN 0620154381. Chimperie Agencies, 1990. Hardcover 215 pages. (heavy book - 2kg packed!)
LAST FEW REMAINING BRAND NEW COPIES ! (Second hand copies are even selling at double the price!)

Shipping from: Mid-late April 2010 (Subject to sufficient orders now).~~The Military Badges and Insignia of Southern Africa|ISBN 0620154381|~364~12894~~

The Silent War: South African Recce operations 1969-1994 - Peter Stiff~This book covers South African military operations during the apartheid years. It includes the Recces manning and staffing Rhodesia's 'D' Squadron SAS, and, after the fall of Rhodesia, how the Rhodesian SAS and Selous Scouts were re-formed as Recce units in South Africa. This amazing book tells not only the story of South Africa's special elite forces, it has also been described as the most important and frank history of South Africa itself during the apartheid years. It is also the most illuminating book on special forces published anywhere. Not only does Stiff deal with military operations but he also explains the political dynamics that prompted them.
Size - 242x168mm, 608 pages, 24 pp b/w and colour illustrations.
ISBN 0 620 24300 7 - hardcover (out of print / stock)
ISBN 1 919854 04 5 - softcover
NOTE - see 'Special Offers' section at bottom of this page~Galago
ISBN 0 620 24300 7 - hardcover (out of print / stock)
ISBN 1 919854 04 5 - softcover
Size - 242x168mm, 608 pages, 24 pp b/w and colour illustrations.

This amazing book tells not only the story of South Africa's special forces, it has also been described as the most important and frank history of South Africa itself during the apartheid years. It is also the most illuminating book on special forces published anywhere. Not only does Stiff deal with military operations but he also explains the political dynamics that prompted them. It is wide ranging and covers the first counter-insurgency operations in Namibia in 1966, a commando raid on Dare-es-Salaam, the Fox Street Siege, South Africa's intervention into Angola in 1975 and subsequent pull-out, the rise of insurgency in Moçambique, South Africa's reentry into Angola, strikes against SWAPO bases in Zambia, the training and assistance to UNITA, the fight against ZANLA and ZIPRA in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) and how the Recces staffed Rhodesia's 'D' Squadron SAS, the fall of Rhodesia, how the SAS and Selous Scouts were reformed as Recce units in South Africa, the selection and training of special forces, the raid against the ANC at Matola in Moçambique, South African assistance to RENAMO and Recce operations in Moçambique, Lesotho, Cabinda, Botswana and Zambia. It also deals in detail with the final days of apartheid South Africa and explains how close the country was to a right-wing coup d'etat.

It was a book that should not have been published. In 1986 Stiff was invited by the Chief SADF to write a history of the Recces, but two years later when it was discovered he had discovered far more about secret operations than intended, permission was withdrawn and he was threatened with prosecution under the Official Secrets Act. He had to wait until after the 1994 election before he could again pick up his pen.~The Silent War (S/B)|X ISBN 1919854045|~364~11114~The Silent War%3A South African Recce operations 1969 - 1994 - Peter Stiff, rhodesian special forces~

Three Frigates - The South African Navy comes of Age - Rear Admiral Chris Bennett, SA Navy (Retired)~For nearly two decades the three President Class frigates acquired by the SA Navy in the 1960s dominated the South African maritime scene. These three ships - President Kruger, President Steyn and President Pretorius were ordered from Britain in the 1950s in compliance with the requirements of the so-called Simon's Town Agreement.The book explains the political background at the time of purchase that led to their acquisition and the political background twenty years later that led to them being sidelined whilst still in 'their prime' and very useful ships.The book covers how the SA Navy developed from 1953 when "we were a 'mickey mouse' outfit" to 1963 when "we were a pretty professional set up and able to hold our own with the Royal Navy". Considerable comment is also given in various sections of the book on some of those areas where the author believes that National, SADF and/or SAN policies or procedures hindered the proper operational manning and deployment of these fine ships.For the first time in a book on the SA Navy, the full story of how the Navy became part of the so-called 'Border War' during Operation Savannah and what the President Class frigates achieved in that operation.
ISBN-13 978-1-920169-02-2 A4 Softback. Jun 2006. 290 pages.~JDP Publishing
Cover Type Paperback
ISBN-10 1-920169-02-4
ISBN-13 978-1-920169-02-2
No of Pages 290
Size A4
Publication Date 1 June 2006

