Iron Fist From The Sea

[Dolf Potgieter]

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...

[KK20]

Thank you for sharing.

[Kreefstert]

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.

[Tango Sierra]

It's been a very long time coming. On my list to read but I need to get through Recce first.

[Dolf Potgieter]

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

[Desert Rat]

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

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!

[Dolf Potgieter]

Unfortunately I know more than one guy close to 30 who have never worked a day in their lives, and are happy spending their days on the couch... so yes, many soft cocks these days. at least your son will get to play with some very nice kit... he must forget some night vision in his bag by accident

Lots of nice books these days documenting our military past, which in my mind was "under recorded" (many reasons as to why) but luckily allot of the stories are coming out these days. the kind of person it takes to be a operator deserves to have their story told, as they are a breed of their own

I have read, seen some of what Mr Wynand when through and the mission and events leading to his capture... these guys are something els. I know a guy from the strike craft, said the Recces where regular guests for ''Cruises" showed some awesome pictures of the ship and the launching of the scorpion missiles, very awesome!

[African]

Agree kids spend too much time on their backsides but all this talk how tough you were 20-30 years ago is a little tainted. Make no mistake, there were hard as nails men around but most of we are today what we were 30 years ago. So if you look down at that boep and those dimpled legs now ..... how do you convince your son today how tough you were when you can hardly get up a flight of stairs without sounding like a dysfunctional steam engine.

Yes, some young guys are soft and 99% of SA men are soft ....body by Steers and KFC ... not any better than body by PS4 or XBox .....few exceptions ....... I do see them from time to time .... my cycling buddy is 76 and kicks the living crap out of me over 120km cycling. Lets not forget to include ourselves when we tell the young men what they should be doing

A leader leads by example .... a manager tells you what to do without doing it himself!! Maybe time to get rid of those dimpled legs and boep .....

[Jacko]

...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!

So you know Gert K too? We are good mates. Lekker bloke. We meet up now and then for beers when he's on leave from the Sandpit.

[Wild coast]

I just received this book really awesome piece of history, I like the way this unit steered clear of the limelight all these years. Unlike US special operations who seem to think they are all celebrities!

Was news to me Admiral Woody Woodburne is deceased, may he rest in Peace!