Send a message to us~As a small family business, we have sucessfully stood the test of time - you can be assured of personal attention and excellent service. We would greatly appreciate it if you would recommend our site to your friends.
We do appreciate feedback, so if you have any comments, suggestions, or find broken links etc, please Send a Message to us.
Also, if you have any questions regarding our products, policies or web site, please do not hesitate to Send a Message to us. ~~~1~1024~~

Right column - Top~~~~1~464~~

* * * * NOTE: SHOPPING CART SERVICE IS DOWN * * * *~~~~1~13702~~

E-commerce service~Important Notice (30/11/11): The Shopping Cart secure server service is down. Unfortunately, the software company that supplied us with the e-commerce system has folded. It will be weeks before we can complete the migration to another system.

New / Recent and popular titles are slowly being added daily to a temporary PayPal Order Page/s where you can order now (opens a new window): Temporary Order Page

For titles currently not in the Temporary Order Page, you can 'play around' with adding items to the existing Basket in order to get the idea of total costs. Email us directly at info@booksofzimbabwe.com with the titles of books that you would like us to add ASAP. Apologies for the inconvenience.~~~1~13834~~

FORTHCOMING PUBLICATIONS~Available to pre-order shortly~~~1~13833~~

From Border Control to Airborne Strike Force: The Rhodesian Light Infantry - edited and complied by Mark Adams & Chris Cocks~Few, if any, regiments have left their mark on the history of modern warfare as did the Rhodesian Light Infantry. Raised on 1 February 1961 the RLI first evolved into a commando unit then became involved in mundane border-control duties in the Zambezi Valley. Later as the bush war intensified the RLI was to evolve into a ruthlessly efficient ‘killing machine’. This book chronicles the military evolution of the RLI from the peacetime soldiering days through to the constant high-intensity combat of the final years. ~~~1~13687~~

COMING SOON - DISCOUNTED PRE-ORDER 'EARLY BIRD' OFFERS~Discounted offers ends once stock arrives, so order when you can!~~~1~13680~~

Choppertech 1976-80: A Gunner's Reflection of Fire Force Operations in Rhodesia - Gordon 'Beaver' Shaw~This book covers the author's and other crewmen's experiences in No 7 Alouette Squadron as helicopter Technicians/Gunners who flew numerous operational sorties in Alouette G and K Car gunships on Fire Force operations during the Rhodesian Bush War. The Alouette III helicopters were extensively used within Rhodesia as well as on external operations into Zambia, Botswana and Mocambique. Beaver served during latter stages of the war - 1976-1980, and has the unique distinction as being the only gunner during the bush war who is credited with a successful Air to Air contact when he shot down a Botswana Defence Force Islander plane, using the K-Car's 20mm cannon during a hot extraction of Selous Scouts troops who had just attacked a ZIPRA base in Francistown. Includes many never seen before photos and author's own pencil / charcoal drawings. The only book ever to be written by a helicopter gunner in the Rhodesian Bush War. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
Update 10/10/11 - Just printed - not many copies left (limited print run - order your copy now!)~~~1~13561~~

Bush War: The Road to Cuito Cuanavale - Dr G Shubin & Dr Tokarev~This book provides, for the first time in English, first-hand, personal accounts of the South Africa Border War, leading up to Cuito Cuanavale, as told by Soviet advisers to the Angolan army. Their experience of the war and their views and assessment of their South African enemies as well as their Cuban and Angolan allies will surprise and fascinate South African readers and at the same time offer new insights into the conflict.~~~1~13770~~

Recent additions: Aug - Nov~~~~1~13569~~

See You in November: The Story of Alan 'Taffy' Brice - an SAS Assassin - Peter Stiff~(Updated 4th Edition - Oct 2011. Just printed, new cover shown on left)
In September 1979 'Taffy', a Rhodesian Central Intelligence Organisation operator, went to London to assassinate Robert Mugabe at the Lancaster House constitutional talks. His plan to detonate an explosive device in the foyer of the Royal Gardens Hotel, Kensington, was advanced to trigger stage when the operation, code named 'November' was called off....
There have been three editions since this book was first published in 1985. Since the third edition 'Taffy' has regrettably passed on, so in this latest edition his true identity, Alan 'Taffy' Brice, is revealed for the first time and his photograph is included. Many other important players in these events who have passed on also appear under their real names. Because Alan Brice's heroic exploits against terrorist organisations during the Rhodesian War seemed almost unbelievable, some people doubted his story and accused the author of inventing 'Taffy'. But after reading this latest edition, no one will doubt the existence of this brave Rhodesian.~~~1~13448~~

