Troubador Publishing Spider Zero Seven

This is another personal account of the Rhodesian Bush War, this time from the perspective of a helicopter pilot. A conflict that roughly began in 1966 and that lasted for another thirteen years, that ended with political defeat, not military.From troop deployment, troop extraction, casevacs (medical evacuations) within the operational theatre to part in broader operations under the Fireforce concept, including raids on neighbouring countries that harboured terrorist bases, many such examples are on the offer in Borlace's “Spider Zero Seven”.Tragedy, courage, humour and other human traits encompass the personal episodes here described of a deadly confict that, thanks to these memoirs, is pulled from oblivion.Many of Rhodesia's young were unable to witness both communism's broad defeat epitomised in the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 as well as Rhodesia's demise in 1980. Borlace's book is, in a way, a pledge that they will be remembered.Last but not least, accountability, though informal it may be, is found within the Rhodesian Establishment itself. This is unprecedented and envelopes all those, civil or military, that pledged allegiance to the “new order” they were asking others to fight only “yesterday”.Minor flaw? Chronological references, absent in many of the narrated episodes.Four stars.

maybe I am biased working with Mike in security after his time over there but I found the book compelling,forces humour throughout the book.A true insight as to what it is like on the front line,dealing not only with the enemy but those in charge who clearly have no clue about combat.

Having lived through those times I found it most enjoyable - bought back some really vivid memories. The 'carrot' at the end has me hoping Mike's not creating false expectations, there better be a follow-up! Can't wait.

This book gives an interesting glimpse into the life of a helicopter pilot daily engaging with the terrorist and civil war aspects of life in Rhodesia in the 70s. Although the stories are exciting they become repetitive - no fault of the author who clearly was required to fly similar life threatening missions every day!

Superb book. Very well written, engaging, entertaining and gripping. Rather deflated to have finished it, better read it again...