Classic Military Vehicle – Gerry van Tonder

A War Life Saver

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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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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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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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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