SOLDIERS OF FORTUNE
A to Z
By TERRY ASPINALL
1990
ACKER GARY MARTIN Born 1955 in Sacramento California USA. A Corporal in the US Marine Corp and a Vietnam Veteran. He fought in Angola in 1976 for the FNLA but was captured on 14.02.76 and was imprisoned for 16 years in San Paolo prison Luanda. He was released along with Gus Grillo in December 1982.
ADAMS-DALE SIMON Captain and part owner of a security firm known as “Controlled Risk LTD”. Along with partner Arish Turlo they spent 8 months in Colombia negotiating with the kidnappers of a Mr. George Curtis, Vice President of Beatrice Foods of America. He was released after 240,000 pounds sterling was paid being carried in 4 suitcases. Both men were arrested and thought to been involved, but was released 6 weeks later.
AIMANN RICHARD Born in Germany Approx. 1953 a staunch anti communist he fought in Angola in 1976 for the FNLA.
AITKEN DANIELServed in the Royal Marine Commandos and the Special boat Service with the rank of Captain.
AITKEN KEN Served in the Special Air Service, in 1976 he fought in Angola for the FNLA.
ALBRIGHT CLIFF Born in the USA a civilian pilot, DC 9 veteran with 13,000 hours to his credit. A master parachute rigger, jumpmaster and instructor with over 500 jumps to his name. In1983 he fought in El Salvador.
ARTHUR ED Born in Ohio in the USA, Vietnam Veteran.
ASPIN LESLIE Born in the UK and served in the British RAF. A self confessed double agent. He fought in Angola in 1976 for the FNLA and was also a recruiter along with John Banks. Later he had dealings with Lebanon.
ATKINS Fought in Angola in 1976 for the FNLA and was a member of “Canada” Newbys last stand team 14.20.76.
AVES PAUL He fought in Angola in 1976 for the FNLA and was wounded. He was also at the Massacre at Maquela being one of the firing squad. Col Callan had ordered him to be on the party and to shoot 14 British mercenaries that had been accused of firing on their own men. Knowing that if he refused he would have also been shot by Callan himself.
BACON the III GEORGE WASHINGTON Born 04.08.46 in Biddeford Maine USA. He grew up in Longmeadow Massachusetts where he went to the university. In 1966 he joined the Army and became a distinguished soldier before joining the Special Forces. In 1968 and 1969 he went to Vietnam where he ran reconnaissance missions into North Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos. He took a bullet in the shoulder and picked up a swag of medals for his bravery. He was an expert in Vietnamese and could speak Chinese. He personally trained the Montagnards (Laotian) tribe’s people at Konbtum for the FOB2. Taking them out on raids himself. On his return to the US he was discharge and went back to college as a teacher. A few months later he was recruited by the CIA (Christians in Action) as George calls them. He returned to Laos as an adviser operating on the Plain of Jars, later he received the Intelligence Star the CIA’s second highest award. Back in the USA on 04.02.76 he met up with Bart Bonner in an effort to return to Vietnam and help the Vietnamese people, after the American withdrawal. Bacon felt that the US Government and the Congress had betrayed their word of Honour to the people of South East Asia. Bacon and Bonner became very close friends and worked together on a couple of projects. So in December 1975 he flew to Johannesburg and offered his services to the FNLA fighting in Angola but he was turned down. He then went to Lusaka Zambia where he offered his services to Jonas Savimbi’s UNITA faction. This offer was also rejected, possibly because the UNITA leaders suspected Bacon of being a CIA plant, so he flew back to the USA. Finally he got to Angola in early February 1976 and fought for the FNLA. It is debatable as to weather he was still working for the CIA, many believe he was. But after just a couple of weeks along with 5 other Mercenaries he was killed in an ambush. Gary Acker was also in the same Land Rover and was shot in the leg. According to a statement signed by Gary Martin Acker while awaiting execution in an Angola prison, George Bacon died at 12pm on 14.02.76 at the town of Gbmb during an ambush on there Land rover. After suffering multiple wounds to his chest and abdominal area
BANKS JOHN Born in Aldershot England in 1945, his father was an officer in the Army Medical Corps attached to the airborne forces. So John spent most of his early years in and around Camberley. Close to the Royal Military Academy and the conglomeration of the Army Barracks at Aldershot. Before he had reached the age of 10, he had lived in Egypt and Cyprus in a service community attending service schools. In 1962 at the age of 17 years he enlisted in the Army at Maida Barracks. On completion of his initial training he was posted to D Company the elite “Pathfinder” unit of the Second Battalion of the Parachute Regiment. After 4 years in D Company John was transferred to Second Battalion’s Special Patrol Company. A unit specialising in the deep penetration of enemy held territory by small ruthless patrols. It was during this time that John saw action around the world in Aden, Borneo, Cyprus, Malaya and the Trucial Oman States. (Gulf Area). He claimed he was shot in the stomach in Borneo. In Aden he was shot in the back while carrying a wounded comrade to safety. He was also hit in the face with shrapnel from