The Communistisation of the ANC - Gerard Ludi~The fascinating account of Gerard Ludi’s infiltration of the banned South African Communist Party and the years he spent underground without detection. Also his account of the years he spent as the Chief of South Africa’s Top Secret Clandestine Service.~~~1~13776~~

So Far and So Good - Denis Petmezaki~Denis, born in Sudan in 1931, enjoyed happy times there with his elder sister until they were sent to England for their education, while their parents remained behind. The two battled against the odds by themselves while bombs rained down during WWII. At fourteen, Denis left school and soon was back in Africa where later he meets his girl and gets married. He fights in the Rhodesian Bush War and stays on for a short while after Mugabe had taken power. Forced to leave his beloved country with his wife and four girls, they emigrate to Europe before finally settling in Australia. This book of zest is fire in the belly stuff for anyone who has had to overcome obstacles in life. For those who need to turn disaster into some form of good or benefit, this man of courage will be a true inspiration.~~~1~13757~~

War Stories by Al Venter and Friends - Al J Venter~Al J. Venter's new book 'War Stories', has strong South African links, but includes forays into other countries. Comprising of 35 chapters, most of which were written by well-known people who were there in various operational theatres - South African Neall Ellis on his flying the Russian Mi-8s on supply missions in Afghanistan, Rhodesia is covered by SAS Colonel Brian Robinson, RLI troopie Hannes Wessels, Selous Scouts Lt Col Ron Reid-Daly - former Selous Scout Aubrey Brooks, a section leader in Colonel Mike Hoare's Seychelles invasion force, covers that aborted operation including his own arrest and subsequent sentencing to death. South Africa's Border Wars are covered by, to list a few - Paul Els on the first battles that started it all, Graham Gillmore on the 44 Parachute Brigade, Al Venter's experiences during Parabat's Charlie Company's attack on Cuamato where their Pumas were ambushed by RPG-7's. Other pieces include a story on experiences with a private military company in Iraq, Myke (Hawkeye) Hawke own exploits fighting drug gangs, US Colonel Lester (Les) Grau compares Soviet 1980 efforts with whats going on in Afghanistan today...... and many more. ~~~1~13681~~

Zulu Zulu Golf: Life and Death with Koevoet- Arn Durand~The gripping account of Arn 'Jim' Durand's first two years, 1982 to 1983, with the notorious Special Ops K ('Koevoet'), South Africa's most deadly fighting unit during the Border War. Through Durand's eyes, the reader will experience the madness, mayhem and complexity of the war. He describes patrols, ambushes and contacts, situations of certain death, dealings with the enemy and relationships with his Ovambo colleagues. This book does not glorify war or peddle propaganda. It simply relates, in a deadpan style, what it was like to be a killing machine in the heat of battle. This is a personal account: military history through the eyes of the individual. Few books on the war are first-hand accounts by someone who did the fighting and the killing. A gripping read: this is a powerful story about extreme experiences.~~~1~13700~~

Portugal's War in Angola - WS van der Waals~ A period of sustained growth in the 1950s, a golden decade of Portuguese African history, had led to Angola becoming one of Portugal's most prized possessions. Portuguese Prime Minister, Dr. Salazar, had ruled over Portugal's colonies with an iron fist for over thirty years, enforcing a draconian racial policy on the African territories, whereby the population of the New State was categorised into "native", "white" and "assimilated" groups, and the colonies as a whole, with their burgeoning economies, were bound to the dictates of the European state. On 4 February 1961, the day regarded by the People's Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA) as the start of its national revolution, the storm broke. Taken unawares by the shock of the uprisings in Angola, and the subsequent bloody insurrection on 15 March 1961, Portugal was to plunge its armed forces, untested since World War I, into an urgent counteroffensive. The Angolan war has been described as the bloodiest colonial insurgency in the history of Africa south of the Sahara. But it was to become a conflict that Portugal would lose not on the battlefield, but in the hearts of its own citizens. ~~~1~13828~~

