A significant, fullcolor volume, it originally sold 31,000 copies in south africa alone and has been out of print for decades. Are you looking for military records in south africa. Episode 9 32 batallion grensoorlog the series that covers the south african border war angolan bush war 1966 to 1989 to keep the lights burning and to help pay for bandwidth, please use. 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 defenses of the time. We had one of the best special forces the recces in the world. A site about the south african bushwar of 1966 till 1989. For twentythree years, five western nations, members of the soviet bloc and two superpowers were locked into a war never formally declared. The south african defence force pitted against communist angolans, swapo, cubans, and russians. Of all the books about south africas 21year border war fought on both sides of angolas frontier with presentday namibia south africas border war has always been rated as among the best.
Nicholle surprised me with this book it had been on my birthday list in 2015 when it was originally slated to come out. This book weaves a fabric of richness to life in the military as well as the south african border war. The angolan bush war or the south african border war have for. General jannie geldenhuys is widely regarded as one of the leading military commanders south africa has produced. The south african border war, or angolan bush war was a conflict that took place from 1966 to 1989 largely in southwest africa now namibia and angola. Al venters latest book on south africas 23year border war along the angolan frontier offers a host of new perspectives. The opposing forces consisted of the angolan mpla, swapo fighting for the liberation on namibia, and cuban, soviet and other east bloc advisors. What are some good books about the south african border war. The south african border war, commonly referred to as the angolan bush war in south africa, was a conflict that took place from 1966 to 1989 in southwest africa now namibia and angola between south africa and its allied forces mainly unita on the one side and the angolan armed forces fapla, southwest africa peoples organisation swapo, and their allies mainly cuba on the other. Rhodesian raid on chimoio and tembue 1977, france in centrafrique. The greater share of honour and the south african recces. The warstore, specialists in south african militaria. The south african defence forces in the border war 19661989 scholtz, leopold on.
South african war, also called the second boer war or the second war of independence, war fought from october 11, 1899, to may 31, 1902, between great britain and the two boer afrikaner republicsthe south african republic transvaal and the orange free stateresulting in british victory. South africas ageing white mercenaries who helped turn tide. Cold war proxy conflicts the south african border war. Samvoint south african military veterans organisation. South africa s armed forces invaded angola in 1975, setting off a war that had consequences for the whole region that are still felt today. Military history writing, scholarly and popular and in between, has. It reveals more about the battles fought by the sadf than most people are aware of, and together with loads of graphic images, boasts an indepth coverage from 1966 to 1989. The namibian angolan south african border war memoirs of a military commander. The south african army is the army of south africa, first formed after the union of south africa was created in 1910.
The south african border war, commonly referred to as the angolan bush war in south africa, was a conflict that took place from 1966 to 1989 largely in south west africa now namibia and angola between south africa and its allied forces mainly the national union for the total independence of angola, unita on the one side and the angolan government, south west africa peoples organisation. The bush war, as it is known in south africa, spanned the spectrum of warfare from the lowest intensity fighting, to high. The south african border war, commonly referred to as the angolan bush war in south africa, was a conflict that took place from 1966 to 1989 in south west africa now namibia and angola between south africa and its allied forces mainly unita on the one side and the angolan armed forces fapla, south west africa peoples organisation swapo, and their allies mainly cuba on the other. Contested narratives and conflicting memories ebook written by gary baines. The south african border war of 19661989 reading south african accounts of the 23year long border war between south africa and the angolan liberation. Dec 19, 2014 of all the books about south africas 21year border war fought on both sides of angolas frontier with presentday namibia south africas border war has always been rated as among the best. The south african air force and its aircraft during the border war 19661989. The south africa marine corps was originally set up as a subbranch of the south african navy with the primary purpose of protecting harbours. Of all the books about south africas 21year border war fought on both sides of.
