Iron Fist from the Sea: Top Secret Seaborne Recce Operations (1978–1988)
Publish date: 06 August 2018
Issue Number: 785
Diary: IBA Legalbrief Africa
Category: General
Iron Fist from the Sea: Top Secret Seaborne Recce Operations (1978–1988)
By Arne Söderlund and Douw Steyn
Jonathan Ball. R230
From Cabinda in Angola to Dar es Salaam in Tanzania, 4 Reconnaissance Regiment conducted numerous clandestine seaborne raids during the Border War. They attacked strategic targets such as oil facilities, transport infrastructure and even Russian ships. All the while 4 Recce’s existence and capability was largely kept secret, even within the South African Defence Force. With unparalleled access to previously top secret documents, 50 operations undertaken by 4 Recce, other Special Forces units and the South African Navy are described in Iron Fist from the Sea. The book reveals the versatility and effectiveness of this elite unit and also tells of both the successes and failures of its actions. Sometimes missions go wrong, as in Operation Argon (1985) when Captain Wynand Du Toit was captured. This fascinating work will enthrall anyone with an interest in Special Forces operations. Iron Fist from the Sea takes you right to the raging surf, to the adrenaline and fear that is seaborne raiding.