Operation Dingo: Rhodesian Raid on Chimoio and Tembue 1977 - JRT Wood~Africa @ War Series - a new series of thin light-reading books, covering specific subjects in general.
Startling in its innovation and daringly suicidal, Operation Dingo was not only the Fireforce concept writ large but the prototype for all the major Rhodesian airborne attacks on the external bases of Rhodesian African nationalist insurgents in the neighbouring territories of Mozambique and Zambia until such operations ceased in late 1979. Operation Dingo 1977 - the Rhodesian Air Force and 184 SAS and Rhodesian Light Infantry paratroopers attacked 10,000 Zimbabwe African National Liberation Army cadres based at 'New Farm', Chimoio, 90 kilometres inside Mozambique. Two days later, the same force attacked 4,000 guerrillas at Tembué, another ZANLA base, over 200 kilometres inside Mozambique, north of Tete on the Zambezi River. ~~~1~13774~~

Zimbabwe: Warm Heart Ugly Face - Jerome Gardner~This is a story covering the traumatic decade of hyperinflation and its debilitating consequences for the people of Zimbabwe during 2000-2009. It starts with the author's arrival, in the late 1990's, in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe's second largest city and once the industrial heartland of the country - before the violent takeover of the white-owned farms. The author takes the reader through the ten years characterized by a centralized period, from control of all facets of life and of an economy in free-fall, as well as the desperate measures adopted by ordinary people and by the business community to survive. In a down-to-earth way the book paints the day-to-day struggle with lengthy electricity and water cuts, empty supermarket shelves and dangerous black-market trading by honest, law-abiding and resilient citizens - just to survive. Arrests, tragedy, death, fear and intimidation were part of daily life in Zimbabwe during these momentous years!~~~1~13831~~

The Search for Puma 164: Operation Uric and the Assault on Mapai - Neill Jackson & Rick Van Malsen~The battle for Mapai … and the final closure ..... September 6, 1979. Into the deepening darkness of the African night, a lone Aerospatiale Puma helicopter flies resolutely northward, leaving behind the desolation of the battle for Mapai, in Mozambique's Gaza Province. Huddled in the cabin, two weary soldiers sit silently immersed in their own thoughts, contemplating their difficult duties ahead. The taller of the two, WOII Graham Enslin, CSM, Support Commando, Rhodesian Light Infantry (RLI), is struggling to come to terms with the death in action that morning of his younger brother Brian. He wonders how to break the news to his parents. The other, Lt Rick van Malsen BCR, 2IC, 1 Commando, 1RLI, works through the list of names in his hand, names of the 16 men who perished with Trooper Brian Enslin when a South African Air Force Puma was shot out of the sky during the assault on the Frelimo and ZANLA stronghold at Mapai on the much-feared, so-called 'Russian Front'. It will be his job to send out the official death notices and to advise the next of kin that the bodies of the three South African airmen and 14 Rhodesian soldiers were not recovered. Both men vowed that night, each for reasons of his own, to one day return to the scene of the crash to pay proper tribute to the fallen men: the aircrew and troops of Puma 164.~~~1~13670~~

Mugabe's War Machine - Paul Moorcraft and Knox Chitiyo~Mugabe's dictatorship had survived due to the vicious military oppression of the population and the ruthless suppression of opposition. At the same time Mugabe has indulged in numerous military interventions outside his borders regardless of the cost in terms of regional stability, lives and money. Shortly after Mugabe came into power in 1980, he launched a brutal campaign inside the country killing thousands of those from a different tribal faction. In 1982 the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) deployed to Mozambique to secure vital transport arteries to the coast, then expanded in 1985 to join in the war against RENAMO and the SADF. Then from 1998 to 2005 the ZDF deployed into the Democratic Republic of the Congo ostensibly to support President Kabila but, in reality, diamonds and other resources were the motives. Since 2000 Zimbabwe has been in a state of civil war between Mugabe's ZANU-PF and the MDC opposition. At the same time the white farmers have been driven off their land and the economy ruined. A first full account of Mugabe's military oppression of his people and neighbouring countries, with shocking stories of genocide, murder and torture.~~~1~13779~~

Shadows in the Sand: A Koevoet Tracker's Story of an Insurgency War - Sisingi Kamongo & Leon Bezuidenhout~Where dust can tell time ... For the first time, a Koevoet operative's story of the bush war - and the first-ever account of the bush war by a non-white member of the South African security forces. This is the story of a Kavango tracker who served for six years with Koevoet ('Crowbar'), the elite South African Police anti-terrorist unit, during the South West African-Angolan bush war of the '80s. Most white team leaders lasted only two years; the black trackers walked the tracks for years. Sisingi Kamongo tells the story of the many firefights he was involved in; he tells of the trackers looking for the shadows on the ground, facing ambush and AP mines at every turn; he tells of the art of tracking ... where dust can tell time. Kamongo's story is supported by two accounts from renowned Koevoet team leaders, forming a powerful collection of experiences from South Africa's most successful counter-insurgency unit. ~~~1~13400~~

