From Fledgling to Eagle chronicles the evolution of the SAAF in the ‘Border War’ that raged in Angola and South West Africa (Namibia) from 1966 to 1989; covering all the major South African Defence Force (SADF) operations from Ongulumbashe to the ‘April Fool’s Day war’ in 1989. Dick Lord; who writes in a ‘from the cockpit’ style; has drawn on his own first-hand operational reports and diaries; incorporating anecdotes from dozens of aviators from a wide variety of squadrons—Buccaneers; Canberras; Mirages; Impapas; Bosboks; C-160s and130s and helicopters. He also expands on the close relationship the SAAF had with the ground troops in a variety of operations— such units as the Parabats; Recces and Koevoet.However; Lord studies the broader ramifications of the conflict in that it was not a simple black–white war. Angola was really just a sideshow for the Soviets who wanted to bleed the SAAF in a war of attrition before attempting total domination of South Africa—their ultimate goal. Although he gives credit to the enemy when they put up a stiff fight; he clearly outlines the overwhelming South African successes and dispels; in accurate detail; all enemy claims by giving an accurate account of each battle.
#684732 in Books 2013-09-30Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.21 x .59 x 6.14l; .0 #File Name: 1908049197258 pages
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