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. He is unafraid to admit SADF mistakes—of Operations Hooper and Packer he says: “Lines of communications were too long to ably support the battle, which is why we did not clear them off the east bank of the Cuito River and why they captured the three Oliphant tanks which was their only propaganda victory.”
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. He says: “I agree with General Geldenhuys that we thrashed them severely on the Lomba in ’85 and ’87… much recent publicity has also been given to the so-called victory of the Forces of Liberation [SWAPO, MPLA, and 50,000 Cubans and Soviets] over the SADF at Cuito Cuanavale in 1988. Nothing could be further from the truth—it is blatant propaganda.”
Vlamgat—The Story of the Mirage F1 in the South African Air Force
Brigadier-General Dick Lord
9781920143367; Paperback; R200.00; 368 pages; 234 x 153mm; 56 colour photos, 200 b/w photos, 12 maps, diagrams
“Their hands are shaking ever so slightly. They will be flying again in the morning”
Vlamgat, literally ‘flaming hole’ in Afrikaans, was the nickname the South African Air Force (SAAF) gave to the Mirage F1, its formidable frontline jet fighter during South Africa’s long ‘border wars’ in South West Africa (Namibia) and Angola from the late 1960s to the late 1980s. Battling Soviet MiG-21s and -23s over African skies, the Vlammies, the Mirage pilots as they were affectionately known, acquitted themselves with distinction and honour.
Vlamgat is a gripping account of these pilots and their deeds of bravery; their experiences are authentically related with accuracy, humour and pathos—by the author, himself a Vlammie. As Willem Hechter, former Chief of the SAAF, says: “Vlamgat deserves a place of pride in the long history of this, the second oldest air force in the world.”
“…Perhaps it is the early morning chill that awakens them. They are mostly young— but combat is a maturing process that can change a youth into an adult overnight.
…At last they are suited up and have completed the briefing. The weapons are loaded and the aircraft are serviceable to fly. The pilots forget the anxieties and tension of the early morning hours.
…The peace of the morning is shattered by the rising crescendo of the engine noise.
…Then they are rolling into a steep dive upon the waiting target. Their hands inside their gloves are sweating; their mouths are dry.”
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eBook co-published in 2012 by:
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Copyright © Granger Korff, 2009
eBook © Granger Korff, 2012
ISBN: 978-1-90891-610-5
ISBN: 978-1-92014-331-2(ebook)
Design and origination by 30° South Publishers (Pty) Ltd.
Maps by Genevieve Edwards
Sketches by Murray Korff
Printed and bound by Pinetown Printers, Durban
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