The Rhodesian War: A Military History - Paul Moorcroft and Peter McLaughlin~Originally titled Chimurenga! The War in Rhodesia 1965-1980, when first published in 1982 - this work was re-published with the new title in hardback format in 2008 after a comprehensive re-write and updates. Split into three main sections it deals with the origins of the conflict, the various protagonists, their structures, organisations and weapons, before focusing heavily on the final phase of the fifteen-year conflict. This title still remains a good, concise single-volume introduction to The Rhodesian War - due to popular demand, is now available in paperback.~~~1~13728~~

The Part Time War: Recollections of the Terrorist War in Rhodesia - Rod Wells~The Part Time War is a book that reminisces on life in 1970’s Rhodesia, fighting a full blown terrorist war on a part time basis. The highs, the lows, the camaraderie and humour are all included. It gives an insight into the life of an ordinary civilian removed from the comforts and security of everyday life and thrust into the dangers and stresses of a war situation. If one was deemed reasonably fit, every male up to the age of fifty was required to serve in one of the security units for blocks of time during the year. Training was minimal and disruption to work and family life was inevitable. It made life for adult males in Rhodesia during the conflict very strange to say the least. It is a human story of how the war affected the lives of the whole population. There are moments of humour, pathos and sadness.~~~1~13682~~

The Cheetah: The Rhodesian Light Infantry Jubilee Edition~The Cheetah is the regimental association magazine for the Rhodesian Light Infantry (RLI). It was last published in hard-copy format in 1980 at the disbandment of the RLI following the cessation of the bush war in the embryonic republic of Zimbabwe. Prior to this, the magazine, renowned for its witty and informed content, was a much sought-after and eagerly-awaited publication for civilians and servicemen alike, being sold commercially through the southern African book trade. To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the founding of the RLI on 1 February 1961, and 30 years after the disbandment of the regiment, the RLI Regimental Association has decided to bring out this commemorative glossy edition that takes a nostalgic journey back in time, as well as highlighting the association's efforts of today in keeping the regimental esprit de corps alive.~~~1~13677~~

Three Sips of Gin - Timothy G Bax~"Stewards, Stengahs, Scandals and Strife. Beneath an African Sky - Memoirs of an African Adventure"
Follow Tim's life from early days in Africa through time spent in the Rhodesian Bush War with the Rhodesian Light Infantry, Selous Scouts and South Africa's Border War with 5 Reconnaissance Regiment. After that, Tim writes of his time as a civilian with a large SA multi-national company. In this book, you will read never before published details of some of the Selous Scouts last and most top-secret operations.
"An absorbing and amusing chronicle of a young man's adventures in an African continent at war with itself. The author's self-deprecating and light hearted account of his involvement in Rhodesia's shadowy bush war belies the great bravery and distinction with which he fought and which I personally was privileged to witness." Lt. Col. Ron Reid-Daly, Commanding Officer: Selous Scouts Regiment. ~~~1~13613~~

Call of the Litany Bird: Surviving the Zimbabwe Bush War - Susan Gibbs~"Don't get killed on the way home".
These words, uttered by a 5-year-old girl in Zimbabwe, were what first made her mother realise that her children regarded their friends being killed as normal. As a trained nurse, newly married to the son of the Governor of Rhodesia during the UDI years, Susan found herself at the centre of an area of dissident activity which was met by extremely violent reprisals from Robert Mugabe's North Korean trained Praetorian Guard. The book is a testament to the courage displayed by so many people who were tested day after day by almost unimaginable horrors. First-time authors are two-a-penny but not many have lived through a guerilla war, and fewer still have the ability to tell their story convincingly in a gripping style.~~~1~13597~~

Terrorism Stops Here - Rhodesian Army Recruitment Posters~Authentic high quality reproductions of the the full range of the six exceedingly rare original posters that were produced as a series for the Rhodesian Army during the late 70's. These posters have been reprinted with top quality inks on 280 micron photo-matt heavyweight paper and were reproduced by professionals - these are not cheap poor quality thin paper productions. A great piece of memorabilia at an affordable price - available to purchase singly or discounted full set. Ideal as gifts too.~~~1~13582~~