For nearly two decades the three President Class frigates acquired by the SA Navy in the 1960s dominated the South African maritime scene. These three ships - President Kruger, President Steyn and President Pretorius were ordered from Britain in the 1950s in compliance with the requirements of the so-called Simon’s Town Agreement.

In this book we find out not only about the ships themselves but also some of the political background at the time of purchase that led to their acquisition and for the first time we can read of some of the political background twenty years later that led to them being sidelined whilst still in ‘their prime’ and very useful ships.

We also find out how the SA Navy developed from 1953 when “we were a ‘mickey mouse’ outfit” to 1963 when “we were a pretty professional set up and able to hold our own with the Royal Navy”. Considerable comment is also given in various sections of the book on some of those areas where the author believes that National, SADF and/or SAN policies or procedures hindered the proper operational manning and deployment of these fine ships.

For the first time in a book on the SA Navy the full story of how the Navy became part of the so-called ‘Border War’ during Operation Savannah and what the President Class frigates achieved in that operation is told.

The main story of this book is not about the tragic loss of SAS President Kruger on 18 February 1982, however this important occurrence in the history of our Navy does get serious attention and the author does try to explain what happened, hopefully in terms that the non-naval reader will also understand. He also gives some reasonably detailed comment, especially on the official findings of the formal inquest into the death of one of her ship’s company as a result of that accident.

There are also many other happier stories from the time of their building in the UK, and on a number of diplomatic visits made by them to Argentina, Australia and Europe. Then there are visits to our own harbours and such incidents as entertaining ‘Snow White, the seven Dwarfs and some twenty chorus girls’ onboard the President Kruger, and other stories about the multitude of different characters who served in these beautiful ships over the years, some strange, some tragic, but mostly amusing.

The previous Chief of the Navy, Vice Admiral Johan Retief, whilst still in that post agreed to write a foreword for the book, and had the following comment on it:

" I found the draft compelling reading and, from my knowledge, an excellent history of a most important phase of the Navy’s history. There are clear lessons to be learnt, stretching from how to man ships properly to how to name ships. … … … It is essential that these lessons be retained for future generations as we move back into a large ship era. "
and
"Conclusion. To repeat myself, I think you have done remarkably well. I have read the draft for contents only and not for style, I am not qualified to do that. I presume that you are discussing the matter with an editor. I enjoyed that the fact that you interspersed the factual history with anecdotes, it keeps one interested. Well done. BZ"Note: BZ, or Bravo Zulu phonetically, is ‘navalese’ for ‘Well done’ and was inked in by hand. It originates from the NATO book of two letter signal codes.~Three Frigates|X ISBN-13 9781920169022|~364~11340~~

To the Bush and Back: A Story about the last phase of the South African Border War as experienced by a junior officer of 32 Battalion - Nico van der Walt~Originally published in Afrikaans as 'Bos Toe!'. There was a time when the world was still embroiled in the Cold War and when the communist threat was a reality for many South Africans. That was a time when the phrase "going-to-the-bush" had a meaning of its own and when many a South African conscript was obliged to do his "tour" on the Namibian border. This book tells the story about the bush; the war as well as the people. It gives a personal account about a young man who reported for military service with the South African Defence Force in the late 1980's and takes the reader on a tour de force from Basic and Officers Training, all the way to the bush of Namibia and Angola during the last battles of the Border War - including the Battle of Cuito Cuanavale. It also details the rigorous training; life in the Caprivi, as well as the constant operational deployments. Lastly, the book describes the events directly after the war and relates the history of a legendary unit and its people at the time.
Soft cover, A5 size; 208 pages. Over 50 colour photos~Privately published, 2008
Originally published in Afrikaans 'Bos Toe!' 2007
A-5 Soft Cover, 208 pages, 58 Colour photographs and maps.
ISBN:978-0-620-41109-7.

