Shop – Page 3 – Gerry van Tonder

Red China: Mao Crushes the Kuomintang, 1949

"Red China: Mao Crushes the Kuomintang, 1949" explores the pivotal year when Mao Tse-tung and the People’s Liberation Army, backed by Soviet support, decisively defeated Chiang Kai-shek’s Kuomintang forces, marking a significant shift in China’s future. The narrative traces the long struggle from guerrilla warfare to the establishment of a communist dictatorship, highlighting the impact of the Sino-Japanese War and internal divisions that left the Kuomintang weakened and paved the way for Mao's rise as one of history's most controversial leaders.

Email for a signed copy

Sino–Indian War: Border Clash October–November 1962

By Gerry van Tonder

"Sino–Indian War: Border Clash October–November 1962" explores the historical and geopolitical tensions between India and China over Himalayan territories, leading to the 1962 conflict. Highlighting the legacy of British colonial borders, the McMahon Line dispute, and the impact of post-World War II shifts in power, the book details the military escalations that culminated in a brief, intense war coinciding with the Cuban Missile Crisis.

Email for a signed copy

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.

Buy product

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.

Buy product

North Korea Invades the South: Across the 38th Parallel June 1950

By Gerry van Tonder

"North Korea Invades the South: Across the 38th Parallel June 1950" details the outbreak of the Korean War, highlighting the North's aggressive invasion that shattered peace and marked a turning point in Cold War dynamics. President Truman's response, under a UN mandate, led to General Douglas MacArthur's command of forces in Korea, facing an unprepared American military and international tensions. This book sets the stage for a conflict that entrenched North-South divisions, examining the pivotal events and geopolitical implications that resonate to this day.

Email for a signed copy

North Korean Onslaught: UN Stand at Pusan August–September 1950

By Gerry van Tonder

"North Korean Onslaught: UN Stand at Pusan August–September 1950" details the critical phase of the Korean War where UN forces, including US, Australian, British, New Zealand, French, and Canadian troops, faced a relentless North Korean advance. This volume focuses on the desperate defense of the Pusan Perimeter, highlighting the strategic significance of this last stronghold against the North's overwhelming military push. The narrative underscores the high stakes and the coalition's efforts to hold the line in one of the war's most intense battles.

Email for a signed copy

Inchon Landing: MacArthur’s Korean War Masterstroke, September 1950

By Gerry van Tonder

"Inchon Landing: MacArthur’s Korean War Masterstroke, September 1950" recounts the pivotal counteroffensive led by General Douglas MacArthur, turning the tide of the Korean War. Despite skepticism from Washington and logistical challenges, MacArthur's daring plan for an amphibious assault on Inch’ŏn succeeded. The surprise landing on 15 September allowed US forces to recapture Seoul and break the North Korean siege of the Pusan Perimeter. This bold maneuver not only pushed North Korean forces back across the 38th Parallel but also marked a significant shift in the war's momentum, reinstating the South Korean government in their capital.

Email for a signed copy

Allied Surge: Pyongyang Falls, UN Sweep to the Yalu October 1950

By Gerry van Tonder

"Allied Surge: Pyongyang Falls, UN Sweep to the Yalu October 1950" narrates a critical phase of the Korean War, detailing the UN Command's strategic advances post-Inchon Landing. Under General Douglas MacArthur, the UN forces, including the US X Corps and the Eighth Army, pushed northward, capturing Pyongyang and moving towards the Yalu River. Despite China's warnings and eventual massive troop deployment into North Korea, this volume captures the bold UN push that momentarily tipped the scales, setting the stage for the complex international dynamics and enduring tensions on the Korean Peninsula.

Email for a signed copy

China Invasion: People’s Liberation Army Crosses the Yalu October 1950–March 1951

By Gerry van Tonder

"China Invasion: People’s Liberation Army Crosses the Yalu October 1950–March 1951" explores a pivotal shift in the Korean War, as Chinese forces enter North Korea, overturning UN advances. After MacArthur's push north, China's ambushes and strategic assaults force UN troops into retreat, notably at the Chosin Reservoir. This volume highlights the transition from UN dominance to a fierce battle for survival against a formidable Chinese military presence, marking a critical juncture in the conflict's trajectory.

Email for a signed copy

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.

Buy product

Against the Red Tide Part 2: 27th British Commonwealth Brigade’s Korean War

By Gerry van Tonder

"Against the Red Tide Part 2" narrates the 27th British Commonwealth Brigade's enduring struggle in the Korean War through 1951. Tasked with covering retreats and serving as the rearguard for Seoul's evacuation, the brigade faced daunting challenges against Chinese forces. Their heroic stands, particularly at the Imjin River and Kapyong, where they sustained heavy casualties but demonstrated extraordinary heroism, are highlighted. The brigade's significant contributions were recognized with a change in command and an American Presidential Unit citation for their actions near Kapyong, reflecting their critical role in the UN's military campaign.

Buy product

Canada’s First Stand: Battle of Vimy Ridge

By Gerry van Tonder

"Canada’s First Stand: Battle of Vimy Ridge" marks a defining moment for Canada during WWI, showcasing its military prowess and national unity. In April 1917, the Canadian Corps, for the first time fighting together, captured Vimy Ridge through a well-coordinated attack planned by Lt Gen Sir Julian Byng. This victory, achieved at great cost, symbolized Canada's emergence as a nation with a significant role on the global stage, contributing to its path towards legislative independence and fostering a deep sense of national pride.

Buy product