Fifty years on, this superb and exciting book depicts the military
history of Southern Rhodesia from the first resistance to colonial rule,
through the period of UDI by the Smith government to the Lancaster House
agreement that transferred power. There are vivid accounts of the
operations against the black nationalist 'guerillas' by the security
forces and the intensity of the fighting and courage of the participants
will surprise and enthrall readers. Atrocities were undoubtedly
committed by both sides but equally the protagonists were playing for
very high stakes.
But this is more than just a book on military operations. The Authors
are able to provide expert analysis of the historical situation and
examines events up to the present day, including Mugabe's operations
against rival tribes and white farmers.
For a thorough work on its subject this book cannot be bettered.
Essential reading for those wishing to learn more about a
counterinsurgency campaign. The ingenuity of the Rhodesian military
fighting against overwhelming odds and restricted by sanctions is
impressive but the outcome culminating in the Lancaster House Agreement
was inevitable.