actions during the conflict and some of what occurred in the immediate years following.
One are of particular note is that they also give a description of the military forces, training and equipment of not only the Rhodesian forces but also of the various opposing armies in the field.
It doesn't delve into detailed political or social histories but focuses primarily on the military aspects. It also doesn't get super detailed into any of the particular units involved. What this is good for is as and excellent overview of the campaigns and actions involved in the war that led to the creation of Zimbabwe.
One of the sections that really caught my attention was near the end of the 'International Intrigues chapter. It stated that Nigeria and Tanzania were preparing forces to enter the war, Mozambic had over 500 troops already in country, Cuban forces were in planning and South Africa had long had combat units in Rhodesia and on the border. What kind of war would have erupted had Mugabe not 'won' the election w/ such a large margin? How would the USA, NATO, Russia and China reacted? That would make for a good alt. history story.
Overall an excellent reference for the Rhodesian war. Highly recommended.
Next up: Cuban Diary by Che Guevara
In the queue:
Africa @ War: Selous Scouts by Peter Baxter
Gunship Ace: The Wars of Neall Ellis by Al Venter
Portugal's War in Angola: 1961-1974 by van der Waals, W.A.
2 comments:
IF you haven't read it yet, you need to read Chris Cocks' Fireforce: One Man's War in the Rhodesian Light Infantry. It's a good book and it gives a lot of detail on the combined use of ground troops and airborne/air assault troops by the Rhodesian Army.
And his followup book Out of Action is good to. There's also 'The Bushwar in Rhodesia' by Croukamp.
Post a Comment