February 1980

Buy Rhodesia FDC - Independence Election 27-29 February 1980 - in good condition for R15.00

This all new work by accomplished military historian Alexandre Binda, former paymaster to the Greys Scouts, tables the remarkable story of Rhodesias mounted infantry, the Greys Scouts. Working closely with the last commanding officer, squadron commanders and a whole host of regimental personalities, all of whom have given The Equus Men their unequivocal support Binda has enjoyed unparalled access to thousands of pages of archival documents and many hundreds of previously unpublished photographs. Here, he has traced the Greys from their early origins in the Matabele Rebellion of 1896, where an unassuming Englishman, the Honourable George Grey, found himself originating a body of horseman named the Bulawayo Field Force, through to the formation of the Animal Transport Unit (ATU) which went on to become the Mounted Infantry Unit (MIU). With the skill of a practiced narrator, Binda takes the reader through these early days to the establishment of the Greys Scouts in the Rhodesian Army order of battle in 1976. Deployed to great effect during the bitter Rhodesian Bush War of the late 1960s 1970s, the mounted operations conducted by the Greys are succinctly and clearly detailed. Some of the contacts related make for astonishing reads and with the lively, vibrant, text one can almost feel the steaming sweat of rider and mount; sense the pounding adrenaline; hear the thundering hooves as a fearful enemy is pursued to battles inevitable conclusion. Suffice to say, The Equus Men makes for an engaging read. Trained and utilised as mounted infantry as opposed to cavalry, the Greys Scouts saw exceptional success in the field. Lightly equipped, they were able to cover great distances at speed, live off the veldt with minimal support and through shock action, quickly engage and destroy insurgent forces. Originally a regular formation, the Greys Scouts were augmented by Territorial and National Service soldiers as the conflict progressed and by 1980, when hostilities ceased, the Regiment numbered some 600 soldiers, both men and women, black and white. With its informative text and rich profusion of photographs, The Equus Men is a stunning tribute to the equestrian and fighting prowess of the Greys Scouts. It is a remarkable story and one that is ever more relevant, given recent mounted and pack horse operations conducted by British and US special forces in Afghanistan. Hardcover, 288 pages with  approx 300 colour & b/w photos, 4 maps. First published  1 February 2016.

This is the story of military aviation in Rhodesia from the romantic days of 'bush' flying in the 1920's and '30s-when aircraft were refuelled from jerrycans and landing grounds were often the local golf course-to the disbandment of the Rhodesian Air Force (RhAF) on Zimbabwean independence in 1980. In 1939 the tiny Royal Rhodesian Air Force (RRAF) became the first to take up battle stations even before the outbreak of the Second World War. The three Rhodesian squadrons served with distinction in East Africa, the Western Desert, Italy and Western Europe. At home Rhodesia became a vast training ground for airmen from across the Empire-from Britain, the Commonwealth and even Greece. After the war, Rhodesia, on a negligible budget, rebuilt its air force, equipping it with Ansons, Spitfires, Vampires, Canberras, Hunters and Alouettes. Following UDI, the unilateral declaration of independence from Britain in 1965, international sanctions were imposed, resulting in many remarkable and groundbreaking innovations, particularly in the way of ordnance. The bitter 'bush war' followed in the late 1960s and '70s, with the RhAF in the vanguard of local counter-insurgency operations and audacious pre-emptive strikes against vast guerrilla bases in neighbouring Mozambique, Zambia and Botswana and as far afield as Angola and Tanzania. With its ageing fleet, including C-47 'Dakotas' that had been at Arnhem, the RhAF was able to wreak untold havoc on the enemy, Mugabe's ZANLA and Nkomo's ZIPRA. The late author took over 30 years in writing this book; the result is a comprehensive record that reflects the pride, professionalism and dedication of what were some of the world's finest airmen of their time. Paperback, 856 pages, 800 photos, 70 diagrams & maps SECOND EDITION: PUBLISHED FEBRUARY 2015