a Russian Grenade. Because of his injuries in 1968 he was posted to the Parachute Regiment Battle School in Wales, as an unarmed combat instructor. On 10th June 1969 he was discharged from the Army. John then claims that he applied and was accepted to join the US Army Special Forces. But was released after a few weeks when it was discovered that his brother Roger (the Katangese Mercenary) was believed to be running guns to the Vietcong in the Mekong Delta. John has also claimed (but it has never been verified) that he was then offered and accepted several missions for the CIA in Europe undertaking 4 trips to smuggle people across the Iron Curtain. In 1970 John met up with David Sterling (founder of the S.A.S.) (Having been introduced by James Kent), who was running a security firm called “Watchguard”? John has also claimed (though it has never been verified) that he was recruited as member of the “The Hilton Assignment” as a radio operator. A group of 25 mercenaries where to try and release from a Libyan prison a large group of political prisoners, who would then join up with a coup that would be in process to overthrow Colonel Gadhaffi. The raid was to be launched from Italy by boat. There were three attempts to get the raid operational. The first one was made up of 100% English nationality personnel, this the English Government put a stop to not wanting to get involved. The second and third attempts were 100% French nationality personnel. On Sunday the 21.03.71 as the third attempt was being made to start the raid. The Italian security forces stormed on board the “Conquistador X111, as it was about to leave “Trieste Harbour”, picking up the Captain and three French crew members and placed them in prison. After the CIA appealed to the Italian Secret Service and also the British to terminate the assignment. The Captain was charged under the name of Jock Fraser, (could this be an alias). John claims in his book “Wages of War” to have been on board a boat called the “Conquistador 111” when it was impounded in Trieste Harbour (not the Conquistador X111 as claimed in the book “The Hilton Assignment” by Patrick Seale and Maureen McConville). If that were the case, then that would make John Banks the Captain and not the Radio operator as he has claimed (being the only Englishman on board at the time). Also according to Patrick Seale and Maureen McConville a Frenchman called Leon led the second and third attempts, and in Johns book he claims to have been serving under a French leader called Leon. It is possible that John was a member of the First attempt (in October 1970) the one that David Sterling was involved with, because John was working with David at that time. David Sterling was involved with a lot of very high-ranking government members including Sir Alec Douglas-Hume, (Foreign Minister at the time) and he was warned off and told that no British subjects should take part in the raid. The British Government was worried that Colonel Qadhaffi would retaliate against them if the attempt failed. It was for this reason that the second and third attempts used all French Mercenaries. James Kent also took a active part in all three attempts that were made, in fact the first attempt was his plan and he put it into operation, only failing when the arms and ammunition failed to turn up, plus the British government putting a stop to it. It is hard to confirm or deny whether John Banks was connected with the Hilton Assignment or if it is all part of the legends that has build up over a long period of time. With little white lies being believed by some people, when verification can not be made by governments refusing to give details The CIA had thought Gadhaffi would be sympathetic to the USA. How wrong they were once again. (Read chapter on William Morgan). After a few weeks in an Italian prison John arrived back in Britain broke. So he started his own bodyguard agency called “Agency Body Guards” which also went broke after just a few months. He then went to Vietnam were he fought on the opposite side to his brother. Recruited by Watch Guard he arrived in February 1971 in Saigon and then went to Da Nang where he joined a small army of mercenaries, mostly British Ex SAS men. The mercenaries were organised into ten men “killer” groups, and infiltrated into North Vietnam to carry out specific tasks of demolition, sabotage, kidnapping and assassination. One of the assassinations targets being a Red Chinese General. This operation, Banks alleges was financed by the Australian Government. A further unproved claim by John is that in 1972 he was fighting in Kurdistan for the Kurd Separatist Troops. John and an ex parachute friend led raids across the rugged mountain border. After 4 months his friend was killed, so John returned to Britain and ran a trucking company delivering goods to the Middle East. In 1975 he ran a Mercenary for hire firm trying numerous schemes but not with a lot of luck, finally ending up with the Security Advisory Services. Then in 1976 he recruited and sent out over 100 men to Angola to join the FNLA to fight the Cubans even visiting briefly himself, but this was another lost cause. In 1980 he was arrested and charged with obtaining money from an American Diplomat in London. For this he was given two years in prison, but escaped and was recaptured 4 months later.
