GUNSHIP OVER ANGOLA: THE STORY OF A MAVERICK PILOT - STEVE IN SOUTH AFRICA

Steve Joubert had always wanted to be a pilot and the only way he could afford to do so, was to join the South African Air Force in the late 1970's. As an adventurous young man with a wicked sense of humour, he tells of the many amusing escapades he had as a trainee pilot. But soon he is sent to fight in the Border War in northern Namibia (then South West Africa) where he is exposed to the carnage of war. The pilots of the Alouette helicopters were witness to some of the worst scenes of the Border War. Often, they were the first to arrive after a deadly landmine accident. In the fiercest battles their gunships regularly supplied life-saving air cover to troops on the ground. Joubert describes the horrors of war and talks openly about its impact on him, but also how he had to suppress his emotions to survive. He had several hair-raising experiences and was nearly shot down a few times. A born maverick, he became increasingly disillusioned by the war effort and by what he saw as the mindless hierarchy of the army. In essence a powerful anti-war plea, this book also aims to encourage veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder to share their stories and seek help.  About the Author: STEVE JOUBERT reported for national service at the South African Air Force Gymnasium in January 1976 to follow his childhood ambition to become an Air Force pilot. He was awarded his Pilots Wings as a member of Pupil Pilots Course 1/77. This book is primarily about the years which followed when Joubert flew Alouette III gunships in the Border War as a member of 17 Squadron. He later flew Dakota DC3s at 44 Squadron before leaving the SAAF in 1985 to pursue a business career. Steve is married to Diane. Between them they have a daughter, four sons and four granddaughters.