Anthony Rogers (1)

Very interesting overview of various mercenary troops and personnel from Africa (Congo, Angola) to Middle East, Iraq, Afghanistan and Syria. Author also manages to present progress of certain units and individuals from one war region to another, especially when it comes to African mercenaries that fought in Rhodesia then South Africa in 1980's, then Middle East etc.

I take one star off because author manages to skip some of the more interesting stories of mercenaries - anti-communist Cubans in Congo and Israeli mercenaries in Africa and South America.

Author kept to the standard actors, Mike Hoar, Bob Denard, Dave Tomkins, Callan in Angola and soldiers of fortune that went to war for political reasons (e.g. fighting with Kurds or in Yugoslavia). While he mentions Peter McAleese (especially related to operations in Colombia), Robert C. Mckenzie is mentioned only as a casualty which is missed opportunity since McKenzie was one of the soldier of fortune types that served almost on every battleground (second only to Dave Barr that gets passing mention too).

Also, mercenary operations are shown mostly as disengaged from national security services (apart from Bob Denard's service in Comoros) which (especially in case of Congo and Angola) was very rarely the case.

But again I guess considering this is rather short volume not everything can be mentioned.

For a short overview of mercenary operations up to current day developments with PMCs this is very good book.

Recommended.… (altro)

Brandenburger – An excellent Photographic record

Oberleutnant (lieutenant) Wilhelm Walther transferred from an armoured reconnaissance unit in March 1940 to the Bau-Lehr- Bataillon z.b.V. This unit was a forerunner of the Brandenburger (commandos). This book is not a pictorial history of the Brandenburger but that of a career officer who took his camera everywhere with him. Anthony Rogers who edited and wrote the book had originally interviewed Walther for another book. He has selected pictures from the 600 photographic collection he had kept as a career officer, whose career ended abruptly due to the loss of the war.

Rogers has organised the book, so it is in chronological order, so that we see Walther’s military career beginning in 1931. Where we saw the young Walther in training, wearing his dress uniform. We also see him on the Czech border in 1938, and then ‘invading’ the border area as part of the great betrayal of the country. There are plenty of pictures from the occupation of Bohemia and Moravia and the ‘welcome’ some gave the Germans.

There are pictures from the Balkans in 1941 where the Brandenburgers gained their reputation as ruthless commandos. After the Balkans we see them moved to the eastern front between 1941 and 1942. They were some of the lucky soldiers who were moved from the eastern front to Greece. We also Walther’s comrades at arms, other officers. We also see Walther’s war record. The last picture shows him visiting his comrades’ graves in 1991.

An excellent book and giving us access to pictures that would probably remain hidden forever.… (altro)