BANKS ROGER Older brother to John Banks he fought on the Katangese side in the Congo in the early sixties with Belgium born “Black Jack” Schrammes Tenth Commando Unit. He is also believed to have been running guns to the Vietcong in the Mekong Delta,
BARKER DEREK “BRUMMIE” Born in England and served in the parachute regiment. In 1969 along with Paddy McKay went to Tel Aviv for John Banks Security Company. Where they were arrested by MOSSAD for also carrying out snatch raids of Arabs from Lebanon and Jordan. Spent a short time in jail before being deported. Back in England he was arrested and charged with biting off a mans nose during a fight in a pub. He fought in Angola in 1976 for the FNLA being recruited by John Banks. He was captured and sentenced to death by firing squad on July 10th 1976. Brummie was unlucky (as he always claimed) to the end. He was placed in front of the firing squad along with the other Mercenaries that had received the death sentence. When the first shot was fired Brummie it seems passed out and collapsed to the ground untouched. The firing continued until all the others were killed. Then as the bodies were being loaded on to stretchers and taken away Brummie sat up and asked what had happened at which point the officer (believed to be a FAPLA Officer) ran over and shot Brummie in the head 3 times. He is buried in Luanda
BARVAUX Went to Katanga in 1961 during the second battle of Katanga he was put in charge of the town of Kamina
BASSON FREDDIE He served under the South African Mercenary Mike Hoare in the Congo in 1964 for the ANC and was killed.
BAX TIM Was a member of the Rhodesian Sellous Scouts. After the fall of Rhodesia Tim moved to South Africa and became Commanding Officer of the Transkei Regiment
BAYLISS RAY Served in the Royal Marine Commandos with the rank of Sergeant. Recruited by John Banks to fight in Angola for the FNLA in 1976. He flew to Kinshasa but it is not confirmed if he did make it to Angola or if he returned to England
BECK KEVIN In late 1979 he was recruited by Mike Hoare and took part in the attempted coup of the Seychelles. While on this attempted coup he got drunk on the plane taking the mercenaries to the Seychelles. Upon going through customs he went through the red channel instead of the green no declare. A weapon was found in the bottom of his bag thus started the shoot out in the air terminal by all the other mercenaries who had been on the plane, that led to the failed attempt.
BEKKER Went to the Congo in 1964 and fought under the South African Mercenary Mike Hoare and the ANC was made up to lieutenant.
BELFORD Dr DONALD (MACDONALD ?) A self appointed doctor he was in fact a PT instructor but worked as a medical orderly in Leeds England, he became the English recruiter for the Angolan FNLA working for Holdern Roberto.
BELMUNDO JOSE RICARDO An Angolan and a deserter from the South African feared “Buffalo Battalion” who later exposed this feared Mercenary unit.
BEST JOHN “GINGER” An alias read John Chownes,
BISHOP PETER .A bodyguard to John Banks and Leslie Aspin during their recruitment of Mercenaries for Angola.
