Synonymous with the starvation that killed almost two million people,
Biafra was a parastate that voted to secede from Nigeria in May 1967.
Formally recognized by Gabon, Ivory Coast, Tanzania, and Zambia, and
supported by France, Israel, Portugal, Spain, South Africa, Rhodesia,
and even the Vatican, Biafra's attempt to leave Nigeria resulted in the
Nigerian Civil War, which was to last until January 1970.
Although lacking official support from abroad, the Biafran authorities
quickly built up a military. Their efforts to set up an air force,
supported by numerous Europeans - were widely publicized. Indeed,
Biafra-related adventures of Polish World War II ace Jan Zumbach, or the
Swedish pilot Carl Gustaf von Rosen reached the status of legends before
long.
Far less is known about the Biafran Army and Navy, their capabilities
and intentions, or the conduct of their combat operations. Indeed, the
establishment of multiple commando units, and a special guerrilla outfit
designed to emulate the Viet Cong, but especially the local manufacture
of weapons - including armored vehicles - remain largely unknown to the
public.
Based on years of thorough research, Biafran Army is the first work
ever to offer a comprehensive, in-depth study of the build-up, training,
composition, equipment, and combat operations of all the three
branches - the army, the air force, and the navy - of the secessionist
military during the Nigerian Civil War.
Illustrated by more than 120 rare photographs, maps, and color profiles,
this account provides a unique source of reference for enthusiasts and
professionals alike.
