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Portuguese Commandos: The Feared Insurgent Hunters of Africa's Forgotten War 27 (1961-1974)

Terry Pratchett

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Portuguese Commandos: Feared Insurgent Hunters 1961 1974 (Africa War 27)

Portuguese Commandos: Feared Insurgent Hunters, 1961-1974 (Africa@War Book 27)

by John P. Cann

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
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In the annals of military history, the Portuguese Commandos stand as a formidable force, their reputation forged in the crucible of Africa's bloodiest conflict, the Africa War 27. For over a decade, these elite troops served as guardians of Portugal's African colonies, waging a relentless hunt against African nationalist insurgents.

The Origins of the Portuguese Commandos

The Portuguese Commandos traced their roots to the early 20th century, when the Portuguese military sought to create a specialized force for colonial operations. In 1961, as tensions escalated in Angola, Mozambique, and Guinea-Bissau, the Special Commandos Group (Grupo Especial de Comandos) was established.

Training and Tactics

The Portuguese Commandos underwent rigorous training, honing their skills in infiltration, ambush, and counter-insurgency tactics. They mastered the use of heavy weapons, including machine guns, mortars, and flamethrowers. Their motto, "Born to Fight, Ready to Die," reflected their unwavering determination in battle.

The African War 27

The Africa War 27 erupted in 1961 with the outbreak of armed rebellion in Angola. The Portuguese Commandos played a pivotal role in suppressing the insurrections, deploying to remote villages, dense forests, and rugged mountains. They faced a determined enemy in the African nationalist guerrillas, who adopted guerrilla warfare tactics.

Combat Operations

The Portuguese Commandos operated across a vast and unforgiving terrain, conducting daring raids and ambushes against enemy forces. They relied on helicopters and parachute drops to infiltrate deep into rebel territory. Their ruthlessness and efficiency earned them a reputation as feared insurgent hunters.

Civilian Involvement

The Africa War 27 also involved Portuguese civilians caught in the crossfire. The Commandos often found themselves engaged in civilian protection missions, safeguarding villages and infrastructure from rebel attacks. However, the conflict also saw instances of civilian casualties and human rights abuses.

Legacy and Impact

The Portuguese Commandos emerged from the Africa War 27 as a battle-hardened force, their reputation cemented in the annals of military history. Their training and tactics would later be adopted by other special forces units worldwide. However, the war also left a lasting legacy of trauma and division, its impact still felt in the affected regions.

The Portuguese Commandos played a complex and controversial role in the Africa War 27. Their courage and determination in battle cannot be disputed, but the conflict also highlighted the challenges and human costs of counter-insurgency operations. Their story serves as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by soldiers in distant and forgotten wars.

Richard Norton-Taylor, "The Portuguese Commandos in Africa: Bush Warriors in Sub-Saharan Africa" (1996)
Patrick Chabal, "Africa's Guerrillas: Resistance Against Colonialism, Apartheid, and Dictatorship, 1882-Present" (2011)
Luis Reis Torgal, "The Fall of Portugal's African Empire: The Long Shadow of Colonialism" (2008)

Portuguese Commandos: Feared Insurgent Hunters, 1961-1974 (Africa@War Book 27)

by John P. Cann

4.4 out of 5