BLACK ANDREW Born in 1955 civilian pilot with no military experience. He fought in Angola in 1976 for the FNLA. He miraculously survived the Callan organised Maquela massacre after a fellow mercenary said he knew him and he was a friend. He was recruited by John Banks as a Flying Instructor but was sent to the front line instead.
BLACKMORE ROBIN Born 1955 in Watford England and served in the Parachute Regiment. He fought in Angola in 1976 for the FNLA and was killed, one of the Maquela Massacres victims.
BLAVIER ANDRE A Belgian who boasted of Mercenary service in the Congo. Was recruited by John Banks to go to Angola and fight for the FNLA in 1976. But was taken off the plane by the Belgian police when it stopped to refuel at Brussels Airport and later charged with outstanding offences in that country.
BODDY TONY Born in 1937 in the UK and served in the British Parachute Regiment. He fought in Angola in 1976 for the FNLA and was killed, being shot in the back. It is rumoured that it was a playback for his part in the Maquela massacre. (He was one of the firing squad). Col Callan ordered 14 of his own Mercenaries to be executed for firing on there own men.
BODENAN FRANCOIS Born approx.1951 a French Agent, he hijacked Moise Tshombe aboard a privately Chartered British Aircraft off the coast of Spain in 1967 (where Tshombe was in Exile) and flew him to Algiers where he was in imprisoned for 2 years. Before being killed after an unsuccessful break out attempt by the French Mercenary Denard. Tshombe’s death was announced 30.06.69. In 1982 Bodenan was brought before a Spanish Court Martial in Palma de Majorca, accused of infringing Moise Tshombe’s human rights and sentenced to 24 years imprisonment.
BOND BOOZY BONZO A South African ex-RAF pilot went to Nigeria in 1967 as a pilot recruited by John Peters. He flew wearing a Muslim praying cap and was reputed to have knocked back a bottle of whisky before reaching the target, somewhere in Biafra. He took great pride in being shot up and was not happy unless his aircraft returned to base looking like a flying sieve. The Nigerian pilots with understandable prudence and flatly refused to fly with him.
BONNER BART US citizen he had once owned a Telephone Answering Service. Served in the US Marine Corp with a tour of duty in Vietnam. Back in the USA he moved to Washington to establish and become the head of Veterans and Volunteers for Vietnam, (VVV) a group of people trying to assist the people of South East Asia now that the American Government had pulled out on the 04.02.76. He met up with George Bacon and an instant friendship was struck up. Both men wanting to go back to South East Asia and fight the NVA, but nothing was to happen. It is rumoured that he fought in Angola in 1976 for the FNLA
BORLACE MICHAEL Former RAF pilot he spent 3years from 1975 to 1978 serving Ian Smith’s regime in Rhodesia. Where he had been involved in flying helicopter missions against guerrillas and after that he was signed up by Major Ronald Reid-Dalby to serve in the tough irregular Sellous Scout Force. He latter went on to join KMS (Keeni Meeni Services) based in the Channel Islands and led a small team to Honduras to train and fly missions for the Contras against the Sandinistas Government of Nicaragua. After a falling out with the Americans who were running the operation, the former accusing the later of having a Bay of Pigs mentality, they were soon to pull out.
BOSQUET Went to Katanga in 1961 during the second battle of Katanga between the 5th and 21st of December 1961 he was put in charge of the town of Kongola
BOTES DES Born approx. 1927 served in the Rhodesian Police Special Branch, before moving to South Africa. Running a Karate school in Johannesburg and at one time holding the South African Championship. In 1979 he was recruited by Mike Hoare and was involved in the unsuccessful attempted coup on the Seychelles.
BOTUSCHOFSKY PETER Born approx 1943 a refugee from Juterborg. He attended the ‘Mark Brandenburg’ School (in the Soviet zone). He escaped very fast just after the communist wall went up by swimming through a canal and having a report of his story in the newspapers. He was taught in a communist school but was never a communist. In 1964 he became a member of the 5th Commando unit in the Congo fighting under the South African Lt. Colonel Mike Hoare.