There was a time when the world was still embroiled in the Cold War and when the communist threat was a reality for many South Africans. That was a time when the phrase “going-to-the-bush” had a meaning of its own and when many a South African conscript was obliged to do his “tour” on the Namibian border.

This book tells the story about the war; the "bush" as well as the people. It gives a personal account about a young man who reported for military service with the South African Defence Force and takes the reader on a tour de force from Basic- and Officers Training all the way to the bush of Namibia and Angola during the last battles of the Border War – including the so-called battle of Cuito Cuanavale. It also details the rigorous training; life in the Caprivi, as well as the constant operational deployments. Furthermore, the book describes the events directly after the war and relates the history of a legendary unit and its people at the time.~To the Bush and Back|X 9210|~364~12340~~

Troepie: From Call-up to Camps - Cameron Blake~This title is a collection of excerpts from interviews with former conscripts in which they recall their time in the South African Defence Force. The chapters are structured according to the general sequence of a conscript’s experience: receiving call-up papers, klaaring in, the first week of Basics, keuring, bush phase, second-phase training, general service, the Border, Angola, the townships, klaaring out and camps. Appendices give additional information on a range of matters, from the context of the Angola War to National Service medals. A comprehensive glossary explains military terms.
ISBN-13: 978-1770220515. Aug/Oct 2009. Paperback, Size 22.9 x 14.7 x 2.8 cm. 336 pages.~~Troepie%3A From Call-up to Camps|ISBN13 9781770220515|~364~12653~~

Umkhonto we Sizwe: Fighting for a Divided People - Thula Bopela and Daluxolo Luthuli~This is one of the very few books written by men who fought as guerrillas with any of the liberation forces of countries in southern Africa.Thula Bopela and Daluxolo Luthuli joined the South Africa liberation struggle as young men in the early 1960s when they left the country to join the ranks of the ANC's military wing, MK, in Tanzania. After receiving military training in the Soviet Union they infiltrated Rhodesia in 1967 to fight alongside Joshua Nkomo’s ZIPRA. After numerous battles and skirmishes both were captured within Rhodesia . Thula was tried for terrorism in the High Court, Salisbury, and sentenced to life imprisonment. He was only released from prison 13 years later after Robert Mugabe came to power. Daluxolo was handed over to South Africa where he was convicted of terrorism and sentenced to 10 years imprisonment on Robben Island . After his release in 1979, disproving of the ANC’s UDF affiliate’s horrific necklacing tactics, he joined the IFP. With 200 others, he was sent to the Caprivi Strip for training by the SADF as hit squads. He was appointed as their commander and political commissar. With him as their senior war lord the IFP’s Caprivians waged an effective war against the UDF severely disrupting their activities.In 1993 Daluxolo concluded that the SADF intended to use the IFP as a spearhead for white right-wing forces to wage war against the ANC to prevent it coming to power in 1994. He sought out his old comrade-in-arms Thula Bopela who had left MK to follow a corporate career. Using him as a go-between, he made contact with the ANC’s Jacob Zuma and through him, Nelson Mandela. He negotiated the withdrawal of his IFP hit squads from the UDF/IFP struggle. This played a key role in insuring that the IFP took part in the landmark 1994 election that was won by the ANC.
ISBN 1-919854-16-9. 272pp; 242 X 168mm, 16pp pages black and white and colour pics; three in-text maps, in-text illustrations. Paperback.~Galago
272pp; 242 X 168mm16pp pages black and whiteand colour pics; three in-text maps;in-text illustrations;trade paperback.
ISBN 1-919854-16-9

Thula Bopela, now a senior official with the Department of Defence, and Daluxolo Luthuli, now a lieutenant-colonel in the SANDF, went into exile as young Zulu boys in the early 60s and volunteered to join Umkhonto we Sizwe - the ANC’s military wing. In 1967 as part of the Luthuli Contingent along with notables like Chris Hani and Mjojo Mxwaku, they negotiated the treacherous gorges on the Zambezi River below Victoria Falls and crossed into Rhodesia from Zambia . They were accompanied by the guerrilla fighters of Joshua Nkomo’s ZIPRA. MK was tasked to aid ZIPRA in their struggle to free Rhodesia from white rule - ZIPRA would then help to free South Africa .

