1 / 2Koevoet: Experiencing South Africa's Deadly Bush War
Koevoet: Experiencing South Africa's Deadly Bush War is Jim Hooper's account of the South West African Police counterinsurgency unit during the bush war. The listing describes an expanded edition combining the author's embedded experience with recollections and diaries from men who served with the unit, with coverage of operations, combat, tactics, and daily conditions.
At a glance
- Expanded edition draws on the author's firsthand time embedded with the unit and later recollections and diaries from participants.
- The account covers counterinsurgency operations, patrols, combat, tactics, and the people involved.
- The listing places the narrative in the South African bush war and describes Koevoet's cross-border pursuit of insurgents into Angola.
Reference price: $49.95
Price checked: Nov 14, 2026
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Pros and cons
Pros
- Combines firsthand reporting with later participant recollections and diaries, giving the account multiple personal perspectives.
- Offers detailed coverage of the unit's operations and tactics rather than only a broad campaign overview.
Cons
- Its focus is specifically on Koevoet and its campaign, so readers seeking a general history of the entire conflict may need broader coverage.
Technical specifications
8 specifications| Publisher | Helion and Company/GG Books |
|---|---|
| Publication date | February 15, 2013 |
| Language | English |
| Print length | 312 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 0957058705 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-0957058705 |
| Weight listed | 1.26 pounds |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 6.25 x 1 x 9.25 inches |
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- Readers interested in Koevoet, South African military history, and the bush war.
- Readers who prefer military history built around firsthand experiences and accounts from participants.
Less suited to
- Readers seeking a broad, comprehensive survey of all sides and events in the conflict.
Customer reviews on Amazon
- 5 stars
73% 73% - 4 stars
22% 22% - 3 stars
4% 4% - 2 stars
1% 1% - 1 star
0% 0%
Customer feedback describes the book as engaging and well written, and appreciates its detailed treatment of tactics, missions, and counterinsurgency operations. For readers interested in this narrowly focused campaign, that reported depth and immersive narrative may matter more than a broad conflict overview. Aggregate ratings are favorable overall, but they do not establish that every reader will share these impressions.
Positive themes
- Readers report strong readability and writing style.
- Feedback praises the informative detail, perceived accuracy, and realism of the account.
Frequently asked questions
What does this book cover?
The listing describes Koevoet's counterinsurgency operations during South Africa's bush war, including patrols, combat, tactics, and participants' experiences.
Is the account based on firsthand experience?
The listing says author Jim Hooper spent five months embedded with the unit and that this edition also draws on recollections and diaries of people he rode with.
How long is the book?
The listing gives a print length of 312 pages.
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