Antiquarian Auctions

Auction #115 begins on 30 May 2024

Chris Cocks

FIREFORCE - One Man's War In The Rhodesian Light infantry (1988)

South African Border War Classic

Published: Galago, Alberton, 1988

Edition: First edition

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Publisher's pictorial card cover. 255pp. Illustrated.

Internally clean and in good condition with mild age-associated edge wear.

"Fireforce is the compelling, brutal but true account of Chris Cocks' service in 3-Commando, Rhodesian Light Infantry, during the bush war. 

Serving in 3-Comando's elite ranks, other than born Rhodesians, were British, South Africans, Americans, Australians, New Zealanders and a host of other nationalities.

It was the closest parallel to the French Foreign Legion in recent times.

Chris Cocks joined the RLI as a National Serviceman in 1976 for 12 months at the age of 18, then signed on as a regular for three years. He soon became a lance corporal and stick leader. His upbringing had been a sheltered one and he knew little of life - but he was due for a radical change.

The combat strain on a fighting soldier was almost unbelievable, and the Rhodesians, who were desperately short of ground troops to deal with guerrilla incursions, sometimes parachuted the same men into as many as three contacts in a day.

Fireforce is not for the squeamish, although it has been written with an unforgettable pathos and humour. It tells of face to face combat in the bush and death at point blank range. It is a book which does nothing to glamourise or glorify war. For as Chris Cocks found at such a young age, war is merely a catalogue of destruction, suffering, and death.

Fireforce will be to the Rhodesian War what All's Quiet On The Western Front was to World War-1, except this is not a novel, its true.

Read it - it will be an experience you'll never forget."

  • Binding Condition: Good
  • Overall Condition: Good
  • Sold By: Rare Paper
  • Contact Person: Armandt Marais
  • Country: South Africa
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Telephone: 0741235861
  • Preferred Payment Methods: EFT, Bank Deposit. For International Customers: Paypal with 6% surcharge, International Transfer
  • Trade Associations: A. A. Approved


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