The SAS's Daring Victory in Rhodesia: We Dared to Win

DT: If you are interested in African history this is well worth a read.

United Kingdom on Nov 08, 2023

Steven: Good

United States on Aug 25, 2023

Ger: Very good read.

Australia on May 11, 2023

Me: Awesome book about a conflict we never hear about.

United States on Mar 15, 2023

Mark Gaska: As an American from the same generation as most of these men I recall my suspicions of false reporting coming out of Rhodesia and then Zimbabwe in the late 1970s thru the late 1990s. My cynicism suspicions of the American Press were vindicated with my readings of Hannes Wessels books. The other 'A Few Hard Men" told more of a story of bravery while Andre Scheepers' account seem more of after-action reports with refection and analysis add in. Both books hit a home run. 'We Dared to Win' illustrates that a strong case be made that the Rhodesian SAS and Selous Scouts were among the best operators in the world. I drew many similarities to reading of Americans SF (MAC-SOG and Seals) in Vietnam. The exception being the Rhodesians were literally fighting for their own land and country.

Allow me to become philosophical for a moment. The betrayal and abandonment of free world principles to Marxist backed belligerents is the same problem we face today, whether it is in the world at large or of our own countries. Those brave Rhodesians provide us a glance what to expect when western nations fool themselves into believing ludicrous notions of reparations and wokeness. They (our...

United States on Nov 02, 2022

Hunyani: A great read of one of Rhodesian’s finest bush fighting military units combatting communist led and sponsored terrorism. They fought to preserve the democracy of the bread basket of Africa whilst the rest of the world shamefully condoned vile acts of terrorism committed against its people.

United Kingdom on Oct 05, 2022

Boerseun: Wonderful book that is so sad how soldiers that gave beyond everything was stitched up by the Politicians in the end and all for nothing. All that served in those times like myself gave up a lot to do what had to be done and all for nothing.
The worst part in South Africa, as was the case in Rhodesia was the actual winners - the Communists, aided by their British allies within Intelligence. Percy Sillitoe who blundered through the Guy Burgess and Maclean blunders as head of MI5 before working for Oppenheimer in South Africa.
The Rhodesians had their nemesis with Ken Flower and off course Genl. Walls was so impressed with tea with the Queen Mother that he ended off doing bugger all when he could.
Good men, Professional Soldiers, sold down the drain like dogs. Shame on this new world establishment.

United States on Apr 16, 2021

i phone: As a retired soldier, I have always had an interest in the Rhodesian bush war and was a firm supporter for Ian Smith and its people's fighting to keep a country. I'm reminded of a couple of close friends who left our Battalion in the early 70s, they almost convinced me to go with them and a part of me still regrets not taking on that great adventure. I saw one of the guys on a news report after a notable fire-fight which saw 34 T's killed; so I'm glad they got the adventure they were after while the rest of us staged on in NI. I have read several books and accounts, this one is first class and I take my hat off to the courage and daring do of those who fought this war.

Finally, I am massively embarrassed to this day about the back stabbing and subterfuge of the British Government who jumped into bed with Mugabe and sold out the country, it was shameful, the bread basket of Africa reduced to dust and utter corruption while lost souls of its white tribe were scapegoats for the despot, slaughtered and scattered to the winds. My heart goes out to you all and best wishes to the Rhodesian military veterans one and all. A dam good read - thanks

United Kingdom on Feb 18, 2021

Simon Zealot: This is an absolutely riveting story which escapes the view of 99.9% of people in the US who have a completely America-centric and ultra-limited view of issues outside of our experience. On top of that, “We Dared to Win” will be dismissed by most because of issues with apartheid, etc.
I only stumbled across the history of Rhodesia recently and am embarrassed for not knowing anything written about here, especially since my Marine Corps time was just after events covered in this masterpiece. Was blown away by the pace of operations the Rhodesians maintained and the very long odds they faced. Anyone who thinks Zimbabwe is now better off is not a serious thinker. These men, while they were able to operate, held the line against communism in Southern Africa. I would have hated to fight against them.

United States on May 25, 2020

Brian M: This is a very interesting read for anyone who was involved in the bush war in Rhodesia . It’s more a selection of short stories depicting sorties and enemy contacts made by the Rhodesian SAS . It highlights the ingenuity and bravery of a band of men who despite their tender age fought bravely for their country .
This book is hardly a novel but was written to maintain a record of the bush war and for that I am grateful to the authors . It is very sad to watch your once vibrant country totally collapse .

Canada on May 31, 2019