Rhodesia Land Tenure Map: 1977~Officially produced Rhodesian Land Tenure Map accurate as at 21st October 1977. This is a wonderful reproduction from a 30 year old map. It shows in detail, the European farming areas, Tribal Trust Lands, APA, forests, National Parks, rivers etc. This has been produced from a high grade scan and is far better quality and value than similar items currently on the market.~~~1~13591~~

Be a Man Among Men - Rhodesian Army Recruitment Poster~This is a reproduction of the original poster made 'famous' when the 'Soldier of Fortune' magazine sold copies in the 1970's and 1980's. These posters have been reprinted with top quality inks on 280 micron photo-matt heavyweight paper - this is not the cheap poor quality colour production & thin paper version that is available on some sites. A great piece of memorabilia at an affordable price.~~~1~13584~~

Rhodesian Bush War Poster - Dudley Wall~This detailed poster was originally designed by Dudley Wall, author of Insignia and History of the Rhodesian Armed Forces 1890-1980. With a background theme reproduced from an actual Rhodesian Army camouflage cloth, the poster shows the various armed forces badges & insignias, weapons etc spread around a central map of Rhodesia. It is a great conversation piece and completely unique.~~~1~13588~~

BOOKS RECENTLY REVIEWED IN MAGAZINES~Titles placed here to help you locate the book…~~~1~13592~~

Shadows in an African Twilight: Game Ranger, Soldier, Hunter - Kevin Thomas~Life as Game Ranger, Special Force Soldier, Professional Hunter and Personal Security Officer. Shadows in an African Twilight is a collection of fascinating stories about a life of adventure spread across nearly four decades in Africa and culminating in Iraq. This is an amazing autobiography that starts with the author commencing as a game ranger with the Rhodesian National Parks, then serving in the Rhodesian Army as a pseudo counter-terrorist operator in the elite special forces Selous Scouts, then after the Bush War ended, working as a professional hunter. The story ends with two years spent in Iraq with the US Department of Defense, in the specialized field of Security Escort Teams. A highly recommended read.~~~1~13358~~

SPECIAL PRICE REDUCTIONS - STOCK CLEARANCE~Few copies left …..~~~1~13668~~

The Hippo Pool - Wendy Squair~Fiction. The Hippo Pool is set around 1985 and located on the Zambezi River close to the Victoria Falls. The book is the story of three brothers who have grown up in a village by the river; each takes a different path in life. We learn of the work they choose, the dilemmas they face and the marriages they make. Those who have already enjoyed reading The Hippo Pool, describe it as a heart-warming tale of Africa with a feel-good factor. They praised the wonderful descriptions of the African scenery and wildlife encounters, and the touching moments between members of the family. Young adults have also found the story appealing. For those living in cooler climates it brought the warmth of Africa; for others it brought back happy memories of places they have known and loved.~~~1~13482~~

AVAILABLE SOON TO ORDER~These new posters & books will be available to order soon. If interested, please put your names down ASAP so that we may gauge demand / quantity and also to let you know when you can order.~~~1~13665~~

BSAP Book Series - BSAP Association~A series of softback books have been complied and edited by members of the BSAP Association, and these books form the BSAP Book Series to help raise funds for the Association. The stories contained in these books, gleaned from many sources particularly the Outpost Magazine, are considered collectors' items. Up to now, the BSAP Book Series have only been available to mainly BSAP members - it was recently decided that since there is a great interest in the BSAP history worldwide, that these titles be made available to the general public. To identify the series, the covers are all tastefully bound in the Force Colours of Blue and Old Gold with the Force Crest embossed thereon. ~~~1~13634~~

Recent Additions - New Publications~~~~1~11846~~

Soldier No More - David Lemon~Author of Never Quite a Soldier: A Rhodesian Policeman's War 1971-1982
The author recounts nine years whilst working as an undercover journalist in Mugabe's Zimbabwe. He was freelancing for UK's Sunday Express newspaper and was very much on his own in the country. For him, it was all hugely interesting, albeit fairly horrifying at times and even on occasion, downright scary. With farming destroyed throughout their country, food unobtainable and justice disregarded, Zimbabweans face hunger, homelessness, murder, beatings and a bewildering future. David travelled around the country in search of 'human interest' stories for the newspaper. In this book he writes, not only about the horrors of day to day life, but also of the dignity, kindness and courage he met along the way. Soldier No More is a challenging, haunting and inspiring book about ordinary people and how they survive in a cruelly beautiful land.~~~1~13605~~

