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Confirmed Collector Figurine Releases for 2012!
We are delighted to confirm that in partnership with Peter Hicks Associates we will be releasing four collector figurines in 2012. These follow on from our highly successful releases to date and will continue the high, exacting standards we have set.
32 Battalion – ‘The Terrible One’
This long awaited release will depict a 32 Bn soldier on operations equipped with AK47 and signals equipment – the limited edition run comprises 40 pieces and is already fully subscribed. All the pieces have been sold less Figurine No. 1 which will be donated to the 32 Bn Veterans Association for fundraising purposes.
Rhodesian SAS Trooper
Mounted on a wooden base, adorned with the Rhodesian SAS winged dagger and standing 270mm tall, this figure will be produced in consultation with a number of Rhodesian SAS veterans including Pat Viljoen, Peter McAleese and Paul French. Attired in 'external' greens and armed with an RPD weapon, the figure will reflect the fighting prowess and integrity of the Rhodesian SAS Trooper. Just 30 numbered pieces are being released, worldwide, with an accompanying certificate of provenance. To reserve your figurine priced £125.00 + shipping email steve@30degreessouth.co.uk now!
Rhodesian Light Infantry Officer
Attired in Dress Greens, with sword drawn and at ease, this figurine will depict the consummate professionalism of the RLI Officer. The team at Peter Hicks Associates will work closely with veterans to assure the accuracy of the uniform cut, insignia and Sam Browne. Just 30 pieces worldwide. Figurine No. 1 will be donated to the RLI Association for fundraising purposes. To reserve your RLI Officer priced £125.00 + shipping email steve@30degreessouth.co.uk now!
‘No More Parades’ - Rhodesian Light Infantry Trooper
The moving RLI disbandment parade – drill, precision, pride and heads held high...... This artwork features an RLI Trooper in Dress Greens and FN rifle, depicted in the ‘shoulder arms’ position with bayonet fixed. There’s not much more to be said..... It’ll be a classic and highly sought after. Just 30 pieces, standing 270mm tall and cast in bronze resin. No. 1 in the run of just 30 pieces will be donated to the RLI Association for fundraising purposes.
To reserve your RLI Trooper priced £125.00 + shipping email: steve@30degreessouth.co.uk now!
Koeveot! Moves to Print!!
We're delighted to advise that the long awaited rework and updated edition of Jim Hooper's classic work, Koevoet!, is to shortly go to print. In paperback with new material and photographs, this work gives an insight into the intensity of South Africa's deadly border war. Describing the reality of close counter-insurgency warfare as never before, Jim's narrative has caught the eye of the British Army Review who have elected to feature excerpts in coming issues. This unprecedented move allows the current generation of military practitioners to learn of a little known insurgency and the effectiveness of Koevoet in addressing SWAPO.
Koevoet! will be published next March. To reserve your copy email steve@30degreessouth.co.uk now!
Africa@War Series Launch!
Helion & 30 Degrees South UK were delighted to launch the long awaited Africa@War series at a packed London Club of the Rifles. Cassinga veteran and author Mike McWilliams gave an appraisal of the airborne assault with proceedings opened by Graham Thomas, Editor of the British Army Review. Historian Bob Kershaw - author of the newly published 'The Sky Men' - gave a summary critique of the operation and its impacts - this looked at the intricacies of mounting such an airborne assault over great distances and into an unknown battle space.
Mike's presentation was especially well received - the little known assault (yet the biggest airborne operation since the second world war) - saw 44 Parachute Brigade commanded by Colonel Jan Breytenbach tackle a numerically superior enemy with decisive results. The book itself is an excellent read!
We have a small number of copies of 'Cassinga' signed by Mike McWilliams and of 'The Sky Men' signed by Bob Kershaw. To obtain your copies email steve@30degreessouth.co.uk now!
Click here or on the image above to view the Gallery of images from the launch
The War Diaries of André Dennison to be Reworked!