Al venters latest book on south africa s 23year border war along the angolan frontier offers a host of new perspectives. 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. It investigates the causes of the border war and follows its progress and escalation in the 1980s. South african military veterans as tourists in angola. South african defence force angolan bush war youtube. Short stories on the border war war, african history. Hence the numerous psychological issues and people being bosbefok. The greater share of honour and the south african recces my writing on sofrep has been limited to rhodesia and its special operations units during the bush war. Consider that the book shelves on south african history are stuffed full of books on the border war and not one single book is dedicated to the history of the south african native military corps in world war 2.
Same story on return bush on friday, at work on a monday. Whilst the number of figure manufactures covering the period have increased there is a need for more particularly focused on the south african force elements as there are few specific figures. This list may not reflect recent changes learn more. The south african defence forces in the border war 19661989 and millions of other books are available for amazon kindle. 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 ongulumbashe to the april fools day war in 1989. South african border war simple english wikipedia, the. Defence force, cold war, middle east, south africa, weapons, african, military, history, photos koevoet in rhodesian bush war military life military history central america south america defence force my land african history modern warfare otters. What others are saying the south africa border war with angola was a all out fight against communism and was fought between the south african defence force sadf and the communist. It was, as one book states, a gigantic bluffbut it was backed by real. Saaf during the 1966 1989 angola border war youtube. In waging total war during the 1970s and 1980s, south african securocrats demanded a total strategy, including secret and unconventional means to fight the perceived total onslaught against the apartheid regime. A faraway war a clash of ideologies and some of the biggest battles fought on african soil since world war two. I recently published a fascinating interview with a south african recce veteran of the south african border war for sofrep.
In addition, south africa s border war is a significant volume for all those involved in the study of war and memory or the recent history of south africa. The south african border war, also referred to as the namibian war of independence or the angolan bush war, was a largely asymmetric. Presenting a remarkable amount of experience drawing primarily from south africa s border war in the form of case studies, supported fully by an extensive number of photographs and specially commissioned maps, this study has applications for historians, researchers, and contemporary military practice. Saaf during the 1966 1989 angola border war africa travel channel. It sketches the story of the conflict but the focus is on south african armor forces and how they adapted to an increasing dangerous battlefield. Of all the books about south africa s 21year border war fought on both sides of angolas frontier with presentday namibia south africa s border war has always been rated as among the best. Jun 06, 2012 the border war veterans group on facebook represents a collective that wants to be viewed more compassionately, as worthy and valued as having saved south africa from communism, as one.
Grensoorlogbushwar ep 12 the south african border war. He is best known as the first commander of 1 reconnaissance commando, south africa s first specialforces unit. South africa s border war 19661989 possibly the best book ever written on south africa s military involvement in southern africa. The book does not only look at the war from an old south african defence force perspective, but also gives a voice. These include details about units like the south african air force 44 squadron which converted dakota aircraft into flying gun platforms similar to those used in americas war in south east asia. Apr 14, 2015 according to those who have hired or worked alongside them, they are highly professional, skilled and battlehardened by the south african border wars, in which they often fought alongside black. The south african border war is one of the least studied, most poorly understood conflicts of the 20 th century. List of equipment of the south african army jump to. The term south african border war has typically denoted the military campaign launched by the. The south african corps of marines was established as a corps in 1951 but the unit has it origins much earlier than 1951. The south african recce the sharp end of the spear. How powerful was south africas military during the apartheid. South african border war 19661989 military history.
South africas controversial crossborder raid, angola 1978, and several more. South african armour of the border war 197589 is an osprey new vanguard series book by kyle harmse and simon dunstan, with illustrations by pierre lowe victor. This is a tale of military machination and scientific subterfuge, of combatants who disappeared without trace, and bizarre experiments carried out behind locked doors. On the successful conduct of wars in africa and beyond lessons learned from the south african border war. Set against the backdrop of the cold war, the saaf was effectively south africa s first line of defence against soviet expansionism in southern africa. Though fought on a much smaller scale than the south african border war, the sadfs operations against mk and apla mirrored several important aspects of that conflict. As chief of the south african defence force from 1985 to 1990, he brought his experience to bear on the border war in namibia, and was part of the negotiating team that brought an end to the conflict in 1989. Starting as a counterinsurgency operation by the south african defence force sadf against the south west africa peoples organisation, south africa became embroiled in the complex angolan civil war, where they came up against enemies well supplied with equipment and armoured vehicles from the soviet union. A tribute to the sadf, the south african defence force books. A short overview of the south african bushwar border war.
