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Welcome to Clash of Steel!


Featured battle : Kambula

Part of British Victorian Colonial 'Small Wars'

Date : 29 March 1879

Following the action at Hlobane, the Zulu force attacked the main Colonial force at Kambula. Wood defended well, and the Zulus were held off by weight of volley fire. Once the attack had been broken, Lieut-Col Redvers Buller counter-attacked with the British Horse.

Featured image :

Supermarine Spitfire Mk 1a (Replica)

Supermarine Spitfire Mk 1a (Replica)

One of the finest combat aircraft in service during the second world war, the Spitfire entered service in June 1938. This replica is painted in the colours of 'R6690' of No. 609 (West Riding) Squadron and serves as a monument to that squadron. The original flown by Pilot Officer Daunt was shot down on 15th Sept 1940 and he was killed.

Gallery updated : 2022-04-04 08:33:43

Featured review :

The Cyprus Emergency

Nick van der Bijl
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book covering, as it does, both the political and the military aspects of the Cyprus ‘troubles’ from 1955 to 1974. The narrative flows from event to event with little comment or opinion allowing the reader to understand the series of cause-and-effect which brought the island to its present state. There are three good maps and a set of photographs which well illustrate the text.
I should here declare a deep personal interest as I served in Cyprus during the Emergency, 1958-61, and for a while was part of the security team at Government house. It is a slightly odd experience to look at a photograph in a ‘history’ book and to know that one was there standing in the next room. Also, to read about incidents in which one was involved including the death of a close comrade. The author perfectly captures the changes felt by the ‘boots on the ground’ when Hugh Foot became Governor and Major-General Kendrew was replaced by Major-General Darling as Director of Operations. Although I found that the book was a little uncomfortable in parts to read about intelligence and security failings, all accurately conveyed by the author, which we should have known at the time.
According to my experience the book ‘rings true’ and I thoroughly recommend it to anyone interested in the history of our time and especially all those young National Servicemen who got their knees brown during the Cyprus Emergency.

Pen and Sword Military, 2018

Reviewed : 2018-10-12 12:54:47