30 Degrees South UK is delighted to announce that it is working with author Richard Wood to publish a revised and updated edition of Richard's classic work 'The War Diairies of André Dennison'. First published in 1989, this exceptional work has been long out of print. As Steve Crump explains; "I've been keen to see this work revisited and was over the moon when Richard agreed to update matters - we're looking at new material, photographs and cartography! There is great demand for this work and so I am pleased that we can put a new edition, produced in partnership with Helion & Company, into the public domain.'
'Since 1989, a great deal more is known and new material is available on the period covered by ‘The War Diaries’ including contact reports written by André Dennison' said Richard. 'So I welcome the opportunity for a revision of a book of mine which has been so well received and sought after'.
The War Diaries of André Dennison - Revised and Updated - Available Autumn 2012 - Published by GG Books UK.
A FASCINATING STUDY! JUST RECEIVED!
The Bagnold Sun-Compass: History and Utilisation
Kuno Gross
The first known use of a sun-compass for motorized vehicles in the Desert of Egypt was during World War I with the Light Car Patrols in 1917.
To navigate during his 1929 expedition into the desert of Egypt, Bagnold used a magnetic aero-compass, which was lent to him by the Royal Geographical Society. It was carefully mounted on one of the expedition's Ford-cars but Bagnold could not manage to compensate it properly due to the influence of magnetism caused by the metal structure of the car. Bagnold found that kind of compass unreliable for the purpose and changed to the use of sun-compasses for his next expedition to the sand-sea in 1930.
Bagnold's invention was different from all other sun-compasses since it could be used whilst the vehicle was driving. However, although it was an easy to handle and very useful instrument, the British army never adopted it but kept using the other models. When Bagnold founded the Long Range Desert Group in 1940, his sun-compass became the standard instrument for this unit. Its navigators soon became the unrivaled masters of desert navigation.
This volume relates the origination of the sun compass and how it works – we love it!!!
Publisher: Herstellung und Verlag (2011) GermanySoftback – 68 pages – Numerous colour & B/W photos
'SWAPO Strike!' Prints Signed!
Former Mirage Pilot Tristan La Grange is the first to sign the release of Justin Zimmerman's new print ‘SWAPO Strike!'
We will have stocks of this incredible art work soon - do keep checking in for more details!
PK Van Der Byl Launch Success!
The London Club of the Rifles played host to another 30 Degrees South UK launch with its PK Van Der Byl launch! Author Hannes Wessels spoke of his work with the PK book and of developments on two new titles; 'Selous Scout: The Authorised Biography of Lt. Colonel Ron Reid-Daly' and 'C Squadron Rhodesia: SAS'. The evening also saw Puma 164 authors in attendance - Neill Jackson and Rick van Malsen. Veteran author and journalist Al Venter also took the opportunity to call in! Said Steve Crump; 'We were delighted to see so many friends and, of course, to be able to welcome the Van Der Byl family - Princess Lottie, Peter and Casimir. Our thanks again to the Rifles Club for an excellent evening'.
Paul Raby’s Excellent work – Zulu: The Truth Behind the Film
WE JUST LOVE THIS – AN ESSENTIAL ACCOMPANIMENT TO CHRISTMAS VIEWING!
Paul Raby is a fan of the Michael Caine classic ‘Zulu’ – so much so he was watched the film zillions of times and written the essential viewers companion!!!
In this book follow the dialogue of the film and read personal notes and quotes from the defenders, together with the historical facts about this famous battle – the defence of Rorkes Drift in 1879.
Priced £7.99 it is great fun and a good readl pile those mealie bags up in the living room now!!
Publisher: York Publishing (2009)
Paperback – 103 pages – B/W photos
Our Price: £7.99 + £2.99 P&P
A New and Revised Work Based on Richard Wood's Classic Original
Rhodesian Combined Forces Roll of Honour 1966-1981
Adrian Haggett & Gerry van Tonder
This new work, based on the original by Richard Wood, honours all who lost their lives in action,or while on active service, with the Rhodesian Security Forces during the period 1966-1981. It represents the single most comprehensive Rhodesian Combined Forces Roll of Honour covering the so-called Bush War. Whilst many people have researched the casualties of the Rhodesian Bush War, it is this endeavour which features the definitive list of all those who perished.
