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Thread: Iron Fist From The Sea
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05-01-2015, 12:48 #1
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Iron Fist From The Sea
Got this book as a gift, you can get it online I think. its a very good read and if you liked the series like that written by Peter Stiff (covert warr, silent war) 19 with a bullet or Vlam gat,you will enjoy this, plus it a relatively unknown part of our proud military history
This seminal work documents the clandestine sea borne operations undertaken by South Africa’s 4 Reconnaissance Commando Regiment. It breathtakingly reveals the versatility and effectiveness of this elite unit which worked with a range of other South African and Rhodesian forces, including the Rhodesian SAS, to engage in a range of raiding and war fighting activities. These operations saw the clandestine reconnaissance of harbors, the sinking of enemy shipping and the destruction of shore installations in Angola and Mozambique. Just some of the tasks undertaken by this extraordinary maritime capability which totaled no more than 45 operators, both black and white!
With unparalleled access to previously secret material, the authors, both of whom worked to develop 4 Recce’s operating capabilities, trace the origins of the Regiment back to the 1970’s when the South African’s determined the need for a maritime force projection capability. They relate how maritime doctrine was developed within South Africa’s wider Special Forces capability and how joint operational approaches were configured with the South African Navy. This saw the development of a range of swimmer, reconnaissance, diving and boat operator training courses, along with the design of specialist raiding craft and amphibious assault platforms, which were originated to operate from the Navy’s existing shipping and submarines. All of which demonstrated the immense potential of this newly emergent force and the resourcefulness of its individual operators. Required to successfully complete a grueling selection process, the operators of 4 Recce were relentlessly tested to prove their physical and mental mettle, not to mention their leadership skills and initiative.
Steyn and Söderlund’s chronological analysis of the operations undertaken by 4 Recce and the South African Navy is stunning to behold. They impartially detail the secret and specialized actions which saw both success and failure. From Cabinda on the West Coast to Tanzania on the East, 4 Recce, and whose existence and capability was largely kept secret even within the South African Defence Force, conducted numerous clandestine raids. They attacked shipping and strategic targets such as oil facilities, transport infrastructure and even ANC offices. And sometimes the raids did go wrong, spectacularly so in one instance when two operators were killed and Captain Wynand Du Toit was captured. He was later paraded in front of the world’s media, much to the embarrassment of the South African government.
This is a fascinating work and one that will enthrall anyone with an interest in Special Forces operations. Profusely illustrated with many previously unpublished photographs, it stands as a testament to the author’s endeavors as, respectively, the former Operations Commander of 4 Recce and the former Commander Task Group of the SA Navy - as well as the incredible operators of 4 Recce.
Explosive and compulsive, Iron Fist from the Sea takes you right to the raging surf; to the adrenaline and fear that is sea borne raiding...
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05-01-2015, 14:15 #2
Re: Iron Fist From The Sea
Thank you for sharing.
live out your imagination , not your history.
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05-01-2015, 21:35 #3
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Re: Iron Fist From The Sea
I am also busy with the book.
Really is a fantastic read.
Most intwresting part so far was how their approach to selection changed since inception.
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06-01-2015, 00:58 #4
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Re: Iron Fist From The Sea
It's been a very long time coming. On my list to read but I need to get through Recce first.
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06-01-2015, 06:05 #5
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Re: Iron Fist From The Sea
I like where they mention that there are more people who have climbed mount Everest I think, than there are people who have being SF operators
Africa has produced some tough as nail special warfare units, Rhodesian SAS, Selous Scouts,32 battalion to name a few, but I still believe our special forces shine and stand high, and I like the way our relatively small and limited forces punched so hard and how they worked in some restrictive environments and conditions
When you see what these people did, I sometimes feel ashamed of my generation... doubt the youngsters of today have the stuff these type of guys had, even just the lack of interest in Africa's past and history
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06-01-2015, 11:12 #6
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Re: Iron Fist From The Sea
True words...My son just finished Matric and was due to go to Tukkies to study. He has since changed his mind and is now applying to join the Royal Marines...he reckons that he will study when he finishes 3-5 years in the Marines. This was his own choice and he is doing it for the reasons stated above...he reckons his generation are a bunch of "soft cocks" and he wants to challenge himself (I think he just likes the "toys" they get to play with!!).
I also had the honour of meeting Wynand Du Toit and having a few beers with him, tough bugger indeed he has a story to tell of his time in captivity ...also ride bikes with the ex 2IC and ex OC of 4 Recce. Good ,solid gentleman they are!! I still need to read the book!
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06-01-2015, 22:53 #7
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01-06-2018, 10:22 #8
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01-06-2018, 12:34 #9
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Re: Iron Fist From The Sea
Peter , yup he made it and is now a serving Royal Marine Commando , proud of the young man to say the least. It is interesting to see now when he comes back on leave...regardless of the fact he is a fit and tough young man now at 21yrs old when you see him socializing with his peers that he was at school with he stands head and shoulders above them from a maturity and mental strength point of view....the direct result I believe from soldiering. It creates responsibility, maturity and mental strength.
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03-06-2018, 15:46 #10
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