Amanzimtoti journo’s war book re-released
The Rhodesian SAS operated almost exclusively across the border into Mozambique and Zambia.
An Amanzimtoti journalist’s acclaimed war book, which has been out of print for many years, has just been re-released.
Barbara Cole wrote ‘The Elite, the Story of the Rhodesian Special Air Service’ just years after the demise of Rhodesia-Zimbabwe when members of the Special Forces unit, who were no longer bound by the country’s official secrets act, were free to tell their stories.
“They were initially reluctant of course, but as time went on, I convinced them that this was a unique story that had to be told,” Barbara recalled.
Married to SAS operator Peter Cole, Barbara also had unique access to and the support of other SAS men and was thus able to gain further details and insights into the Special Forces unit and their varied operations.
The Rhodesian SAS operated almost exclusively across the border into Mozambique and Zambia, carrying out some of the most daring, dangerous and fascinating operations of the bush war and the era.
It took Barbara several years to compile her detailed book, which was first published on Remembrance Day, 1984. She followed it up with ‘The Elite Pictorial’.
Now, it has been re-released by 30 Degrees South with the new, re-designed book including pictures from both the original Elite and the Pictorial and with some pictures that were previously seen in black-and-white, now being in colour.
Barbara, an award-winning journalist who worked on The Daily News in Durban, moved to England recently following Peter’s death at Christmas, but is back in Amanzimtoti this week to attend an SAS reunion.
The Elite is available from 30 Degrees South at www.30degreessouth.co.za, Exclusive Bookstores and Bargain Bookstores.
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