Fighting Vehicles and Weapons of Rhodesia 1965-80 by Peter G Locke and Peter DF Cooke
Very Scarce and Highly Collectible.
Fighting Vehicles and Weapons of Rhodesia 1965-80 by Peter G Locke and Peter DF Cooke
Author: Peter G. Locke, Peter D.F. Cooke
Publisher: P&P Publishing (1995)
ISBN-10: 0473024136
Condition: Very Good. Minor edgewear and shelf wear to the covers. Else a tightly bound copy, internally bright and clean. Small tear on bottom right spine (see pics)
Binding: Softcover
Pages: 152
Dimensions: 29.5 x 21 x 0.9 cm
That thunderous explosion that came without warning was one of the dreaded features of the Rhodesian bush war. In this book the authors chronicle the incredible ingenuity and resourcefulness of Rhodesians in developing the unique vehicles designed to combat that scourge of modern warfare, the land mine. It also deals in its later chapters with the local manufacture of various firearms, and ambush devices, other munitions and communication equipment. Here again the most innovative designs or even replicas of other weaponry were used to subvert the arms embargo and reduce our reliance on imported material
What is termed "the rhino mentality" symbolized the tough and resilient attitude adopted by this doughty band of people to face and overcome all challenges. There is a concise summary of the country's history and an introductory background detailing the progressive phases of the bush war. However, the greater part of this informative book covers the action taken against the mine threat which destroyed irreplaceable transport, disrupted communications, discriminately killed and injured soldiers and civilians and had a profound impact on morale. For ease of concealment these mines were usually laid in unmetalled roads. As a result, an extensive programme of tarring important rural routes was part of the defence mechanism.
The history of the numerous types of mine and ambush protected vehicles that were created is treated depth. Protective measures were applied to standard vehicles such as the Land Rover and Bedford and Mercedes trucks. At the same time wide variety of special vehicles progressively appeared on the scene, generally used the monocoque principle and involved the deflection of the potentially lethal explosive. The names given to them reflect Rhodesian's natural affinity with their wildlife. We had the Rhino, Hyena, Leopard, Puma, Crocodile, Kudu and Cougar. A description of the design features of each vehicle is given, together with the developers and manufacturers. Particular mention is made of the Pookie. , the very successful mine detection vehicle that was produced. The most important point of all, however, is that they saved countless lives or prevented serious injury. An unusual highlight has been recorded that sedated baboons were used to test the effectiveness of each prototype. There were no casualties amongst these volunteers' except one perforated eardrum.
The whole of this section of the book contains excellent photographic illustrations of every model. The weapons chapters cover the pistols, carbines, sub-machine guns, shotguns, mortars and rocket launchers produced by Rhodesian inventors and entrepreneurs, some of which served the country well and in particular helped to arm the civilian population. Anti-ambush devices were many and varied and a number were put into use by farmers an others without any official approval. Nevertheless, they served their purpose. Several types of mines of novel design were manufactured, together with items of demolition equipment. A significant article deals with the highly successful Agricalert system which linked farmers especially to their neighbors and to the nearest Army or Police post.
All in all, this book is one of a kind and is highly recommended to all those interested in this proud nation's ability to overcome obstacles and meet the challenges.
E.A.SUTTON-PRYCE
Former Deputy Minister, Rhodesian Government
South Africa, March 1995
