A
must book for those interested in the Rhodesian Security
Forces...printed back in 1984...we hold stock of this 20 year old plus
title
The Elite author
Barbara Cole, this book was printed in 1984 being one of the most
slaught after books on Rhodesia. Paperback 450 pages... must book for
those with interest in the Rhodesian forces
The Rhodesian
Special Air Service, one of the most formidable fighting forces in the
world. operated almost exclusively across the border during the long
bitter bush war, undertaking deep-penetration missions against
insurgents being harbored inside neighboring Mozambique and Zambia.
There were missions into Botswana too, and at one stage. they were
operating without benefit of passport in all three neighboring black
territories at the same time. Long before the war escalated and the
whole region became their battlefield. secret clandestine missions
across the border were undertaken by Special Air Service operation.
Later, when the
situation intensified. they were responsible for some of the most
audacious and highly sensitive missions of the war. Yet little is known
of this highly-professional Special Force unit~ which had its beginnings
in the days of the Malayan Emergency, and like its parent unit the
British SAS, boasted the coveted and very apt motto, Who Dares Wins.
Even before the men of the elite, carefully-selected Special Air Service
mounted their most daring tasks far from home, the then Minister of
Defense, Mr. Jack Howman said: "My only regret is that the exploits of
the SAS cannot yet be disclosed to the public so that they can share my
pride in full" Fought against the magic and madness of a changing
Africa, against almost insuperable odds. against two terrorist armies
who were aided and abetted by the armies of their host nations and
backed by Russia and China. two of the world's superpowers, the role of
the Special Air Service was unique.
The Commander of
Combined Operations. Lieutenant-General Peter Walls. while reluctant to
single out any one unit was to acknowledge this after the war. It is
this unique story that the writer set out to discover, and this book -
the first ever released to fully detail the secret exploits of the elite
Regiment - has been based on rare interviews with the very people
involved in the SAS many and varied operations. the heroes of an era.
Some of their exploits may seem far-fetched. even impossible. but then.
truth is often stranger than fiction. It is a history of high-adventure
and daring. courage and humanism. be it driving through the streets of a
neighboring city, walking bold as brass down those of another. knocking
out trains. bridges and vital installations or swooping out of the
morning skies. then with the ability to hit hard and fast~ attacking and
taking their leave. the devastation complete, the mission accomplished.
Nowhere
was out of reach or safe from SAS attack and no target too big. The
writer takes the reader from the early days in the Western Desert to the
formation of the Rhodesian SAS for service in Malaya. then back to
Africa where the action spans the days of the Federation. . . the UDI
era. . . and finally the decolonization of Rhodesia by the British in
1980. The SAS was not in the habit of giving out medals for what was no
more than expected from its operators. Outstanding deeds of gallantry
were honored however. and one SAS operator and one former officer, were
the only two soldiers in the security forces to have been awarded the
country's highest military honor. the Grand Cross of Velour, equivalent
to the Victoria Cross and the American Congressional Medal of Honor.
Both held the Silver Cross of Rhodesia and one also had the Bronze
Cross, making him the only holder of the "hat-trick" and thus the most
decorated member of the security forces.
[ITEMPRICE]