UK Release - January 2012
Hardback with dust jacket
Our Special Price: £39.99 + P&P - Order and Pay by 11 November 2011 for delivery January 2012
To order place your order email steve@30degreessouth.co.uk
Selous Scouts Release Meets Approval!!
Pictured with our newly released Selous Scouts figurine is Major Jimmy Ley formerly of the Rhodesian Corps of Signals and the Selous Scouts. Jimmy worked tirelessly with Lt. Colonel Jerry Strong and the team at Peter Hicks Associates, to ensure the figure was completed to the exacting standards demanded by this exclusive and elite unit. Suffice to say we’re delighted with the results; “We knew the figure would be testimony to the Selous Scouts” said Steve Crump “ and the resultant work is second to none”.
With figure No. 1 being presented to the Selous Scouts Association, the remainder are being dispatched to subscribers around the world. From the UK to South Africa, Zimbabwe and Australia. “Work is now nearing completion on our next figure” said Steve; “the RLI MAG Gunner being released to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Rhodesian Light Infantry. This will be followed in quick succession by our planned 32 Battalion release. A commission which has already sold out! Our figure range goes from strength to strength and interest in new releases seems to grow daily” muses Steve.
'In Conversation' Success at Packed Frontline Club!
A packed Frontline Club was witness to 30 Degree South UK's first 'In Conversation' event. Veteran war correspondent, author and film maker, Al Venter, was 'In Conversation' for over 90 minutes with journalist John Coster. Covering issues such as Al-Qaeda, mercenaries, Executive Outcomes and Afghanistan, the evening was a total success. Many guests taking the opportunity to obtain signed copies of Al’s book ‘At The Barrel of a Gun’.
Our next ‘In Conversation’ event takes place on Wednesday 20th July at the London Club of the Rifles where Leon Bezuidenhout and Sisingi Kamongo will be discussing their new book ‘Shadows in the Sand; A Koevoet Tracker’s Story of an Insurgency War’. To reserve a place an obtain your entry ticket email HERE
A NEW RELEASE FROM UNISA PRESS - To Serve and Protect: The Inkathagate Scandal
Brian Morrow and Laurence Piper
Reveals the sensational details behind the apartheid governments clandestine funding of Buthelezi’s Inkatha Freedom Party and the events that led up to the so-called Inkathagate Scandal. The story is all the more remarkable as it identifies the entire exposé was the work of one man, a white conscript, who served in the South African Polices Security Branch. Brian provides graphic and often disturbing details of how the SAP embarked on a dirty tricks campaign with the aim of harassing anti apartheid activists. He spent his years in the Security Branch gathering files that conclusively proved that the government was funding Inkatha to fuel black-on-black political infighting. The man who may have changed the course of South African History is how the Weekly Mail headline described Brian Morrow in 1995 when he revealed his identity as the Inkathagate whistleblower.
Publisher: UNISA (South Africa) 2011 - Paperback – 200 pages - Our Price £18.99 + £2.99 P&P
Want to order a copy? Email steve@30degreessouth.co.uk
30 Degrees South UK Launches New T-Shirt Range!
This development has been long planned and so it is with great pleasure that we are able to announce the first of our Limited Edition T-Shirt Releases! This sees a Koevoet T-shirt emblazoned with the insignia of the SWAPOL Call-Sign 'Z4S'! In Koevoet yellow upon olive green, this release of just 50 T-shirts comes in three sizes; Medium, Large and X-Large.
