My book, Battle for Hurungwe, is ten years in the making. Although I had the benefit of my diaries, I decided to carry out extensive worldwide research in order to gain an understanding of the political and military issues of the day that shaped the Rhodesian Civil War and influenced the battle for Hurungwe.
My research opened fascinating doors to British and Rhodesian top secret and secret documents, personal diaries and interviews that present an intriguing picture of events not previously released or understood. On 5 May 2015, I met Dr Joshua Chakawa, Head of the Department of History, Midlands State University, Gweru, Zimbabwe. He had already completed the thesis for his doctorate which included a study of my operations in the Hurungwe Tribal Trust lands. Joshua’s thesis confirmed many details and events logged in my diaries. He assisted me with research and substantiated the events logged in my diaries by personal "on the ground" investigations and interviews. This has enabled us to reveal accurate oral evidence from the people of the Hurungwe, former ZIPRA supporters and insurgents, as well members of the Security Forces and Intelligence agencies who were actively involved in the war.
Mao Zedong stated: “If you want to know the theory and methods of revolution, you must take part in revolution. All genuine knowledge originates in direct experience.” ("On Practice" [July 1937], Selected Works, Vol. I, pp. 299-300.) Through Battle For Hurungwe and this website, I present to you my experiences and conclusions gained from my direct involvement in revolution, counter-revolution and mass mobilisation warfare.
The Author
