Sunray – Maj Don Price BCR
R520,00
REVIEW – SUNRAY
I met Major Don Price twice during the Rhodesian and South African border war. The first time our paths crossed was at Beit Bridge where he was in command of the military operation. I was dispatched from Salisbury to receive some equipment destined for our Reconnaissance Commando operation based at Chiredzi.
The Recces was attached to the SAS and designated as “D” Squadron Rhodesian SAS. I had to liaise with the Special Branch at Beit Bridge in the person of Ed Bird. I spent a few days waiting for my cargo to arrive from Pretoria and Ed took me to the Fire force base where I met Major Don Price the officer commanding the operation. I was impressed by what I saw. There was order, discipline, motivation and a sense of purpose amongst all in the camp. Major Price clearly knew what he was doing and so did the men under him. The people in town respected and liked him and we had an enjoyable time out in the town after hours.
The second time our paths crossed was when I arrived at his hunting camp along the Kafue river in Zambia. I was on a clandestine reconnaissance mission to recce the ANC headquarters in Lusaka. My cover story and my dealings in Lusaka, unknowingly, led me to Don’s camp. It was an awkward situation. I recognised him but was not sure whether he recognised me. I tried to pretend that we had no military connections in common and made every effort to convince him that my cover story was genuine. But Don, being the soldier that he was, could see well into the character of another soldier. He suspected otherwise. Anyway, I came out of Zambia alive. Thanks Don.
Many years later during my wildlife career, I saw the potential of using aerial envelopment operations to counter rhino poachers. A mini fire force. I planned a workshop to discuss the concept and many wildlife managers from all over the country attended. Our guest of honour was none other than Prince Harry. I contacted Don and he delivered an excellent presentation of the fire force concept. Sadly, nothing came of the idea. At least Harry was impressed.
I really enjoyed the book SUNRAY. There were a lot of familiar faces in the photo lineup and many familiar places mentioned and I could relate to much of it. I felt part of the war throughout the book.
The short stories kept the book interesting and alive. Don is a master storyteller.
I was also proud to note all the Afrikaans surnames of the men serving under him. Descendants of the Boer trekkers that went further north. Their fighting spirit added to the other cultures under Don’s command.
SUNRAY tells the story of highly motivated soldiers who did as much as they could with the little resources they had, inspired by their commanding officer, Major Don Price who led from the front.
The Rhodesian army has been branded by military scholars as the best counter insurgency army in the world. I support that statement.
Don’s book clearly illustrates this. The Rhodesians knew the terrain. They knew their enemy very well. Don’s knowledge of the capabilities of his men concluded Sun Tzu’s requirements to achieve total victory in war.
The Rhodesians excelled in finding, fixing and finishing their enemies. Don Price was a master.
MAJ (Rtd) JACK GREEFF
HCS; PMM; MMM; DWD
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REVIEW – SUNRAY
I met Major Don Price twice during the Rhodesian and South African border war. The first time our paths crossed was at Beit Bridge where he was in command of the military operation. I was dispatched from Salisbury to receive some equipment destined for our Reconnaissance Commando operation based at Chiredzi.
The Recces was attached to the SAS and designated as “D” Squadron Rhodesian SAS. I had to liaise with the Special Branch at Beit Bridge in the person of Ed Bird. I spent a few days waiting for my cargo to arrive from Pretoria and Ed took me to the Fire force base where I met Major Don Price the officer commanding the operation. I was impressed by what I saw. There was order, discipline, motivation and a sense of purpose amongst all in the camp. Major Price clearly knew what he was doing and so did the men under him. The people in town respected and liked him and we had an enjoyable time out in the town after hours.
The second time our paths crossed was when I arrived at his hunting camp along the Kafue river in Zambia. I was on a clandestine reconnaissance mission to recce the ANC headquarters in Lusaka. My cover story and my dealings in Lusaka, unknowingly, led me to Don’s camp. It was an awkward situation. I recognised him but was not sure whether he recognised me. I tried to pretend that we had no military connections in common and made every effort to convince him that my cover story was genuine. But Don, being the soldier that he was, could see well into the character of another soldier. He suspected otherwise. Anyway, I came out of Zambia alive. Thanks Don.
Many years later during my wildlife career, I saw the potential of using aerial envelopment operations to counter rhino poachers. A mini fire force. I planned a workshop to discuss the concept and many wildlife managers from all over the country attended. Our guest of honour was none other than Prince Harry. I contacted Don and he delivered an excellent presentation of the fire force concept. Sadly, nothing came of the idea. At least Harry was impressed.
I really enjoyed the book SUNRAY. There were a lot of familiar faces in the photo lineup and many familiar places mentioned and I could relate to much of it. I felt part of the war throughout the book.
The short stories kept the book interesting and alive. Don is a master storyteller.
I was also proud to note all the Afrikaans surnames of the men serving under him. Descendants of the Boer trekkers that went further north. Their fighting spirit added to the other cultures under Don’s command.
SUNRAY tells the story of highly motivated soldiers who did as much as they could with the little resources they had, inspired by their commanding officer, Major Don Price who led from the front.
The Rhodesian army has been branded by military scholars as the best counter insurgency army in the world. I support that statement.
Don’s book clearly illustrates this. The Rhodesians knew the terrain. They knew their enemy very well. Don’s knowledge of the capabilities of his men concluded Sun Tzu’s requirements to achieve total victory in war.
The Rhodesians excelled in finding, fixing and finishing their enemies. Don Price was a master.
MAJ (Rtd) JACK GREEFF
HCS; PMM; MMM; DWD