Priced at just £19.95 + P&P of £3.99, these cotton T-shirts will be a winner at your summer Braai! We have more Koevoet call sign shirts to follow, so do keep checking in! Visit the new T-Shirt page here
++LIMITED EDITION INCREASED TO 40!!++LIMITED EDITION INCREASED TO 40!!++
++SOLD OUT!! ++RESERVATIONS CLOSED ++SOLD OUT!!++
Our 32 Battalion limited edition figure has been significantly oversubscribed - such that we have chosen to increase the number worldwide limited edition to just 40 pieces..... This is an especially unique figure commemorating an incredible fighting force. Adorned in 32 Battalion cam clothing, belt order, chest webbing and armed with an R4 weapon, this piece will feature a junior NCO in 'kinetic' pose issuing commands on his service radio set. It's a must have for your study or office.
To reserve your figure, priced GB£125.00 + P&P, email steve@30degreessouth.co.uk now! When they've gone, they've gone.
++SOLD OUT!! ++RESERVATIONS CLOSED ++SOLD OUT!!++
32 Battalion Author Pieter Nortje to Release New Work!!
30 Degrees South UK was delighted to host author Pieter Nortje in London this week. In a packed visit to the capital, Pieter was able to brief 30 Degrees South on his developing writing. As Steve Crump explains; "It was a real pleasure to meet the legend behind the classic book '32 Battalion' and I was particularly interested to learn of Pieter's follow up work; a new indepth study of the Battalion and its achievements. In ever more detail, with access to previously secret material and never released interviews, this is sure to be of great interest to students of the Border War".
But what is more, Pieter also took the opportunity to learn of 30 Degrees South's planned 32 Battalion figure release and to advise on how the figure should look. Steve again; "The interest in our 'Terrible One' figure is considerable and we need to get it right. Together Pieter and I looked at the proposed pose, uniform fit, equipment and weapon order. I am confident now we have the best brief possible for our friends at Peter Hicks Associates! It get's no better when it comes from the RSM!"
++JUST ARRIVED++JUST ARRIVED++
South African Colours & Markings Vol. 1 No. 7
The invaluable reference for military and aviation modellers; SAAF C-130 Hercules, 6 SA Armoured Division (Pt 2).
Sean Sutton’s ‘Journey’ arrives!
Publisher: Dewi Lewis (2007)
Hardback – 143 pages, extensively illustrated throughout
Our Price: £19.95 +p&p
For all non-UK orders contact us here
Steve Crump writes; “For a number of years I worked at the Manchester based Mines Advisory Group (MAG). Here I was privileged to work in South East Asia, Angola and Namibia working on the design of mine action programmes, their funding and implementation. Part of my time was spent working with the Communications Team – led by the unique Tim Carstairs - which comprised the irrepressible Kath Simonds and award winning photographer Sean Sutton.
Modest, almost shy, Sean Sutton has documented the experience of conflict affected communities across the globe. His images from Afghanistan and Bosnia adorn my study wall. A photographer extraordinaire, Sean has held many exhibitions (Including one at the Richard Goodall Gallery that I was delighted to be part of!) and his work has been featured at the Imperial War Museum.
Angola: Journey Through Change is Sean’s first book. Introduced by Heather Mills, it also features commentary from the renowned photojournalist Tim Page and Lou McGrath, Director of MAG. We rarely give consideration to the post-conflict experience; landmines and unexploded ordnance and their impacts upon the innocent and unsuspecting. This book changes that – it will give readers a chance to re-assess the likes of ’19 With a Bullet’ and ‘Borderline Insanity’. To see another aspect of the complex equation that is conflict. Indeed, as I once said to Dick Lord, “That ordnance you dropped..... MAG cleared some of it up!”
Read this book and reflect; then go to www.maginternational.org to make your donation so that MAG can continue its vital work in Angola”.
STOP PRESS – AEGEAN PIRATES SWOOP IN!
The Aegean Pirates – The History of 15 Squadron SAAF in WW2
Dr Stefaan Bouwer & Dr Gerald Thompson
This is a detailed account of and tracks the history, movements, the pilots, crews and the aircraft of 15 Squadron SAAF. From their inception, to their service in East Africa now Ethiopia to North Africa, to the Aegean Islands where they received their nick name The Aegean Pirates and on to Northern Italy and then the close of WWII.
