The Rhodesian War

A military history of the former British colony of Southern Rhodesia—now Zimbabwe—spanning from 1890 to the 1970s.

In this exciting book, authors Paul Moorcroft and Peter McLaughlin examine the military history of Southern Rhodesia, from the first resistance to colonial rule through the period of UDI by the Smith government to the Lancaster House agreement that transferred power. They recount the Rhodesian security forces' operations against the Black nationalist guerillas, and the intensity of the fighting and courage of the participants will surprise and enthrall readers. Atrocities were committed by both sides, but equally the protagonists were playing for very high stakes.


But this is more than just a book on military operations. The authors provide expert analysis of the historical situation and examine events up to the present day, including Mugabe's operations against rival tribes and white farmers.


For a thorough work on its subject, this book cannot be bettered. It is essential reading for those wishing to learn more about a counter-insurgency campaign. The ingenuity of the Rhodesian military fighting against overwhelming odds and restricted by sanctions is impressive, but the outcome culminating in the Lancaster House Agreement was inevitable.

Praise for The Rhodesian War
"An outstanding exception to most accounts of the Rhodesian civil war . . . achieved impressive objectivity in concentrating on operational issues." —Anthony Verrier, author of The Road to Zimbabwe
"The book is full of intrigue and plots. South African intelligence wanted to assassinate Mugabe, but there might also have been plans afoot to kill of Britain's Prince Charles during his visit to Harare." —Heidi Kingstone, The Star (South Africa)