BOUVE In 1964 he went to the Congo and fought under the South African Mercenary Mike Hoare and the ANC as a lieutenant.
BRACCO A Pilot went to the Congo in 1965. In 1967 as a pilot he crash-landed a plane into a lake returning Puren to Schrammes 10th Commando but all on board survived.
BRAHAM DAVE From Kenya went to the Congo in 1964 and fought under the South African Mercenary Mike Hoare and the ANC as a Sergeant, later being made up to lieutenant.
BRAUN ‘KAMIKAZE’ (Read Brown, Johnny possibly the same person) A colourful Czech who had flown for the RAF against the Luftwaffe during the Second World War. Was recruited to fly in a combat role for Biafra in 1968. Carrying out the first raid over Nigeria flying a B-26 ironically one of his former enemies a German pilot called Fred Hertz. Flew Biafra’s second fighter plane a B-25 after Braun’s aircraft became immobilised due to lack of spare parts.
BRIDGE ERIC Born in the UK and served in the Royal Marine Commandos, later he saw action against the Mau Mau in Kenya. Went to the Congo in 1964 and fought under South African Mercenary Mike Hoare for the ANC and obtained the rank of Lieutenant. He was badly wounded in the face and arm, on the very first patrol that Mike Hoare led during the conflict, taking an Airfield just out side Albertville.
BROCK Went to the Congo in 1964 and fought under the South African Mercenary Mike Hoare and the ANC. He was killed while driving a truck, by a bullet in the head and is buried at Aba where he fell.
BRODY ANTONY Fought in Angola in 1976 for the FNLA and was killed at Quibocolo.
BROOKS AUBREY Served in the Rhodesian Sellous Scouts. In late 1979 he was recruited by Mike Hoare and took part in the attempted coup of the Seychelles. During the assault Brooks was cut off from the main party and wounded. He was left behind when Hoare and most of his men escaped from the Seychelles by hijacking a plane. After wandering around badly bleeding he was captured and over the next couple of days he was very badly beaten. Finally he was taken to hospital and handcuffed to the bed along side Carney who had also been captured. They were treated badly by their guards, so much so that their Doctor refuse to leave there side and in one instance prevented them from being shot. During his trial he was sentenced to death by hanging later it was reduced to 20 years in prison. While in prison a mutiny took place at the prison (17.08.82.). Brooks and his fellow Mercenary prisoners helped the loyal Guards. They were rewarded by being moved to Platte Island, where they were only locked up at nights. During the day being allowed to roam anywhere, finally being released in the summer of 1983 and allowed to fly back to South Africa.
BROOKS BILLY Born in 1954 in London, no military experience a truck driver. He fought in Angola in 1976 for the FNLA Being recruited by John Banks. Was killed being one of the victims in the Maquela Massacre that was ordered by Col Callan on his own men.
BROOKS WILLIAM Born in the USA in 1962 he served in the US 82nd Airborne Division as an Artillery Fire Director and saw action in Thailand, Vietnam and the Dominican Republic where he was wounded, leaving the Army in 1966. In 1972 he went to France and joined the French Foreign Legion under the alias of Walter Bride. In the Legion you are not allowed to sign on in your real name. On 23.01.72. at the Legions Headquarters in Bunifacio, Corsica, the home of the 2nd Legion Parachute Regiment he signed on for 5 years. He did not like these early months the whole place was dirty and they were only allowed to wash their cloths twice a week. The discipline was poor and their weapons were dirty and rusty, there was no oil to clean them. The pay was only about 30 to 40 dollars a month, the theories being that if you have no money then you can’t escape. The Legion was very worried about the volunteers trying to desert. In May 1972 he along with all the other recruits had to march 100km north to the town of Cote and the Special Forces School operating in the mountains where he also had to try and learn French. On 09.01.73. Travelling in civilian cloths he was posted to Djibouti in Africa, arriving at the town of Gabode just out side Djibouti on13.02.73. Where he joined the peacekeeping Force “The Exteriors”, located in border forts patrolling along the frontier of Somalia and Ethiopia. A group known as the 13th DBLE (Demi Brigade of the Legion) that numbered 1200 men. He also went to Holl-Holl on a light machine gunners course. In March 1974 he went to Ali-Sabieh 40 km south of Holl-Holl, on another course where he slipped a disc in his back. In February 1975 after recovering he attended a non-commissioned officer’s school at Oueah passing out on Sunday 17.04.75 and was made up to Legion Sous-Officer, rank of Sergeant. Obtaining this rank in under five years is good for the Legion, its considered very fast. He then flew to Marseilles on 26.09.75 where he stopped using his alias name. He also tried unsuccessfully to get the Legion to incorporate American service training ideas into its Force. He left in 19.01.77 feeling rejected and returning home to the USA.