The nickname comes about as part of their missions of picking off the wooden single masted ships which plied the coastal inlets of the island chain. From their initial seconded SAA Junkers Ju86s through various types of second hand aircraft, which by all accounts for in their allotted missions.
The first of which was the spotting of the SS Watusi a German coaster heading east south of Cape Town.The book is packed with information, painstakingly gleaned from the SAAF archives and records office, as well as surviving members, their friends and families.
Not just a history but also a reference work, with colour scheme notes, profiles, individual aircraft details and histories. Packed with original photos and colour profiles by Piet van Schalkwyk.
It is a labour of love by both authors and a fascinating book for anyone interested in SAAF squadron history.
Just 500 copies printed, so get your copy now!!
Publisher: SAAF Assn (Durban Branch) 2009
Hardback – 250 pages, extensively illustrated throughout.
Our Price: £35.00 More here
Camouflage and Markings of the 6th South African Armoured Division – North Africa and Italy 1943-1945
Part 1: Armoured Vehicles
William Marshall
Publisher: Model Centrum Progres (Poland) 2010
Softback - 64 pages, 109 b&w photos
Our Price: £21.99 +p&p
This excellent book presents a guide to South African AFV markings and colour schemes whilst also giving an overview of the vehicle types which were on strength within the 6th South African Armoured Division. It is a first class effort with some excellent photographs; some of which are just crying out to be replicated as 1/35th dioramas!
Vehicles featured include Crusader, Grant, Sherman, Priest, M10, Sexton, Stuart Recce, Universal Carrier, Half-track, Scout/Armoured Cars. The book includes 2 tables of Arm of Service markings and 16 full-colour plates of artwork.
Greys Scouts March off into History
A unique and moving event saw the Greys Scouts march off into history at their final parade; dismissed by Lt. Colonel Chris Pearce, the assembled Scouts turned to the right, observed the regulation pause of 3 marching paces and then marched off the Houghton Regis Green............
‘So – on the ocean of life – we pass – and speak one another’
Bravo Zulu Greys Scouts – Bravo Zulu
The Second in our Series of Figurine Releases for 2011 – The 32 Battalion ‘Terrible One’
With the express and gracious permission of Colonel Jan Breytenbach, this release will see a limited edition, worldwide, of just 30 numbered pieces.
32 Battalion needs little introduction; an elite counter-insurgency force that was forged in secrecy. It fought with immense daring and became recognised as one of the most formidable units of the South African Defence Force.
Our commemorative figure will be prepared in great detail with veterans of the Battalion, working in close partnership with 30 Degrees South UK and the team at Peter Hicks Associates. A percentage of each figure sold will be donated to the SOS Pomfret Appeal.
To reserve your figure and to receive progress updates, as the commission moves to fruition;
email steve@30degreessouth.co.uk
What have Humbrol’s and Tamiya’s Dark Earth have in Common?
They’re the base colours for painting the SADF’s Nutria cam! Hooked on SADF and SANDF military / aviation modelling? Then these books are for you! Piet Van Schalkwyk, William Marshall and Stefaan Bouwer are the brains behind this must have series – ‘South African Colours and Markings’!
Produced by modellers for military and aviation modellers, wargamers and enthusiasts alike, these books are second to none! Looking to get that Aerografix G6 cam right? Then issue 4 is for you! Struggling to crack the Airfix Mirage in SAAF colours – then get hold of issue 3 now! The Tamiya 1/48th Spitfire in SAAF markings – issue 6 is the answer.
We’re delighted to be stocking this incisive range and look forward to a long and fruitful partnership with ‘South African Colours & Markings’.
Kuno Cross’s incredible new work;
‘Incident at Jebel Sherif: In Search of the First Clash of the Special Forces 1941/2009’.
This stunning study of battlefield archaeology is on its way. As soon as it arrives we’ll let you know!