***PLEASE NOTE WE DELIVER TO CAPE TOWN, JOHANNESBURG AND BLOEMFONTEIN*** Name of collection/ series: University of Cape Town Year of issue: 1979 Country code: R.S.A. Item code: FDC 3.17 Signed by: This first day cover is signed by  Sir Richard Edmonds Luyt  (8 November 1915 – 12 February 1994), who was the colonial Governor  of British Guiana  in 1964-66.  Having been born and educated in Cape Town, he returned there in 1967 as principal and vice-chancellor of the University of Cape Town, a post which he held until 1980.  

  A Pride Of Eagles: A History Of The Rhodesian Air Force - Beryl Salt  2015 edition. Soft cover, 760 pages. Very good condition; like new. Over 1kg. This is the story of military aviation in Rhodesia from the romantic days of 'bush' flying in the 1920's and '30s-when aircraft were refuelled from jerrycans and landing grounds were often the local golf course-to the disbandment of the Rhodesian Air Force (RhAF) on Zimbabwean independence in 1980. In 1939 the tiny Royal Rhodesian Air Force (RRAF) became the first to take up battle stations even before the outbreak of the Second World War. The three Rhodesian squadrons served with distinction in East Africa, the Western Desert, Italy and Western Europe. At home Rhodesia became a vast training ground for airmen from across the Empire-from Britain, the Commonwealth and even Greece. After the war, Rhodesia, on a negligible budget, rebuilt its air force, equipping it with Ansons, Spitfires, Vampires, Canberras, Hunters and Alouettes. Following UDI, the unilateral declaration of independence from Britain in 1965, international sanctions were imposed, resulting in many remarkable and groundbreaking innovations, particularly in the way of ordnance. The bitter 'bush war' followed in the late 1960s and '70s, with the RhAF in the vanguard of local counter-insurgency operations and audacious pre-emptive strikes against vast guerrilla bases in neighbouring Mozambique, Zambia and Botswana and as far afield as Angola and Tanzania. With its ageing fleet, including C-47 'Dakotas' that had been at Arnhem, the RhAF was able to wreak untold havoc on the enemy, Mugabe's ZANLA and Nkomo's ZIPRA. The late author took over 30 years in writing this book; the result is a comprehensive record that reflects the pride, professionalism and dedication of what were some of the world's finest airmen of their time. Paperback, 856 pages, 800 photos, 70 diagrams & maps SECOND EDITION: PUBLISHED FEBRUARY 2015

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. Softcover, 394 pages. Published 2008  ABOUT THE AUTHOR:  General Johannes ('Jannie') Geldenhuys SSAS SD SOE SM GCIH ORB, is a former South African military commander who served as Chief of the South African Defence Force between 1985 and 1990. Born in Kroonstad on 5 February 1935, he obtained a BMil from the University of Pretoria before joining 1 Special Service Battalion. Later he went on to higher command in 1977, serving as commander of South West Africa Command, a post he held until 1980, when he served in the position of General Officer Commanding the South West African Territorial Force. After this he became Chief of the Army, before being promoted to the position of Chief of the South African Defence Force on the 31st of October 1985. In this role, he took part in negotiations that brought the Border War to an end in 1989, after 23 years of fighting.

A UNIQUE PIECE OF SOUTH AFRICAN NAVAL HISTORY. SAS PRESIDENT KRUGER. FIRST OF THE PRESIDENT CLASS OF FRIGATES ORDERED FROM BRITAIN - VISITED PORTS IN AFRICA, EUROPE AND THE USA. IN 1976 SHE DEPLOYED TO ANGOLAN WATERS. PLACED IN RESERVE IN 1977 BUT AGAIN COMMISIONED IN 1980. SANK WITH THE LOSS OF 156 CREW, AFTER COLLIDING WITH SAS TAFELBERG ON 18TH FEBRUARY 1982