Their expectations were that after a few bursts of machine-gun fire the armed struggle would end with a political settlement. This was a certainty, so they were told, because UN sanctions would soon ensure that the Rhodesians’ oil supplies would run dry. It was emphasised that Rhodesian Army commander, General Sam Putterill, was a ZAPU sympathiser who would issue conflicting orders to create confusion. And that black RAR troops would either refuse to fight their African brothers or they would change sides and fight shoulder-to-shoulder with them.

This was simply wishful thinking and it would take many years before the freedom struggle triumphed in Rhodesia . After bitter skirmishes in the Wankie (Hwange), Tjolotjo (Tsholotsho) and Lupane areas, with casualties on both sides, the invaders were dispersed by the Rhodesian Security Forces. After spending time on the run Thula was captured, tried for ‘terrorism’ offences and sentenced to death — this was later commuted to life imprisonment. He was released in 1980 after 13 years in prison when Robert Mugabe assumed power in the new Zimbabwe . Daluxolo escaped to the Botswana border but was betrayed by an MK comrade and handed over to the South African Police. After conviction on terrorism charges he spent the next ten years on Robben Island .

Following ANC orders after his release, he joined Chief Buthelezi’s Inkatha Freedom Party in KwaZulu to spy on it. The IFP found itself in a bitter struggle with the ANC-affiliated UDF (United Democratic Front). Daluxolo, sickened by Zulu fighting Zulu and the UDF’s use of necklacing (placing petrol-filled tyres around the necks of opponents and setting them alight) and other terror tactics, switched his full allegiance to the IFP. He was appointed commander-in-chief and chief political commissar of 200 Inkatha volunteers who were flown to the Caprivi Strip to be trained by the SADF’s Military Intelligence.

The Caprivians were formed into groups attached to the KwaZulu Police. This included hit squads tasked to attack and kill UDF sympathisers. After the unbanning of the liberation movements by President de Klerk in 1990 and during the period before South Africa’s freedom election in 1994, Daluxolo came to realise that the IFP was being manipulated by Military Intelligence who intended using it as a spearhead and a cloak for white right-wingers to wage war against the ANC to ensure it never gained political power.

Daluxolo was by then a much feared Inkatha warlord and his approaches to warn the ANC were rebuffed. In desperation he contacted Thula who had cut ties with MK and was working as an electrification manager for the power utility giant Escom. With Thula acting as go-between he made overtures to the ANC through their chief of intelligence in KwaZulu Natal, Jacob Zuma, and later directly with ANC president, Nelson Mandela. This resulted in Daluxolo withdrawing his IFP hit squads from the IFP/UDF struggle. There was talk of him becoming a likely target for assassination by Military Intelligence, so he was sent to Denmark under the witness protection programme. Following the 1994 election he was granted amnesty by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission for offences committed whilst in command of Inkatha’s hit squads.~Umkhonto we Sizwe|X ISBN 1919854169|~364~11084~Umkhonto we Sizwe, ANC UDF IFP, Thula Bopela Daluxolo Luthuli~