Pathfinder company launch success
Our ‘Pathfinder Company’ event success saw more than 80 people gather in the heart of Mayfair at the London Club of the Rifles. This eclectic assembly saw author Graham Gilmour joined by fellow authors Paul Moorcroft, Al Venter and Peter McAleese, along with Pathfinder veterans from around the globe. Serving British Army Pathfinders from 16 Air Assault also attended as did Cameron Kinnear and the SADF History Group. The display of SADF border war weapons and equipment, alongside the equipments used by current British Army Pathfinders, was especially well received.
Steve Crump, Captain Dennis Tranham, RIFLES, and author Graham Gilmour celebrate Pathfinder event success
Steve Crump; “This was an incredible event – to see so many Pathfinder veterans from around the world was a real privilege. Graham Gilmour’s book is an excellent work and we were delighted to be able to launch it into the public domain to such a discerning audience!” And as 30 Degrees South UK Director Bill Welsh commented; “It’s been a real privilege to work with Graham. His book details the formation of 44 Parachute Brigade and its Pathfinder Company in an accessible, engaging, way. We can’t recommend it enough!”. Click here to view the gallery
Sold out!
The Pathfinder
We’re delighted to release our commemorative Pathfinder figure, produced in partnership with Peter Hicks Associates. Standing 250mm tall and cast in bronze resin,
‘The Pathfinder’ reflects the airborne prowess and war fighting capability of the South African Pathfinder soldier! There are just 6 pieces left in this limited edition of 30 numbered figures; all of which are accompanied by a limited edition certificate, signed by Colonel Jan Breytenbach - former Commander of 32 Battalion, and ‘Pathfinder Company’, author Graham Gillmore.
To reserve one of the remaining figures, priced just £125.00 + shipping, email steve@30degreessouth.co.uk now. The figures will be released on the 16th September at the ‘Pathfinder Company’ event, with figure Number 1 being auctioned (through sealed bids) in favour of the 3 PARA Afghanistan Trust charity.
UPDATE - 27/Oct/2010 - SOLD OUT
More information here
The Long Range Desert Group Rolls In!
Jonathan Pittaway’s excellent work ‘Long Range Desert Group Rhodesia: The Men Speak’ is now in stock. It’s an incredible book and it tells an even more incredible story of the Rhodesian members of the LRDG. It follows the development of the LRDG through the north African desert, into the Aegan, Palestine and the Adriatic. A boys own adventure if ever there was one!
Jonathan is currently working on a new work ‘Selous Scouts Rhodesia’. We will, of course, be stocking copies of this book once it has been published.
New for 2011 – ‘Troepie’ –
A photo journal of conscript life in the South African Defence Force
This amazing pictorial is a compilation of more than 2000 images obtained by Cameron Blake while working on his first book - an oral history of pre-1994 South African Defence Force. It was illegal for conscripts to take photos so what we’ve got is hastily-taken amateur snapshots. Even so, many are remarkably clear, serving to illustrate a period when over 600,000 white South African males, between 1951 and 1993, were drafted to the South African Defence Force for service in the ‘Operational Area’.
This is a collection you’ve got to have – a must for military modellers. We’re expecting its release next May and it looks as if it’s going to be a winner! Keep checking in for news of this and other planned releases!
John Liebenberg and Patricia Hayes
War can hide many things but not everything, and a camera can see more than is supposed. The remarkable photographs in this book, taken from 1986 to 1990, show the ‘Border War' where the chief antagonists were the South African Defence Force and SWAPO, the South West Africa People's Organisation.
John Liebenberg's camera entered many places where cameras were not allowed, and his photographs show much of what has remained hidden ever since. They show battles fought and life lived on both sides, regardless of the conflict. Then they take us into the tumultuous transition period when international forces entered the theatre of conflict, and finally to the aftermath in Namibia, when a fledgling nation was testing its wings and living with its ghosts. The photographic narrative is strongly augmented by the contextualising essay by historian Patricia Hayes, by transcripts of conversations between herself and Liebenberg as they worked through his archive, and by Liebenberg's own extended comments about most of the images. The book is material for historians and a valuable resource for photographers. But mostly it is a space of recall for those who were there, and a reminder for those who were not.