The Final Chapter - DVD~The Final Chapter is a powerful visual story of the human spirit that made up the Rhodesian Forces who can trace their origins back to the late 19th century when the early settlers entered Matabele occupied territory. This DVD is an authentic and fascinating record focusing on the final two decades of Rhodesian military history as well as the civilian aspect of the war. The tragedy of this period in Rhodesia is illustrated very strongly. One is afforded more than a brief glimpse of society at the height of the war and learns to appreciate the magnitude of the role played by the military in defence of the people.~~~1~13568~~

Rhodesian Forces 1 & 2 - Double DVD set~Comprising of short films on 2 DVD's :- 'Pamwe Chete' - The story of what it took to be a Selous Scout, with introduction and commentary from Lt. Col.Ron Reid-Daly, 'Mkushi/Westland Report' - the famous 'Green Leader' external raid into Zambia, 'The Saints' - the Rhodesian Light Infantry 1974, 'Chimoio Report' - the external operation into Mozambique, 'Chaplain to the Forces' - the Rhodesian Corps of Chaplains with the Rev. Norman Wood, 'They Who Dare' - C Squadron, 22 SAS in Rhodesia, 'Mapai Report' - The external operation into Mozambique, 'A Pride of Eagles' - On Exercise Vanguard, with the Rhodesian Air Force, 'Black Boots' - the BSAP Support Unit, 'A War on Words' - a public awareness film about the dangers of 'loose talk'.~~~1~13570~~

Rhodesian Forces: A Tribute in Sound - CD~This compilation of 26 Regimental Marches and Songs as well as original battle sound effects was digitally re-mastered from original recordings. It is the result of lengthy searching, the goodwill of collectors and a pride in the legacy that the Rhodesian Forces left to the world. It is a tribute in sound to the men and women of all races who committed themselves to the cause of history, many of whom paid the supreme price in defence of their beliefs.~~~1~13571~~

The Saints: The Rhodesian Light Infantry - DVD~This original DVD is the definitive documentary produced to accompany the book of the same name that celebrates the brief, but golden history of the Rhodesian Light Infantry - 'The Saints'. With previously unavailable images from external operations conducted towards the end of the bush war, commentary from former commanding officers, and noted historian Dr. Richard Wood. Includes bonus feature - 'Trooping the Colour' - a parade that has only been undertaken once (1970), with commentary from Robin Tarr RSM, 1st Battalion (1965 to 1971).~~~1~13573~~

The Flame Lily Collection - 2 DVD set~The Flame Lily Collection is a digitally re-mastered package of original historic film 'gems' from the tumultuous period of Rhodesia in the 70s. This special edition DVD takes you from the establishment of early government in 1924, through the building of Kariba Dam in the early 60s, to an experience with the 'fuzz' and the women of the RWS, finally closing with a beautiful documentary on the diversity of nature with which Rhodesia was blessed. Along the way you will see many of the faces that helped to build the nation of Rhodesia.~~~1~13575~~

Operation Hurricane - DVD~The background story leading up to the creation of Operation Hurricane and the tactics as used by those on both sides of the conflict, as well as the effects on the local population. Operation Hurricane covered the north eastern border area of Rhodesia, where the terror groups started their ‘chimurenga’ or ‘war of liberation’. Their mission was simple… to win over the hearts and minds of the local population and build a platform from which to expand their military offensives and ultimately bring about political change. ~~~1~13577~~

Attack on Cassinga - DVD~On 4th May 1978, the South African Defence Force carried out its first ever completely airborne combat mission on the town of Cassinga. This documentary revisits the action and recounts some of the personal experiences of paratroopers who took part in the action.~~~1~13578~~

Imire - The Life and Times of Norman Travers - As told to Cathy Buckle~Alongside giraffe and elephants, rhinos and warthogs, Gill and Norman Travers created from virgin bush the Imire Game Park in Wedza, Zimbabwe. Norman was a visionary conservationist and an enduring optimist. Passionate about wildlife, Norman demonstrated that maize and tobacco farming could be practised side by side with game animals. The Travers began outreach programmes with rural schools, endlessly spreading the message of conservation, and they held open days for local elders, headmen and chiefs. Working with the Department of National Parks, they took in black rhinos ravaged by poaching, and embarked on a unique programme, rearing the calves and then and returning them to the wild. ~~~1~13417~~

