Magazine Publication – Gerry van Tonder

Homegrown Solutions: Rhodesian Military Vehicles 1965–80

In the 1960s, the right-wing minority government of Southern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) refused to acquiesce to calls for majority rule, electing instead to unilaterally declare itself independent of Britain on 11 November 1965. Almost immediately, nationalist insurgents started to cross into Rhodesia from Zambia to use military means to force the government into submission.

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Forgotten Airmen

By Gerry van Tonder

From May 1940 to March 1954, the Royal Air Force (RAF) had a functional presence in the self-governing British colony in Africa, Southern Rhodesia. As part of the Empire Air Training Scheme, the Rhodesian Air Training Group (RATG) was activated for the training of RAF and Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve (RAFVR) pilot cadets, navigators, air observers and air gunners.

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Battle of Elands River

By Gerry van Tonder

By August 1900, ten months after the outbreak of hostilities between British forces and those of the Transvaal and Orange Free State Boer republics in South Africa, Her Majesty’s troops were starting to gain the ascendency across the subcontinent in what became known as the Second Boer War.

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Treasure Hunters: Mashona Rebellion 1896–7

By Gerry van Tonder

On the eve of 125 years since the Mashona Rebellion, Gerry van Tonder delves into this bloody battle between British troops and African tribesmen

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Deadly Efficient Mobile Warfare: Rhodesian SAS

By Gerry van Tonder

From 1941 to 1980, ‘C’ (Rhodesia) Squadron was an integral and highly esteemed member of the Special Air Service (SAS) family. Inspired by the rapid Long Range Desert Group’s (LRDG) vehicle-borne rescue of elements of the SAS, whose first mission into German-held territory ended in failure as a result of severe sandstorms, No. 8 (Guards) Commando officer David Sterling developed the extremely successful SAS operational tactic that centred on small, heavily armed and mobile strike units.

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Pearson’s Holdouts: Siege of Eshowe Anglo-Zulu War

By Gerry van Tonder

As commander of one of the three self-contained columns constituting Lord Chelmsford’s invasion force into Zululand in January 1879, Colonel Charles Pearson diligently studied his commander’s instructions. Notwithstanding the ominous and very real possibility of having “the whole Zulu force” descend on his Eshowe garrison, the quintessential Victorian army officer’s response was unequivocal.

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Ironclads Across the Veld

By Gerry van Tonder

As long ago as 1847—and again in 1849—James Anderson, of Edinburgh, prepared and patented a series of plans, and further submitted a working model of his defensive rolling stock for the inspection of British engineers and artillery officers. The British Government, though, could not see its way clear to adopt the invention, so Anderson went abroad with his idea, with the result that these ‘ironclad trains’ were used in Europe on the field of battle for the first time in the Franco-Prussian War (1870).

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A War Life Saver

By Gerry van Tonder

In their armed fight to overthrow the minority white Rhodesian government, late in 1972 Soviet- and Communist Chinese-sponsored insurgents added landmines to their hitherto very limited weaponry. Most rural roads throughout the country were unpaved; perfect for this indiscriminate type of warfare.

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Chariot of Fire: Israeli Merkava Tank

By Gerry van Tonder

For many analysts, the Valley of Tears tank battle between Israeli and Syrian armour that took place on the Golan Heights in October 1973 was one of history’s greatest. On the Hebrew holy day of Yom Kippur, on 6 October Egyptian and Syrian forces simultaneously attacked Israeli-occupied Sinai and the Golan Heights respectively.

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The Running Dogs of War: Malayan Emergency 1948–1960

By Gerry van Tonder

The Malayan Emergency (1948-1960) was a guerrilla war between British forces and communist insurgents in Malaya. Sparked by communist demands for recognition and fueled by Maoist propaganda, the conflict saw brutal hit-and-run tactics. British strategies, including forced resettlement, gradually quelled the insurgency. The war ended following Malaya's independence in 1957, with the emergency officially declared over in 1960.

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Soviet Armour Graveyard, Afghanistan

By Gerry van Tonder

The Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979 aimed to support a communist regime but faced fierce resistance from Mujahideen fighters, leading to a protracted and costly conflict. Despite significant military investment, the Soviets suffered heavy casualties and equipment losses, ultimately withdrawing in 1989. This conflict underscored the challenges of foreign military intervention in Afghanistan, foreshadowing similar experiences for other nations.

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Against the Red Tide Part 1: 27th British Commonwealth Brigade’s Korean War

By Gerry van Tonder

"Against the Red Tide Part 1" highlights the 27th British Commonwealth Brigade's pivotal role in the Korean War. Deploying from Hong Kong and integrating units from the Commonwealth, they played a key part in defending the Pusan Perimeter and advancing into North Korea. Their journey from the Inchon landing through to the Chinese intervention underscores the brigade's resilience and strategic impact amidst coalition forces, navigating the harsh realities of warfare and complex logistical challenges in a pivotal Cold War conflict.

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