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Product Description
This book has been some 15 years in the making and can claim, with some justification, to be the definitive publication on the 'Recces', unlikely to be topped for many, many years. The South African Special Forces have invariably been portrayed as a sinister force, used in covert operations locally and abroad but this is pure political expediency and media propaganda. The unit's operators are shy, humble soldiers, whose primary role is intelligence gathering, although they will take offensive action, ruthlessly, if necessary. Highly trained professionals in a class of their own, these elite troops have garnered for themselves an international reputation par excellence.
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3 reviews
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Good, but something of a "Where's Waldo"
4 Mar 2011
Format:Hardcover
This book, without question, has a lot of great and useful information. It has hundreds of excellent insignia and operational photos. It is, however, a book primarily intended for collectors of insignia, Regimental items and awards, and those interested in the nitty gritty of its selection processes and information on things such as founding members, medals, etc. There are also a number of good operational photos and some well done sections on load carrying gear.
The issue is that the authors are excellent authors on the insignia side, but for people such as myself, who are interested in their uniforms and equipment, it is not as good. The uniform section has at least one mislabeled item, and several others unmentioned in the picture captions (including the use of Recce copy Cuban Elm Leaf camo), other uniforms such as DDR Rain, FAPLA Grey Lizard, Egyptian Lizard, and Rhodesian camo (despite several operators wearing it) receive little to no mention. Equipment is similarly covered. They do an outstanding job of thoroughly documenting the webbing the group used, and this is a great read (with the exception of one seemingly normal Chicom SKS rig which was apparently custom made, though no explanation given.) Again, however, the reader is left to discern some of the content themselves. For example, no listing is given of the weaponry employed, but there is a very clear picture of an operator equipped with an American MAC-10 SMG with silencer. Not only is this a weapon I have never otherwise heard of the Recce's using, but no mention, let alone explanation, of this appearance is given. Considering there were a number of ex-Selous Scouts in their midst, and the Scouts had found the Uzi 9mm somewhat lacking for ops it is a wonder why the South Africans would have a Mac-10. Especially when it would be much harder to source than the Israeli-made Uzi and was generally considered a less-capable weapon. Insight, or even mention, of this appearance would have been highly valuable.
Perhaps I'm splitting hairs, and perhaps much of this is common knowledge otherwise, but this feels a bit like an insignia/memorabilia collecting book with some operational/gear info thrown in. Make no mistake it is an excellent book, excellently photographed, and helpful in bringing to light information on a number of subjects. If one is interested in camouflage uniforms, equipment used other than webbing, and the like, be cautious is purchasing this item.
The issue is that the authors are excellent authors on the insignia side, but for people such as myself, who are interested in their uniforms and equipment, it is not as good. The uniform section has at least one mislabeled item, and several others unmentioned in the picture captions (including the use of Recce copy Cuban Elm Leaf camo), other uniforms such as DDR Rain, FAPLA Grey Lizard, Egyptian Lizard, and Rhodesian camo (despite several operators wearing it) receive little to no mention. Equipment is similarly covered. They do an outstanding job of thoroughly documenting the webbing the group used, and this is a great read (with the exception of one seemingly normal Chicom SKS rig which was apparently custom made, though no explanation given.) Again, however, the reader is left to discern some of the content themselves. For example, no listing is given of the weaponry employed, but there is a very clear picture of an operator equipped with an American MAC-10 SMG with silencer. Not only is this a weapon I have never otherwise heard of the Recce's using, but no mention, let alone explanation, of this appearance is given. Considering there were a number of ex-Selous Scouts in their midst, and the Scouts had found the Uzi 9mm somewhat lacking for ops it is a wonder why the South Africans would have a Mac-10. Especially when it would be much harder to source than the Israeli-made Uzi and was generally considered a less-capable weapon. Insight, or even mention, of this appearance would have been highly valuable.
Perhaps I'm splitting hairs, and perhaps much of this is common knowledge otherwise, but this feels a bit like an insignia/memorabilia collecting book with some operational/gear info thrown in. Make no mistake it is an excellent book, excellently photographed, and helpful in bringing to light information on a number of subjects. If one is interested in camouflage uniforms, equipment used other than webbing, and the like, be cautious is purchasing this item.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Long Overdue, But Worth The Wait and Price
2 Mar 2011
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
This book was in the works for years and took forever to hit the Amazon market, but it is well worth the wait and price. Mssrs. Matthysen, Kalkwarf and Huxtable did a fantastic job compiling this documentary record of the South African Special Forces and their insignia from their inception though today. The book is in large format, with 320 glossy pages loaded with high quality photos and images. The book illustrates and explains each unit's history, insignia, regalia, and equipment, to include original design records, official variants, unofficial items, prototypes, reproductions, fakes, and fantasy items. The book is a must for collectors and fills in the gaps of earlier publications. The only regret with this book is that the illustrations do not contain a numerical reference system, because this book will be the collector's reference gold standard.
2 of 3 people found the following review helpful
The Holy Grail for RECCE Information!!
19 Feb 2011
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
This book has been long over due, but a wait well worth the time. I have been tracking this books publication for over six years and pre-ordered it on Amazon almost three years ago in 2009! This book is NOT just for collectors of patched and badges but anyone wanting to know more about the South African Special Forces from history, establishment, developments, employment and operations. Topics like Rhodesian involvement and migration of the Selous Scouts and Rhodesian SAS into the Recces. This book will appeal to collectors of related militaria like equipment, uniforms, hats, documents, places and other related items like unit flags and the list goes on. But with all this supported by hundreds of photos is the supporting text covering all this matter in detail, which has helped me come full circle in my understanding of South African conflicts and even greater appreciation for the professionalism of this elite organization. All I can about this book is that it is a must own for the true military professional. This book will hold a treasured spot in my library.
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