The south african border war south african military veterans. It covers a military career spanning over 37 years. South africa had the most potent military force in africa, specializing in bushwarfare. That the soviets, through their surrogates the cuban military, angolas fapla and. Expect the unexpected from a man who believes that those who are entrusted to him count and need to be given the best fighting chance in life. Pages in category military units and formations of south africa in the border war the following 141 pages are in this category, out of 141 total. The south african border war of 19661989 reading south african accounts of the 23year long border war between south africa and. These guns were captured in the 1980s during the south african border war and are mounted on an armoured. South africas border war provides a timely study of the war of words waged by retired south african.
The south african military evolved within the tradition of frontier warfare fought by boer commando forces, reinforced by the afrikaners historical distrust of large standing armies. The border war veterans group on facebook represents a collective that wants to be viewed more compassionately, as worthy and valued as having saved south africa. Currently in namibia and south africa there are overqualified claims. Striking inside angola with 32 battalion is scheeperss first book. Much like plan, for example, mk often sought sanctuary in states adjacent to south africa s borders. Venter is a specialist military writer and has had 50 books published.
A significant, fullcolour volume, it originally sold 31,000 copies in south africa alone and has been out of print for decades. My writing on sofrep has been limited to rhodesia and its special operations units during the bush war. Presenting a remarkable amount of experience drawing primarily from south africas border war in the form of case studies, supported fully by an extensive number of photographs and specially commissioned maps, this study has applications for historians, researchers, and contemporary military practice. Military life military history south afrika army day defence force military pictures war photography military equipment african history what others are saying the mighty this is possibly the main weapon that kept large numbers of angolan and cuban soldiers trying to cross the quito river. The south african defence forces in the border war 19661989 offers the first comprehensive analysis of the south african defense forces role in the border war in namibia and angola since the end of this conflict in 1989. This is the story of one of the worlds most effective special forces units told by the men who served in it. South african air force, world conflicts, army day, brothers in arms, defence force, paratrooper, war machine, vietnam war, military history south african army and border war army pics armored truck world conflicts army day defence force armored fighting vehicle army vehicles tactical survival military weapons. 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. The south african border war, commonly referred to as the angolan bush war in south africa, was a conflict that took place from 1966 to 1989 in southwest africa now namibia and angola between south africa and its allied forces mainly unita on the one side and the angolan armed forces. In his long career, he served in the suez crisis, the biafran war, the south african border war, and the angolan civil war, and. From bokassa and operation barracude to the days of eufor, battle for cassinga. The r5 carbine is used by the airborne and armoured troops of the sa army, the sa air force, sa navy, military health service and the south african police service. The south african border war, also referred to as the namibian war of independence or the angolan bush war, was a largely asymmetric conflict a war between a standing, professional army and an insurgency or resistance movement that occurred in namibia the then south west africa, zambia, and angola between 26 august 1966 and 21 march 1990. Along with special sections on relevant military units like the south african recces special forces, and 32 batalion both renown for their abilities in battle.
The socalled bushwar or border war was fought in n. It resulted in unnecessary loss of life and much trauma, not only for the conscripted men, but also families back home. If youre south african, white, and in your 40s or older, chances are you were there. Jun 03, 2009 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 ongulumbashe to the april fools day war in 1989. There is also almost nothing by way of definitive work on the unit history on the internet. The south african border war, also known as the namibian war of independence, and. Episode 12 at thy call we shall not falter grensoorlog the series that covers the south african border war angolan bush war 1966 to 1989 to keep the lights burning and to help pay for. List of equipment of the south african army wikipedia.