Vlamgat: The Story of the Mirage F1 in the South African Air Force - Brig-Gen Dick Lord~This is an outstanding compilation of stories and experiences of South African Airforce Mirage pilots who operated in the Angolan and the SWA/Namibian bush wars. The author, an British Fleet Air Arm pilot who had served on most of the Royal Navy's aircraft carriers and an USAAF ex-Top Gun instructor for several years, was at one time the CO of 1 Squadron (Mirages), the SAAF. A thrilling account told "from the cockpit". Vlamgat is the Afrikaans term for endearment for the SA jet-fighter pilots. Literally translated as "flaming hole", it aptly describes the panache, skill and daring of the Mirage pilots who were the vanguard of South Africa's air effort in the last days of the Cold War. Their actions against the Russian MiG's over the skies of Angola are now legendary.
"This book is about the Mirage F1 aircraft and the men and women who flew and supported it during its 22 years of service to the nation. It is a proud history that the author, having flown in war and peace, relates with accuracy and authority. 'Vlamgat' deserves a place of pride in the long history of this, the second oldest air force in the world." - Lt-Gen Willem Hechter: Chief of the South African Air Force
ISBN 9781920143367 October 2008 Reprint. Softcover. Size - 234x153mm, 368 pages, 55 colour pics, 169 b/w photographs.
(NB - South African residents - if only ordering this book, select cheapest P&P.
NOTE - see 'Special Offers' section at bottom of this page~Reviews

"Vlamgat deserves a place of pride in the long history of this, the second oldest air force in the world:'
- Lt-Gen Willem Hechter, former Chief of the South African Air Force

"Vlamgat is a superb book ... my congratulations to Brigadier Dick Lord for the outstanding work he has done."
- Serge Dassault (builder of the Mirage) in a letter to General Willem Hechter, former commander of the SAAF.

"Should Vlamgat have been written three years earlier, I would have made it compulsory reading for my pilots ... I was CO of Sqn 2/33 from September '96 to May '99, after getting my wings in 1982. I flew in the Gulf, and I had some experience of Africa in Chad, Central Africa ... but we French were not fighting there for our country, as you did in SWA."
- Vincent Gojon, former F1 pilot and Squadron CO in the French Air Force

"Vlamgat is outstanding! If you have any interest in air combat this book is a must-read ... the best book I have read about the South African Air Force'
- E. Burke, Lauderhill, Florida, USA

"Vlamgat is an eye opener on the skills, professionalism and training of the South African Air Force. If you thought that all African air forces were 'ThirdWorld', then this book shows you are mistaken. Air-to-air combat, ground strikes far away from home base into the hornets' nest, SAMs chasing your tail, AAA fire from hell, odds 100-to-1 against you - you'll find it all here."
- Michiel Erasmus, Netherlands

The Author

Brigadier-General Dick Lord was born in Johannesburg where he grew up. He joined the Royal Navy as an air cadet in 1958, where he qualified as a fighter pilot. Flying Sea Venoms and Sea Vixens, he served on board the aircraft carriers Centaur, Victorious, Hermes and Ark Royal on cruises around the world. In the mid '60s, he was selected for a two-year exchange tour with the US Navy, flying A4 Skyhawks and F4 Phantoms out of San Diego, California. He completed tours of air warfare instruction, flying Hunters out of the naval air stations at Lossiemouth, Scotland and Brawdy, Wales.

He returned to South Africa in early '70s and joined the South African Air Force (SAAF), flying Impalas, Sabres and Mirage IIIs. During the Border War, he commanded 1 Squadron, flying Mirage F1AZs into Angola, followed by running air force operations out of Oshikati, Windhoek and SAAF Headquarters in Pretoria. He was mentioned in dispatches for his role in the remarkable rescue of all 581 people from the ill-fated liner Oceanos. A highlight of his career was organizing the successful fly-past of 76 aircraft for Nelson Mandela's inauguration as President of South Africa in 1994.

He retired to Somerset West near Cape Town with his wife June. He is author of Fire, Flood and Ice, which chronicles some of the SAAF's spectacular search and rescue operations; Vlamgat-The Story of the Mirage F1 in the South African Air Force and From Tailhooker to Mudmover, an autobiographical account of his service in the Royal Naval Fleet Air Arm, the US Navy and the SAAF, and his latest best-seller, From Fledgling to Eagle: The South African Air Force during the Border War, released Nov 2008. .~Vlamgat|X ISBN 9781920143367|~364~1509~vlamgat, South African Airforce Mirage pilots SAAF, SAAF F1 Mirage squadron SWA Angola south african pilot aviator aviation~

