Cirrus@Austlit

'Set in the country Rhodesia, now called Zimbabwe, in the late 1970s, the counter-insurgency war reaches a whole new level with Soviet and Cuban involvement. Internal settlement negotiations threaten vested interests. British Rapier missiles and Soviet SAM-7s add to a dangerous mix with horrific consequences. The northern neighbor, Zambia, provides logistical and technical support for the build up of Cuban and freedom fighter forces for an invasion of Rhodesia. MIG-19s and MIG-21s are game changers for old Rhodesian Hawker Hunters. This story follows the bravery and commitment of a celebrated US war correspondent who has been sucked into a war she was sent to cover. Her path crosses that of a Rhodesian Selous Scout infiltrated into Zambia to try and turn the tide. Cold War rivalry, political intrigue and paralysis, are the backdrop to this fast paced, brutal, violent story where nothing is as it seems ... one unspeakably ruthless act changes the World's view on the difference between freedom fighters and terrorists ... forever.' (Publication summary)

'It is March 1944, the Battle of Berlin has ground to a halt, both sides battered to submission. Bomber Command gathers itself for the next assault. This story follows a bomber crew from 44 (Rhodesia) Squadron who have completed their 15th mission, only half way through their tour. Follow the routine of their lives, their living conditions, the parties and the commitment of the dedicated ground crews and support staff. The squadron has lost more than half its number in only a few months, the chances of survival now seem impossible. These are young men from the four corners of the Empire, from the wild bushland of Rhodesia, the endless bitterly cold rolling plains of Canada, the hot and desolate centre of Australia and the squalor of bombed English cities. These men were thrust together by force of circumstance, forged in battle, their relationship based on mutual reliance and determination ... to see it through ... come what may.The bombers face a ferocious, determined and well organised enemy. On the next mission they face the latest in night fighting and radar technology, the odds are stacked against them as never before. The Lancaster 'Cocky Lobin', C-Charlie, must carry her crew through a withering aerial battle, radar predicted flak, fast and well armed night-fighters and the weather. This is a fight to the death ... a test, for men barely out of their teens, like no other.' (Publisher's blurb)

'Set in the country now called Zimbabwe in the late 1970s, the Bush War has escalated into a desperate fight for survival. In a bid to stem the tide of freedom fighters flooding into the country, the war has spilt over into neighbouring Mozambique. External raids by special forces, the Selous Scouts and the Rhodesian Light Infantry, are required to hunt down the leaders of the liberation movement. They are hopelessly outnumbered, jumping from ancient Dakotas and rugged Alouette III helicopters. Chinese trained freedom fighters mount sabotage raids on key installations from bases in Mozambique, aided by spies in high places.

'This story follows the harrowing, day-in-day-out combat and relentless pressure put on the combatants. Cold War rivalry, political paralysis and undercover agents put the men on the ground, on both sides of the conflict, in mortal danger. They not only have to defeat the enemy on the battlefield, they also have to endure the mistakes, bigotry and self-interest of their leaders. On the Freedom Fighter side, the fighting men and women are subjected to unspeakable hardship and brutality. Death stalks them from bomb, bullet, disease, hunger and their own leadership.

'This is the story of the ‘Steely-eyed killers’ …'

Source: Publisher's blurb.