Antiquarian Auctions

Auction #114 begins on 11 Apr 2024

Breytenbach, Jan

THEY LIVE BY THE SWORD:

[32 "Buffalo" Battalion: South Africa's Foreign Legion]

Published: Lemur, Alberton, 1990

Edition: First edition

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272 page: illustrations, portraits, maps on endpapers. Paper covered boards, dust wrapper. Page edges browned.

Col. Breytenbach became a legendary figure in the old South African army. Although he claimed no political affiliations, his feelings about the war are clear and he took delight in the success achieved by 32 "Buffalo" Battalion in their battles with SWAPO and MPLA forces. Breytenbach had moulded the composite force with difficulty, and it was used to spearhead the SA drive into Angola and during Operation Savannah in 1975. It was 32 Battalion reaching Novo Redondo (just south of Luanda) that raised the spectre of SA "taking over" Angola, alarming European and American governments. Breytenbach's books offer valuable insight, as he does not attempt to hide problems in supply and staffing, nor the conflicts he had with senior SA military staff, who did not like his unconventional modus operandi (or his success!). He also provides graphic evidence of the confusion that existed in Angola in the period after 1974, when UNITA changed sides and they often had to question people they came across to determine whether they were friend or foe!

  • Jacket Condition: Fine
  • Binding Condition: Fine
  • Overall Condition: Fine
  • Size: 25 x 17 cm
  • Sold By: Select Books
  • Contact Person: David McLennan
  • Country: South Africa
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Telephone: 021-4246955
  • Preferred Payment Methods: Credit card; EFT
  • Trade Associations: SABDA


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