Warfare by Other Means: South Africa in the 1980s and 1990s by Peter Stiff~This explosive book explores the methods of highly unconventional warfare conducted by South Africa's secret intelligence and covert warfare units, always highly deniable and one step away from the official war machine during the final years of apartheid. It is mostly compiled from first hand of operators who took part.
ISBN 1-919854-01-0 Hardback, 600pp. Size 242 X 168-mm; b/w and colour illustrations.
NOTE - see 'Special Offers' section at bottom of this page~Galago
Hardback; ISBN 1-919854-01-0
600pp, b/w and colour illustrations.
size 242 X 168-mm

Warfare by Other Means is not an apologia - it is a history, much of it oral and straight from the mouths of those involved. It tells of the actions of the SADF, performed within South Africa with the authority of the National Party Government through the State Security Council, during the ‘‘total onslaught’’ years.

It tells how it joined a disastrous attempt by Colonel Mike Hoare’s mercenaries to overthrow the Renéé regime in the Seychelles because it was ‘‘an anti-communist coup going begging’’ and ‘‘it was a shame to waste it’’. How it secretly paid millions of rands in ransom to secure the release of captured mercenaries who had been sentenced to death. How it deliberately foiled future coups attempts because, to the envy of the CIA and MI6 and the chagrin of the Soviets, it had amazingly managed to take over the Seychelles intelligence services through an SADF front company, Longreach.

Having failed to convert General Holomisa’s Transkei into its Eastern Cape bastion, it turned next to the Ciskei. How it seized the opportunity to introduce a front company IR-CIS to take over its intelligence functions when Brigadier ‘‘Oupa’’ Gqozo overthrew President Lennox Sebe in a coup. How IR-CIS played a pivotal role in several violent attempts to overthrow General Holomisa in Transkei. How it inveigled the discharge of all the black senior officers in the Ciskei Defence Force on trumped up charges of disloyalty. How it organised their replacement with white serving SADF officers.

It explains the roles played by surrogates like the Witdoekes in the Cape Flats, the Ama-Afrika in the Eastern Cape, the Iliso Lomzi in Transkei, the African Democratic Movement in Ciskei, Inkhata in KwaZulu-Natal and more, in combating the ‘‘total onslaught’’.

It tells of a great variety of Military Intelligence front organisations. Dynamic Teaching CC was used to inculcate blacks with an anti-communist attitude and to portray the ANC and its associates as the anti-Christ. ‘‘Veterans for Victory’’ was formed to infiltrate and ‘‘destroy’’ the End Conscription Campaign seen as a serious threat to the SADF. Right- wing churches were cultivated and covertly funded when it suited the SADF’’s purpose.

It tells how Project Barnacle, an adjunct to Special Forces, destroyed the strike jets of the Air Force of Zimbabwe. How it assassinated perceived enemies of the State. It deals with the establishment of the infamous Project Coast as a biological/chemical warfare unit.

It tells how the Civil Cooperation Bureau (CCB) succeeded Project Barnacle. How personnel of both used Project Coast’’s toxins to ruthlessly poison prisoners and even its own black operators if they were suspected of disloyalty. How they disposed of the bodies by dumping them from an aircraft out at sea. It deals with a swathe of assassinations, destruction and mayhem committed at home and abroad. How anthrax letters were mailed to enemies of the State. It explains how the CCB itself was uncovered after the media began to explore the drive-by shootings of Dr. David Webster in South Africa and Advocate Anton Lubowski in Namibia.

It details the murderous subversive activities of a diversity of right-wing organisations, like Eugene Terre Blanche’s AWB and General Constand Viljoen’s Afrikaner Volksfront, who with the probable early backing of the SADF, almost toppled South Africa over the brink into Civil War before the first democratic election in April 1994.

