Useful

**WAFAWAFA** · 22-02-2009, 11:53

If you are still looking for information on the individuals in the picture, please get in touch.
Legends, the lot of them!

**JenB** · 14-01-2011, 17:54

old_bloke's posting is incorrect.

The bloke in the front of the picture is definitely SGT Laurie Ryan (he was my brother), BUT, he was NOT KIA later in the war. He died on 1st May 1983 (three years after Independence), as a result of a shooting ACCIDENT while culling elephants in Gonarezhou.

**EdMcDonald** · 30-01-2011, 02:04

The Elite Rhodesian S.A.S
$50.00 $35.00

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 BUT stock is now getting very low and we are unable to source anymore..get yours now
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. more info Rhodesiawassuper/Lekkerwear Custom apparel, Flags, dvds, cds, books and more

**gallowglass** · 31-01-2011, 14:15

Originally Posted by EdMcDonald

The Elite Rhodesian S.A.S
$50.00 $35.00

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 BUT stock is now getting very low and we are unable to source anymore..get yours now
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. more info Rhodesiawassuper/Lekkerwear Custom apparel, Flags, dvds, cds, books and more

I bought this book a few years ago from Galago, but it doesn't seem to be available from them anymore. Currently a copy available on ebay.co.uk, with a damaged dustjacket.

**EdMcDonald** · 31-01-2011, 16:52

That Rhodesiawassuper/Lekkerwear Custom apparel, Flags, dvds, cds, books and more site has lots of Rhodesian books. I,ve bought quite a few from them. The guy that owns that site used to live in Rhodesia (Shangani) till 1980.

**Effendi** · 31-01-2011, 18:04

For those interested in excellent, well researched material I can wholeheartedly recommend the works of Jonathan Pitaway. He has a level of access only afforded to insiders and presents his work in a very readable manner.

LRDG | Selous Scouts | SAS Rhodesia : Three important Special Forces books

The wider works of Peter Stiff beyond the well known Selous Scout book written with Ron Reid-Daly are also recommended for the contemparary student of insurgency and counter insurgency.

**EdMcDonald** · 31-01-2011, 18:41

Three very good books I agree. Just finished reading "The last defenders of the laager" Ian D. Smith and F.W.de Klerk. The book was writen by Dickson A. Mungazi. To damn political for me and parts are utter bullshyte.
The other book I'm reading is "From boys to men" by Ross Hesom" It's about a South African conscript who didn't like discipline. Enough said about that.

**RhodieBKK** · 31-01-2011, 19:25

Originally Posted by Effendi

For those interested in excellent, well researched material I can wholeheartedly recommend the works of Jonathan Pitaway. He has a level of access only afforded to insiders and presents his work in a very readable manner.

LRDG | Selous Scouts | SAS Rhodesia : Three important Special Forces books

The wider works of Peter Stiff beyond the well known Selous Scout book written with Ron Reid-Daly are also recommended for the contemparary student of insurgency and counter insurgency.

I would agree with you re Jonathan Pittaway's excellent volumes. Sadly, though, it does not look his book on the Selous Scouts will now be published.
Peter Stiff's books imho are rather light weight, especially his illustrated 'scrapbook' on the Scouts.

Ron Reid-Daly had some issues with him and published an updated version of his book under the title Pamwe Chetwe.
Chris Cox wrote an excellent book FIREFORCE which is highly recommended,
One Commando, a 'novel' by Dick Gledhill is also worth reading.

If you can get hold of the original Contact by John Lovett then you will be a happier man than Mike Borlace!
It's follow-up Contact II by Paul Moorcraft is very worthwhile even with the sanitized honour roll.
Mike still being detained as a guest of Kaunda at the time.

**Effendi** · 01-02-2011, 04:04

I have both the Scout books in my small collection of relevant military books and I agree with you. Reid-Daly's tome is weightier and provides more depth than the earlier joint work. The jointly written book does provide some interesting material for the more impatient reader who is eager to get to the end.

Stiffs book detailing the history of the Recces I found a difficult read even measured against academic standards. He was however provided with access that the SA Govt and Recces later regretted and is therefore able to give a clear account of Special Forces selection, training and operations albeit South African.

I have Jonathans SAS book detailing the formation and history of C Squadron. Damn fine. I am saddened to hear that his Selous book will not be published.

There is a Selous book written by a former member, I forget the title but it is on my list of must get hold of's..........I'll look it out and let you know. Around '84 as a young Cpl I spent the entire Dover - Zeebrugge trip on the car deck talking to a bloke and his wife and I received a history lesson, when we parted he gave me a Reutler minted Scouts beret badge - still have it along with a set of wings picked up later.