The Rhodesian War: Fifty Years On [From UDI]

by Peter McLaughlin, Paul Moorcraft

Overview

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781473860735
Publisher:	Pen and Sword
Publication date:	01/20/2016
Edition description:	Reprint
Pages:	208
Product dimensions:	6.10(w) x 9.10(h) x 0.70(d)

About the Author

Professor Paul Moorcraft has frontline experience reporting on over 20 years, from A-Z, from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe, as a correspondent for print, radio and TV for nearly 40 years. He is currently Visiting Professor at Cardiff University and Director of the Centre for Foreign Policy Analysis, London.

Table of Contents

List of Maps and Illustrations 6

List of Photographs 7

About the Authors 8

The Rhodesian Unilateral Declaration of Independence (UDI) - 50 years on 9

Prefaces 13

Prologue 15

A The Beginnings 19

1 The Roots of Conflict, 1890-1965 19

2 The Opening Round, 1965-1972 29

3 Round Two, 1972-1976 37

B The Combatants 47

4 The Rhodesian Security Forces 47

5 The Guerrilla Armies 69

6 Weapons and Tactics 91

C The Climax 119

7 International Intrigues 119

8 The Social Impact of the War 129

9 Towards All-out War, 1977-1979 147

10 Aftermath 171

D The Longer Perspective 193

Glossary 201

Bibliography 203

Index 206