Extracts taken from “Merc” by Jay Mallin and Robert K Brown.
BROWN JOHNNY “KAMIKAZE” Real name was Jean Zumbach (read Braun, could be the same person). A Pole Zumbach was a veteran of the polish air forces brief stand against the Luftwaffe at the beginning of World War 11. After his country’s fall he flew in the RAF and was credited with 17 German kills. When the War was over he adopted the name Johnny Brown and flew for hire in France and North Africa. He was recruited to fly for Tshombe in the Congo War, then moved on to Biafra. Coincidentally flying Biafra’s B-25 was a former Luftwaffe pilot, Friedrich Herz.
BROWN ROBERT K Born in Monroe Michigan in the USA on 02.11.32. He served in the Army from October 1954 to September 1957, as an officer in the Intelligence Corp. Upon his release he backed Fidel Castro and had a brief career gun running for him. But after a brief trip to Havana to meet Castro he finally realised that he was and always had been a communist. Betraying all his followers he then set about deposing Castro. Brown also became a very successful journalist and writer on military subjects. After reserve training in 1964 he joined a group getting refugees out of Cuba. And was also involved with a group trying to overthrow the right wing dictatorship in Haiti. In 1968 he rejoined the Army having been kicked out of the special forces a couple of month earlier and went to Vietnam being assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 18th Regiment of the First Infantry Division obtaining the rank of Captain and becoming there intelligence officer. Later commanding the Tong Le Chon Special Forces Camp. He was wounded in an ambush taking 14 fragments from a mortar in his back. Retiring as Lieutenant Colonel Special Forces in January 1985. Dropping back to his writing he establish the very successful Soldier of Fortune magazine, a magazine that is well read by military minded people around the world and is also a contact magazine for personnel looking for that type of work.
BROWNE RICHARD Born in the UK brother to the Tory MP for Torrington in Devon England. Went to the Congo in 1960 as a Mercenary with the rank of Captain to fight for the Katangese. He commanded a unit called “Compagnie Interationale” He also recruited for this unit in South Africa, Rhodesia and Katanga. On the 07.04.61 He was captured along with 30 of his Mercenary friends during a battle near Manono fighting against the United Nation Forces (Ethiopian Troops) several Ethiopians were killed. His capture caused a great deal of embarrassment to the British Government because of the connection with his brother. He was expelled from the Congo but kept returning to Katanga from Northern Rhodesia.
BRUNIN An Irish farm boy served in the Queens Irish Guards. Joined the French Foreign Legion in 1972 was trained on the island of Corsica went to Djibouti in Africa where he saw active service.
BRUNSWIJK RONNY Led a Mercenary-Rebel force against the Latin American country of Surinam and its leader Colonel Desire “Desi” Bouterse with the rank of captain (formerly a member of Bouterses bodyguard). Enjoyed some dramatic successes during 1986 thanks in some small measure it would seem to the presents of foreign mercenaries amongst his guerrilla/rebel force.
BUFFKIN DAVID Born in California in the USA he lied about his age to enlist in the Army in 1953, was discovered and kicked out. He then proceeded to enlist fraudulently three more times. He persistently volunteered for Vietnam but was never sent there. His frustration led to trouble during each enlistment, assault and battery, disobeying orders and of going AWOL. Each of his discharges was less than satisfactory.
