Fire Force: A Trooper’s War In The Rhodesian Light Infantry

(000228.79-E000157.73NRLOSUC20V)   

“a remarkable account that bears comparison with other classics on war … a tour de force” (Dr. Paul L. Moorcraft). Fire Force is the account of Chris Cocks’s service in 3 Commando, The Rhodesian Light Infantry (RLI), during Zimbabwe’s civil war of the 1970s—a war that came to be known, almost innocuously, as ‘the bush war’. Fire Force, a tactic of total airborne/airmobile envelopment, was developed by the RLI, and became the principal strike weapon of the beleaguered Rhodesian forces in their struggle against the tide of the communist-trained and -equipped ZANLA and ZIPRA guerrillas.

[This is the best book I’ve read about Rhodesia which describes the life of a young soldier who is in the Fire force. These guys were called into battle several times a day and the fighting was hectic. This book is very well written and you never get bored. You get to feel the tension and the hectic nature of what these young White guys went through. Jan]

Price for Paperback: $30.00

Some Customer Reviews:

5.0 out of 5 stars A moving and engaging look at an oft studied conflict
Reviewed in the United States on September 11, 2024
I don’t want to be cheesy, but of the many military memoirs (from all over) that I’ve read, this one was one of the most engaging. There were times when I was giggling, times when I was morose, but never times where I was bored. Chris describes the war from his perspective and does a great job of explaining it to folks who’ve never been to Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) and wouldn’t understand the politics. It will take you through his view of the last three years of the war (more or less) and explain the good, the bad and the ugly.

5.0 out of 5 stars Powerful
Reviewed in the United States on August 8, 2024
Chris Cocks in writing a book about his adventures in the RLI may have end up describing every infantry man in modern history. Was it worth it? In his case I believe so. History is always written by the victor. Unfortunately the sacrifice of ordinary men get lost in it translation. For what it’s worth I still refer to Rhodesia as Rhodesia, unusual for a ‘Yank’. I can only hope those remaining Rhodesians find a little comfort in this review.

4.0 out of 5 stars Story well told
Reviewed in the United States on September 29, 2021
Yours is a true story Chris. Is any effort a waste? There is an outcome and that is your life and those of many others. Perhaps in the days that are ours this story is of no interest to many but to some It holds their attention and resonates with their lives past present and future. Thank you for what you did, for your passion, your commitment, your courage and that part of your life.

5.0 out of 5 stars another hidden gem
Reviewed in the United States on September 29, 2022
An interesting and well written take on a subject that is not thoroughly covered. Looking through the view point of a common commando as he ages through his contract during a conflict that is not truely know except through articles in soldier of fortune and through literature. 10 out of ten would read again.

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book
Reviewed in the United States on May 1, 2023
As a former soldier I enjoy reading the memoirs of those who came before me. Their thoughts on the conflict, their experiences and the take away. Great book, well written.

5.0 out of 5 stars The forgotten failure of the west
Reviewed in the United States on April 4, 2023
Real and gritty. Balanced in his portrayal of friend and foe. We lost something for the entire world by not finding a better solution for the Rhodesia issue of the 1970s.