"Borderline Insanity" by Tim Ramsden

[makeminea10mm]

I've always had a big interest in the South African Border War. I recently read the book "Borderline Insanity" by Tim Ramsden. What a great read. It's a balanced and honest account in my opinion (I wasn't there, I was only born in '81), but often you would just end up reading someones rant of the political situation of the time. Or, you would read the opposite - a rant of the political situation currently.

The author kept a diary of his accounts during his 2 years national service. Something I believe wasn't allowed. He also had a camera and the book has some very interesting photo's.

It starts right from the time he boards the train from Durban to Voortrekkerhoogte with the rest of the recruits and it gives very detailed accounts of his basics, passes, opvoks and then off course his months on the border.

Three of his platoon were also captured in Mozambique and held in a prison there. He gives an account of that as well.

End's off with a couple of chapters on his trip back to Namibia and Mozambique a couple of years ago.

It's funny and extremely well written. I really enjoyed it!

[dante76]

Have you read "18 with a bullet"? About a guy who was in the para's up on the border in the 80's. Great read! brought back memories.

[makeminea10mm]

I've seen that on the shelves. The guy was a boxer right? Thanks, I'll go out and get it.

[dante76]

yeah. Finished it last night, it was a great read.

[b20]

"19 with a bullet", I think. Great book! I'm also reading it at the moment.

[dante76]

oops! yeah you're right, sorry. "19 with a bullet". Great book hey?

[camouflage762]

This book was also reviewed in the September 09 Magnum.