In the Shadow of the Tokolosh - Conrad K~Historical fiction by a former Rhodesian soldier. Four young men growing up in the wilderness, as the last remnants of colonialism in Africa. While the world and its attitude changed around them, they found themselves fighting to save their way of life, in a land that did not share their views or values. Set in the Zambezi Valley, where the white man made his last stand in Africa.
"The writer clearly has a deep love of Africa. His knowledge of the history, the cultures, the dynamics is second to none and he leaves the reader in no doubt that he knows what he is talking about... This is more than a story - it is a history, a philosophy, a way of life, a political debate - all rolled into one... The love and dedication that has gone into it is to be commended. Well done!" ChrisCocks, author of bestselling book 'Fireforce'~~~1~13443~~

Steeped in Blood: The Life and Times of a Forensic Scientist - David Klatzow, as told to Sylvia Walker~For a very long period of time, Dr David Klatzow was the only independent forensic investigator in South Africa. During the apartheid years, a time of police brutality and state cover-ups, he was the man human rights lawyers called when they needed independent forensic evidence to uncover the truth. Klatzow's investigations into countless notorious cases, such as the Guguletu Seven, the Trojan Horse, the murders of human rights lawyer Bheki Mlangeni and activist Dr David Webster, and the bombing of Khotso House and Cosatu House, made him a controversial public figure. Hampered by the apartheid police and the legal system, he was always fearless and earned a reputation of being an 'ANC supporter', even though he always remained impartial. Includes previously unpublished statements from certain people close to the Helderberg airplane crash.~~~1~13474~~

Barrel of a Gun: Misspent Moments in Combat - Al J Venter~Al Venter has spent most of his adult life covering wars. 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 guerrilla conflicts in the then Portuguese colonies of Angola, Mozambique and Portuguese Guinea (today Guiné-Bissau). Then came Beirut, Rhodesia, the Congo, Middle East, South Africa's border wars in Angola, Uganda, Liberia, El Salvador, the Balkans, Croatia. Then he spent some time with Executive Outcomes in Angola and Sierra Leone as well as with mercenary South African helicopter pilot Neall Ellis in the subsequent Sierra Leone war against the RUF rebels. After that, 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. 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 ......~~~1~13367~~

The Fear: The Last Days of Robert Mugabe - Peter Godwin~Following his defeat in the 2008 elections, Mugabe launched a brutal terror campaign on his own people, a period simply referred to as 'the Fear'. Peter Godwin was one of the few journalists who travelled through Zimbabwe at the time, witnessing the torture bases, the burned villages, the last white farmers, the churchmen and the diplomats putting their own lives on the line to stop the carnage. A dark story of Africa's corruption and violence populated by extraordinary characters whose lives have been shaped by the Fear.~~~1~13353~~

Out of Shadows - Jason Wallace~Zimbabwe, 1980s The war is over, independence has been won and Robert Mugabe has come to power offering hope, land and freedom to black Africans. It is the end of the Old Way and the start of a promising new era. For Robert Jacklin, it's all new: new continent, new country, new school. And very quickly he learns that for some of his classmates, the sound of guns is still loud, and their battles rage on ...white boys who want their old country back, not this new black African government. Boys like Ivan. Clever, cunning Ivan. For him, there is still one last battle to fight, and he's taking it right to the very top. A compelling, thought-provoking novel about race, bullying and the need to belong set in Africa.~~~1~13354~~

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 with 17 men and two medium guns - gradually expanding to artillery brigade strength supporting a mechanized division, by the time they faced the Cuban 80th Division in southern Angola in 1988. The book also 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.~~~1~13093~~

Pathfinder Company: 44 Parachute Brigade 'The Philistines' - Graham Gillmore~The South African 44 Parachute Brigade, an independent Pathfinder unit specially created to conduct covert unconventional warfare in SA's Border War, was a unit of 'Foreign Legionnaires' comprising of battle hardened veterans from the UK, USA, Australasia, Rhodesia and elsewhere, who had just previously served in the 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 this short-lived unit, 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.~~~1~13009~~

PK van der Byl: An African Aristocrat - Hannes Wessels~The life and times of PK van der Byl; one of the major players in a political drama in Rhodesia that ended with the accession to power of Robert Mugabe. By his very nature PK was controversial and confrontational. Much can be contested about PK van der Byl but few will dispute he was an extremely colourful character with a devilish sense of humour. ~~~1~12938~~