This book is essential reading for all South Africans.~Warfare by Other Means|X ISBN 1919854010|~364~1510~covert warfare~

Warriors of the Sky - Peter Bagshawe~This is a collection of fifty exciting short stories written by pilots of the South African Air Force. The majority concern World War II when, along with other Commonwealth air forces, the SAAF fought alongside the RAF in the war-torn skies over Europe. The book captures the esprit de corps that existed between all the nationalities that fought on the Allied side and creates a splendid record of the many heroic actions in which the Springbok pilots fought. Some of the other stories relate flying in the border wars that South Africa fought in post-war years, often against vastly superior and better equipped communist inspired regimes.
Pen & Sword 2008. ISBN 1844153371, hardback. ~~Warriors of the Sky|ISBN 1844153371|~364~11884~SAAF, South African Air Force~

We Conquer from Above: 1 Parachute Battalion - Paul Els~By Paul Els, a retired Warrant-Officer (Class 1) of the former South African Defence Force, and author of Ongulumbashe: Where the Bush War began and the Special Forces Recces We Fear Naught but God, both available on this site.
The story of the South African 1 Parachute Battalion (popularly known as "Parabats") from inception in 1960 up to 1991. In 1966, units of 1 Parachute Battalion first participated in operations as part of the South African Border War in South-West Africa (now Namibia). This involvement was eventually to last for more than twenty years. This battalion also participated in South Africa's first major airborne operation in 1978 - 'Operation Reindeer' - the Battle of Cassinga, where they, together with other battalions attacked a large SWAPO base in Angola, successfully capturing it. The book includes training procedures / methods, operational stories, and many other information, such as parades, barracks, and some private stories.
Soft cover , A4 size, 336 pages. Approx. 1000 black/white photos of which most have not been published before.
(A follow-up title 'Iron Eagle' is in the pipeline. This will tell the story of 1 Parachute Battalion from 1992 onwards, plus the story of all of the other SA parachute battalions & regiments. Target release date for 'Iron Eagle' is towards end 2010.)
Estimated UK dispatch date: Target mid April 2010~~We Conquer from Above|X 9548 Early Bird Disc|~364~12843~~

"We Dare": The Hunter Group - Paul Els~Paul Els, a retired Warrant-Officer (Class 1) of the former South African Defence Force, and author of Ongulumbashe: Where the Bush War began, Special Forces Recces We Fear Naught but God,and the new just out We Conquer from Above: 1 Parachute Battalion has produced a 'draft' but very brief book about the little known Hunter Group.
In 1966, forward thinking OC Gil Van Kerckhoven of the South African Irish Regiment saw that the quality and morale of new soldiers was very low due to in-effective training. He also felt that with the up-coming threat of guerllia type of warfare, that the coventional warfare mindset of the SADF was outdated. After much opposition, he finally set about the formation of the Hunter Group in 1968 with 13 founding members. The primary aim of this group was to provide specialist anti-guerrila training to voluneeters who wanted more training that was normally provided to National Servicemen / infantrymen. In June 1969, over 60 men became the first to wear the converted and distinctive scorpion badge signifying that they had completed a minimum of 100 hours of Hunter Training. By 1970, over 700 men had been Hunter trained. In 1974, Hunter Group was dis-banded and 29 of its members attended the SAS style selection course run by 1 Reconnaissance Commando. Those who passed selection formed 2 Reconnaissance Commando. This book gives a brief overview of what the Hunter Group was all about, it's key members, training content, and various articles written at the time by Hunter Group members.
Softback, A4 size. 60 pages. B/W photos, drawings.

If you can contribute relevant stories, material etc, please let us or Paul Els know ASAP.
Planned Release Date: (2nd Edition) TBA - 2010
(ITEM CODE: THGWD)~~~364~12883~~

