Shadows of a Forgotten Past: To the Edge with the Rhodesian SAS and Selous Scouts

It is a good story about a man who has been in all the hot spots of the world starting in Africa in the 1960's. The historical contexts in which he lived his professional life give you the insider look at these histories. The only problem with the book is that some of the stories are recounted in a sterile manner consistent with a professional soldiers recollections. This adds to the authenticity but can make for some dry reading.

Excellent overview by a rare individual who successfully completed 3 SF Selection Courses:UK SASRhodie SASSelous ScoutsIt's an excellent glimpse of an underreported conflict as well as little known special forces organizations.And it also offers a brief slice of Mozambique's RENAMO created and nurtured to counter FRELIMO once they gained control of bordering Mozambique to take the pressure off of Rhodesia and South Africa.Highly recommended

An interesting recount of his life in various military units with comparisons of their selection courses and leadership. Some actions are successful, others not.

The tale of a true soldier and his journey thru numerous battles across the South African nations of Rhodesia and SA. Few men alive can speak of the level of commitment and sacrifice required to serve with the elite units that Mr. French volunteered for. Never slow, his chronicle is a quick but satisfying read and I recommend it for those interested into insight the mind of a special operations soldier

An easy read even for a non-Soldier ! Discipline and Regimented Life is seldom described by the normal author's of military stories.This book gives an honest Soldier's side of the story. Enjoy this book for the author has given you, the reader his Best Shot in combatexperiences.

Paul French's Book is a great look at a Special Forces NCO during the Rhodesian Bush War. He not only tells of the exploits of the Selous Scouts and C Squadron SAS , He also tells of things not going right. With a base started by Soldering in 21 SAS he compares the Selections he went through in the Various Elite Units he served with. That was something I was always curious about. There is a fair amount of Humor as well. Several Former Soldiers in the Scouts and SAS told me Paul was a great guy and his book reflects on time that a lot of folks don't remember of a small colonial war. There are loads of Pictures in his book and If you are interestead in reading about the Rhodesian Army then I put this Book up there with Chris Cock's Fireforce.

Good book and bring back memories of my time in 'C' Squadron

If war in the colonies is something you have an interest in then this is a good read. Mr French destroys the stereotypes about what it takes to be a real soldier! They are a special breed and Mr French is right up there. Anyone who has been though selection in Brit SAS , Rhodesian SAS and the Salou Scouts is a machine in my book. If you can put yourself in situe when he tell the story's you will be griped.

A book of anecdotes, it gave little in understanding what should have been a fascinating insight (aside from X1 key Op into ZAMBIA) into SF and Pseudo Ops during the Rhodesian Bush War.

The true story of an English man who went from 21 SAS (Artist Rifles) to C Squadron. The author served in both of the elite units of the Rhodesian Army and the bush war. This is a thumping good read. The author has written a concise and fascinating book. You'll love it!!

Great expriences shared - a true 'boys own' tale. Obviously a soldier writing his memoirs, not a professional author, but all the more gritty and realistic for that.

A1 product and service

Having also read Dennis Croukamp,s account The Bush War in Rhodesia it was interesting to read Paul,s book also and see his story of his time in the military. Although one may say it is history but one that I the reader remember only hearing snippets about it is with thanks that this author decided to recount his time in different places such as Iraq. Another enjoyable read and a book of this period to my collection. Thank you Paul.