The Last Resort: A Memoir of Zimbabwe - Douglas Rogers~Travelogue, adventure yarn, political intrigue and tragedy, The Last Resort is a love story about the author and his homeland, Zimbabwe...Journalist Douglas Rogers tells the eye-opening, harrowing and, at times, surprisingly funny story of his parents' struggle for survival in war-torn Zimbabwe. ~~~1~13075~~

Rhodesia: Last Outpost of the British Empire 1890-1980 - Peter Baxter~This is the first complete history of Rhodesia, the country founded by Empire Builder, Cecil John Rhodes. It tells how Rhodes’ men engaged Lobengula, the Matabele king, in lengthy negotiations while at the same time seeking a Royal Charter and the right for white pioneers to occupy Mashonaland. It relates Rhodesia’s history right up to Lancaster House in 1979 and the ‘free and fair’ elections that foisted the Marxist Robert Mugabe and his regime on the country.~~~1~12898~~

Other recommended books and prints~~~~1~12417~~

Special Air Service Rhodesia: The Men Speak - Jonathan Pittaway~A completely re-worked 2004 publication SAS Rhodesia: Rhodesians and the Special Air Service - J Pittaway & C Fourie is available to order. This book has been re-titled, revised, updated. and re-worked with a lot of new material added. This title has been lavishly illustrated with many previously unseen photos of operations & personnel and includes personal stories by well known men plus it includes all the expected info such as Rolls of Honor, orbats, tables etc. A very well produced 'coffee table' sized book on the fine C Squadron (Rhodesia) 22 Special Air Service Regiment.~~~1~13350~~

Sunday Bloody Sunday: A Soldier’s War in Northern Ireland, Rhodesia, Mozambique and Iraq - by Jake Harper-Ronald as told to Greg Budd~Jake Harper-Ronald wanted to be a soldier from childhood. In 1966 his ambition was fulfilled when he was conscripted as a National Serviceman into the Royal Rhodesia Regiment. He afterwards moved to the UK and passed selection for the ultra tough Parachute Regiment - the famed Red Berets. Jake was the official photographer for Britain’s elite 1-Parachute Battalion when they deployed in Londonderry to deal with an IRA-inspired ‘peace’ march - 13 marchers were killed - the infamous ‘Bloody Sunday’. He later joined the Rhodesian SAS and then moved to the Selous Scouts, taking part in daring cross-border raids into hostile territory with both units. After the Bush War he joined the Counter-Intelligence Division of Zimbabwe’s CIO and covertly spied for South African, US and British intelligence. He left the ZCIO to took up a British MI6 offer to run anti-Renamo Militias in Mozambique for them. He afterwards served two tours with a private military company in Iraq.~~~1~13351~~

They Served Africa with Wings - WGM Stirling & JA House~Over a 15 year period, Mitch Stirling with more than 30 professional years flying experience, and John House, started collecting photographs and stories about aviation in the old days in Central Africa - Northern Rhodesia / Zambia; Southern Rhodesia / Zimbabwe and Nyasaland / Malawi . The end result is a excellent evocative and well researched & illustrated 277 page +/- 'A4' sized publication, dedicated to all those fine men and women who served, so well, the cause of aviation between 1920 and 1980.
~~~1~11729~~

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"
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. 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. ~~~1~13128~~

The Victoria Falls: Zambezi River. Sketched on the Spot 1862 - Thomas Baines, FRGS.~(Reprint, Folio) A selection of seven of the finest paintings reprinted in full colour from the Thomas Baines book originally published in 1865. These magnificent paintings gave the outside world their first pictorial impressions of Darkest Africa's greatest scenic secret. ~~~1~11564~~

Collection of cartoon books - Wildside 1, 2, 3, & 4 - Rose Ridgen~Wildside is an extraordinary collection of the humorous African wildlife art that has had people from around the world doubled over in laughter. Rose's extraordinary knowledge of the bush is coupled with a gentle perception of real human behaviour. She shows her wry sense of humour by transposing relations between 'animals and us' to create situations which are amusing to readers of all nationalities and all ages. Ideal as gifts - discounts available when ordering extra copies/'sets'.~~~1~11117~~

Footer~~~~1~10849~~

Worldpay~

---

~~~1~10850~~