We Fear Naught but God: The Story of the South African Special Forces "The Recces" - Paul Els~Revised (updated) Edition, 2008/9. (Replaces the 1st Edition published by Covos Day, 2000)
The story of the elite South African Special Forces ("the Recces") from inception in the 1960s to disbandment in 1993. A unique account of one of South Africa's premier units, masters in the art of reconnaissance and clandestine warfare. Pro-rata, the most highly decorated unit during the wars in Angola and Namibia / SWA. Special forces operators were carefully selected and trained to gather covert strategic and tactical information about enemy activities. They learned how to observe silently, harass the enemy and destroy selected targets - all behind enemy lines. Frequently required to face great dread, they had to learn to control that fear in order to survive. This book brings the reconnaissance soldiers - the recces - to those who have wondered about what kind of men they were. Their families, their heartaches, their sufferings and achievements. These men were not assassins who eliminated spies in hotel rooms. They were responsible men who had a sense of integrity and served their country proudly.This is no gung-ho account, but rather a loving compiled series of accounts put together by the author who was there from the inception of this fine regiment. This is about the "operators", the men of the Recces, their exploits in Angola, SWA/Namibia and other southern africa territories. The original and hard-to-get, much sought after publication has been reworked with additional information, updates, corrections plus many new photographs, many of which are being published for the first time.
ISBN 978-0-620-41298-8. Softback 150 x 210 x 24mm. 416 pages, 820 photos.
1st (Revised) Edition. April 2009. Out of stock / print - 100 copies
2nd (Revised) corrected Edition. Dec 2009. Limited to 100 copies~~We Fear Naught but God|ISBN 9780620412988|~364~12656~~

We Fear Naught but God: The Story of the South African Special Forces "The Recces" - Paul Els~1st Edition, 2000
The story of the elite South African Special Forces ("the Recces") from inception in the 1960s to disbandment in 1993. A unique account of one of South Africa's premier units, masters in the art of reconnaissance and clandestine warfare. Pro rata, the most highly decorated unit during the wars in Angola and Namibia / SWA. This is no gung-ho account, but rather a loving compiled series of accounts put together by the author who was there at the inception of this fine regiment. This is about the "operators", the men of the Recces, their exploits in Angola, SWA/Namibia and other southern africa territories.
ISBN 0 620 23891 7. Covos Day, 2001. 1st Edition. Softback. Size - 222x152mm, 328 pages, 252 b/w photographs. Issued with "The Recces" music CD by Lourens Fourie.

Book Status: Out of Print / Stock - now replaced with the Revised Edition 2009~~We Fear Naught but God (without CD)|ISBN 0620238917 no CD|We Fear Naught but God (with CD)|ISBN 0620238917|~364~1511~Elite South African Special Forces, recces~

Special Offers~~~~364~11653~~

Special collection discount: Brigadier-General Dick Lord books~Order the two of the latest Brigadier-General Dick Lord's publications available - 'Vlamgat' together with 'From Fledgling to Eagle', and get a 10% discount off the price of the books.~~Select items||From Fledgling to Eagle (Disc. price)|ISBN 9781920143305 set|Vlamgat (Disc. price)|ISBN 9781920143367 set|~364~11956~South Africa special forces recces~

Special collection discount: South African Special Forces Recces books~Order the two current Special Forces autobiographies available - Jack Greeffs' A Greater Share of Honour: The Memoirs of a Recce Officer' together with Andre Diedericks' 'Journey Without Boundaries', and get a 5% discount off the price of the books.~~Select items||A Greater Share of Honour - 2nd Ed Colour (Disc. price)|ISBN13 9781920315061 C disc|A Greater Share of Honour - 2nd Ed B/W (Disc. price)|ISBN13 9781920315061 BW disc|Journey Without Boundaries - Softback colour (Disc. price)|ISBN13 9781920169589 SB C disc|Journey Without Boundaries - Hardback (Disc. price)|ISBN13 9781920169589 HB disc|Journey Without Boundaries - Softback B/W (Disc. price)|ISBN13 9781920169589 SB BW disc|~364~12438~South Africa special forces recces~

Special collection discount: The Silent War / The Covert War / Warfare by Other Means - South African Warfare set~Order Peter Stiff's Trilogy on South African Warfare, 'Warfare by Other Means'', 'The Covert War' and 'The Silent War' together, and get a 20% discount off on those three books. Plus a further 5% discount if you order more than one set.~~Select all items|None|The Silent War (Disc. price)|ISBN 1919854045set|The Covert War (Disc. price)|ISBN 19198540209set|Warfare by Other Means (Disc. price)|ISBN 1919854010set|~364~11654~south african warfare military~

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