For his "gallantry and leadership" in this action, Al Tourle was awarded the Bronze Cross of Rhodesia on 23 October 1970. [56] As other reviewers have said the writing could be better. For me it was how the narrative flowed more than anything. There were times where I could not put the book down and others where I kind of forced my way through. However with all of the action it never seemed to drag badly. It was interesting how the author really tried to get other perspectives and include them in the book:

For the history of the Rhodesian Light Infantry between 1972 and 1977, see History of the Rhodesian Light Infantry (1972–1977). For its history thereafter, see History of the Rhodesian Light Infantry (1977–1980). Through love of combat and his country however, our troublemaker gradually matures into a humble and responsible leader, a great soldier who did his utmost to hold the line and defend his country, even while vaguely realizing the futility of it all.Dennis Croucamp was a combat veteran, author and adventurer who died at 2.30am on Saturday January 9. I could forgive all of that if the story was compelling or it had great detail about the combat operations. That is not the case, in fact all of Crouks' stories are written like I said above, like a drunk in a bar telling the story, short on detail, but you sure know Crouks was part of the action and loved it! He can't tell us enough how he loved it!

A modern re-enactor simulates a Rhodesian Light Infantry trooper from the mid-1970s. RLI soldiers favoured practicality while on operations and typically wore a lightweight T-shirt and shorts. From 1977 the wearing of regulation camouflage, including long-sleeved shirts and trousers, was strictly enforced because of the easy visibility of exposed white skin. [1] Croucamp lived a very interesting life, and adventure seemed to be a main driving force. Born in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) he served with the Rhodesian Light Infantry and Selous Scouts and was awarded the Bronze Cross of Rhodesia on October 23 1970 while serving with 3 Commando RLI. Wood, J. R. T. (June 2005). So far and no further! Rhodesia's bid for independence during the retreat from empire 1959–1965. Victoria, British Columbia: Trafford Publishing. ISBN 978-1-4120-4952-8.

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The troop numbering only 12 men, was pinned down on exposed ground on the side of a hill feature which the terrorists had used to establish a strong defensive position. Despite the heavy automatic fire at close range, Croukamp twice crawled forward toward the terrorists’ base and engaged them with grenades,” Hynds continued. Croukamp being an amateur photographer showed a captured diary from one of the terrorist camps. He includes a translation in writing which I found fascinating. The commander of the Selous Scouts is given a chance to respond to Croukamp's claims many times throughout the book. While this is a credit to the author in terms of honesty, it kind of got old and I found myself skipping them. Today this is commemorated by ZANU–PF as the " Battle of Sinoia" and is the official start of what it calls the "Second Chimurenga". Chimurenga is a Shona word meaning "revolutionary struggle". [32] Full Book Name: The Bush War in Rhodesia: The Extraordinary Combat Memoir of a Rhodesian Reconnaissance Specialist

Croucamp was a long-time sufferer of leukaemia and kidney disease, with his death was attributed to Covid-19. Croucamp related his exploits in the Rhodesian War in his book entitled, Only My Friends Call Me “Crouks” / The Bush War In Rhodesia. Sellström, Tor (March 1999). Sweden and National Liberation in Southern Africa. Volume I: Formation of a Popular Opinion 1950–1970. Uppsala: Nordic Africa Institute. ISBN 978-91-7106-430-1. The train derailment that ultimately lead to many terrorists killed but unfortunately many of the civilian populace too. Perhaps that is the most startling element in the book for me: for all of the author's insight and reflection there is no sense of remorse for those that he killed or injured. Maybe this is the answer to my #1 question above in that he and his fellow soldiers were fighting for a homeland - their homeland. In the later stages of the book (and the war) Croukamp comments on how the members of the RLI seemed more ruthless than when he started in the mid sixties. Obviously the average soldier felt threatened and desperate as things dragged on and on.Pearce and Croukamp were both awarded the Bronze Cross of Rhodesia on 23 October 1970 for their parts in this action. [48] I was fascinated by what felt like his absolute addiction to war and adrenaline fixes (freefall parachuting when not fighting) and the venting of lots of spleen over events that it took him twenty+ years to get to print, and a seemingly astonishing level of recall. As he remarks at the end this was a corporal's war and the whole thing is viewed from this perspective, including inevitably lots of resentment about officers.

The Bush War" is too broad a title: this is no general documentary, but one mans memoirs of his experiences in the Rhodesian forces. Not to be confused with the Selous Scouts special forces regiment, which was founded in 1973 and headed by Major Ron Reid-Daly. [5] This book had me hooked throughout. It is a wonderfully personal account of a highly individualistic soldier's bush war and takes place over 14 years. Vastly better than a shoot-em-up for armchair warriors Kroukamp tells the reader what he is feeling throughout - which is not always comfortable reading. In his career as a soldier, Dennis at first served in an infantry unit, but later served as member of the elite Selous Scouts under the command of Lieutanant-Colonel Ron Reid-Daly. During the late 1960's the Rhodesian bush war started and ZANU and ZAPU guerillas infiltrated into the country. As a member of the armed forces, Dennis was often involved in skirmishes with the guerrillas. In 1970, not only did he become the most junior rank officer to be awarded the Rhodesian Bronze Cross, but also the first recipient for gallantry and determination in action after a fierce battle.This is without doubt the most honest and gripping war memoire that I have ever read. I really hope that in writing it he has exorcised some of his demons.