Book – Gerry van Tonder

LT-GEN KEITH ROBERT COSTER SSAS, ICD, OBE: A Life in Uniform

In August 2015, the late former commander of the Rhodesian Army (1968–1972), Lt-Gen Keith Coster’s son, Steve, and daughter-in-law, Cindy, approached me, wanting to know if I would like to take custody of personal memoirs, photographs, letters, certificates, records and some items of uniform that had belonged to the general.

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North of the Red Line: Recollections of the Border War by Members of the SADF and SWATF: 1966–1989

By Gerry van Tonder

Over the years, much has been written about individuals and the forces and their operations in what became commonly known as South Africa’s Border War, or Grens Oorlog, but never before has the human spirit of this 23-year-old conflict been so graphically and unashamedly captured and chronicled as in this book.

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OPERATION LIGHTHOUSE: Intaf in the Rhodesian Bush War 1972–1980

By Gerry van Tonder

With verbatim first-hand accounts and anecdotes from Intaf staff at all levels, this book chronicles Intaf’s rapid forced conversion in the 1970s from the original dedicated and efficient district civil administration, to a paramilitary force tasked with carrying out normal administrative functions in abnormal situations.

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Rhodesian Combined Forces Roll of Honour 1966-1981

By Gerry van Tonder

The intention of this publication is to honour all who lost their lives in action, or while on active service, with the Rhodesian Security Forces during the period 1966–1981. This publication represents the single most comprehensive Rhodesian Combined Forces Roll of Honour covering the so-called Bush War.

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Rhodesia Native Regiment and Rhodesian African Rifles 1916-1981: Book of Remembrance

By Gerry van Tonder

Over the years since 1980 when Rhodesia became Zimbabwe, much has been written and recorded about the various regiments that served the country of Rhodesia from the early pioneers in the 1890s, right through to the day that these fine units marched off their respective parade grounds for the last time and into the august annals of history.

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The Rhodesia Regiment: 1899-1981

By Gerry van Tonder

As the 19th century and Queen Victoria’s long reign drew to a close, volunteer squadrons of the Rhodesia regiment, recruited by Colonel Baden-Powell, were positioned along the border with Bechuanaland, to defend Rhodesia against Boer aggression. In 1914 Rhodesians again rallied to the Crown with the formation of two battalions of the Rhodesia Regiment to counter the German presence in South West and East Africa. Shortly after, many volunteered to join the Allied forces on the Western Front.

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Chesterfield’s Military Heritage

By Gerry van Tonder

Mention of this Derbyshire market town’s name invariably conjures up an image of an iconic landmark: the crooked church steeple. It does, however, also speak of a military heritage built up over a millennium.

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Derby in 50 Buildings

By Gerry van Tonder

This book reveals the rich and diverse history that is reflected in Derby’s architecture as, through successive decades of growth, its character, built of brick and stone, underwent varying nuances of transformation.

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Echoes of the Coventry Blitz

By Gerry van Tonder

With the digital juxtaposing of archival images with photographs taken by the author himself for this publication, and drawing from contemporary press accounts of the Coventry Blitz, this book presents a totally unique comparative insight into the Nazi bombing of Coventry in the Second World War.

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Mansfield Through Time

By Gerry van Tonder

This book offers a cameo glimpse of a town whose character and identity has, over the last few hundred years, been moulded, modified and tempered by coal mining and the Industrial Revolution.

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Nottingham’s Military Legacy

By Gerry van Tonder

"Nottingham’s Military Legacy" traces Nottingham's pivotal role in British military history, from William of Normandy's castle in 1066 to its transformation into a military hub. It highlights the city's involvement in key historical events, including the English Civil War, the Luddite Riots, overseas campaigns, and both World Wars, culminating in its integration into the Mercian Regiment. This concise account celebrates Nottingham's enduring legacy of valor, sacrifice, and military evolution through the ages.

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Sheffield’s Military Legacy

By Gerry van Tonder

"Sheffield's Military Legacy" unveils the city's deep-rooted martial history from its strategic Norman castle to its crucial role in steel production for military purposes. Detailing Sheffield's significant contributions to British military efforts, especially in World Wars, the book highlights local units' valor, the city's enduring spirit, and its commemorations of sacrifice, including six Victoria Cross recipients. A tribute to Sheffield's indelible mark on military history, this narrative celebrates centuries of service and innovation.

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