Military records in south africa south africa ancestors. On the front line of the south african border war gavin. The south african border war, commonly referred to as the angolan bush war in south africa, was a conflict that took place from 1966 to 1989 largely in south west africa now namibia and angola between south africa and its allied forces mainly unita on the one side and the angolan government, south west africa peoples organisation swapo. Reading south african accounts of the 23year long border war between south africa.
View south african border war research papers on academia. The warstore, trusted specialists in south african war. The south african defence forces in the border war 1966. Download for offline reading, highlight, bookmark or take notes while you read south africas border war.
The south african border war, commonly referred to as the angolan bush war in south africa, was a conflict that took place from 1966 to 1989 in southwest africa now namibia and angola between south africa and its allied forces mainly unita on the one side and the angolan armed forces fapla. Pre angloboer war 1853 1898 various attestation forms, muster and medal rolls are accessible, as are citations relating to awards to south africans. Jul 07, 2011 south african border war bloody memories. What are some good books about the south african border.
This book bears all the hallmarks of superior scholarship. These include details about units like the south african air force 44 squadron which converted dakota aircraft into flying gun platforms similar to those used in americas war in southeast asia. It then fought as part of the wider british effort in world war ii, but afterwards was cut off. The book presents an appropriate study of the war of words fought by retired sadf generals and other veterans against detractors and critics. South african border war 19661989 military history books. Forbidden images 1960s to 1980s illegal photographs. A faraway war contributes to a wider understanding of this war in angola and namibia. The silent war south african recce operations 1969 1994 peter stiff isbn 0620243007. The sa border war, told by two bloody amusing soldiers. The south african border war refers to the conflict that took place from 1966 to 1990 primarily in south west africa now namibia between south africa on one side and the south west africa peoples organisation swapo and its allies on the other. Sa border war pics south west africaangola youtube. It reveals more about the battles fought by south africa s army, than most people are aware of. South african armour of the border war 197589 osprey. These ranges include figures and vehicles suitable for the portugese colonial wars in angola, the rhodesian bush war and the south african border war.
Jan dirk breytenbach dvr sd sm mmm born 14 july 1932 is a retired career south african special forces military officer and author of military books. Jan 05, 2019 the south african border war had an immense social, cultural and political impact on south african society at the time. The border war is a story of white south african men who could be at work on a friday. The pictorial edition of the south african special forces paul j els see more. The south african defence forces in the border war 19661989. Feb 23, 2017 episode 12 at thy call we shall not falter grensoorlog the series that covers the south african border war angolan bush war 1966 to 1989 to keep the lights burning and to help pay for. The border war saw the biggest armoured battles in africa since world war ii. In any military campaign there are always setbacks, and ops firewood qualifies one of the very few real setbacks that the sadf experienced during the border war. In the film across the border, four white south african veterans who fought on the border of occupied namibia and angola in the 70s and 80s. Essential reading for those wanting to understand the role of the recces special forces in the south african border war. Aug 01, 2014 i recently published a fascinating interview with a south african recce veteran of the south african border war for sofrep.
The south african border war was virtually ended by the tripartite accord, mediated by the united states, which committed to a withdrawal of cuban and south african military personnel from angola and south west africa, respectively. Bush war books is selling military books, focusing primarily on the. Plan launched its final guerrilla campaign in april 1989. Grensoorlogbushwar ep 9 the south african border war. The department of defence archives was established as the sa defence force sadf archives on 14 may 1968 following the approval by the minister of education of a separate military archives for military records in south africa. Breaking with conventional military thinking, the south african police created koevoet by refining the concept of the counterinsurgency group pioneered in rhodesia during the bush war in order to provide uptodate intelligence about an elusive enemy. To view it as a resounding victory of plan swapo over the sadf would however be an overstatement.
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