Became a self styled mercenary recruiter. His idea was to hold files on about 500 mercenary’s, that between them would have all known skills and would serve anywhere in the world.
The war was in Angola so he flew to Africa and made the necessary contacts with the FNLA. Back home he made arrangements and sent out the first five mercenaries’. This was a lost course from the start, realising this too late. He flew back to Africa to get the men out. George Bacon and a Canadian, who were killed, believed to be Douglas Newby nick named “Canada”, Gus Grillo, Gary Acker, who was imprisoned, and Daniel Gearheart who was executed. He was too late the war was over. Back home thinking of away to seek the release of Acker and Grillo. Buffin contacted the Cubans and offered to spy in return for information and help for Acker and Grillo. The Cubans enrolled him and gave him a $1000 for information but would not seek the release of his friends.
He then flew to Kinshasa, (Zaire) for them to spy out the land. Here he spotted two Cubans spies on their way to Rhodesia. So Buffin flew to Rhodesia and told the special branch what he knew. In return the Rhodesians enrolled him with the rank of, “Flight Lieutenant” in the Rhodesian air force.
At about this time it is suspected that he was also working for the CIA, or the FBI. A newspaper article in the Montreal Gazette 13-01-77 finally exposed him. His whereabouts is unknown, but wherever he is he must have a stiff neck from looking over his shoulder.
BURGER Went to the Congo in 1964 and fought under the South African Mercenary Mike Hoare and the ANC was made up to RSM.
BUTCHER BRIAN Served in the British Parachute Regiment. He fought in Angola in 1976 for the FNLA. Is reported to be the man who stood guard over the reluctant British Mercenaries until the moment of their execution by Col Callan. Later he was involved with Leslie Aspin in dealings with the Lebanon.
CABASSO LOUIS Alias Carden, Ex legionnaire 1er REP. In March 77 he was involved with Bob Denard and took part in the Assault on Cotonou.
CALISTRAT FERDINAD Born in Romania but later he became a Spanish Citizen. Served in the Spanish Foreign Legion and saw service in Riomuni and Ifni. Went to the Congo in 1964 and fought under the South African Mercenary Mike Hoare for the ANC, became his combat training Instructor. He also became a personnel friend to Tshombe, later taking the rank of Captain and becoming his Intelligence Officer.
CAMPER FRANK A Vietnam Veteran who fought freelance in the Yemen, El Salvador, Guatemala and Mexico. Runs a school in America for the training of Mercenaries under real life conditions.
CANNING VINCE Served in the French Foreign Legion. Also fought in Angola in 1976 in the FNLA.
CAREY BARNEY Born approx. 1941 an ex publican from London for years he had run the “Gloucester Arms” pub. He moved to South Africa and lived and worked for his Father. Speaks Swahili. At the age of 19 he went to the Congo and served in the 5th Commando. Later going to the Yemen and fighting under Faulques. In 1979 he was recruited by Mike Hoare and took part in the Attempted coup of the Seychelles. During the fighting he was separated from his men and left behind. When Hoare and his men hijacked a plane and flew out of the Seychelles. He was captured and badly beaten ending up in Hospital along side Brooks and handcuffed to his bed. The Doctor was so worried for their lives that he stayed by their sides at all times and at one time actually saved them from being shot. At his trial he was sentenced to death for his part in the coup, later it was reduced to 20 years imprisonment. On 17.08.82 a mutiny took place at the prison, Carney and his fellow Mercenary cellmates helped the loyal guards. For this they were rewarded by being moved to Platte Island, where they were only locked up at nights, they were all released in the summer of 1983 and allowed to fly back to South Africa.
CARGILL RUSSELL A recruiter of pilots for the Katanga rebel beak away group led by Tshombe in 1961.
CARLSON Dr PAUL Went to the Congo in 1964 and fought under the South African Mercenary Mike Hoare and the ANC as a doctor at the front.
CARPENTER Born in the USA a Colonel and served in Vietnam and possibly the Congo. Led the “Buffalo Battalion” South Africa’s most feared Mercenary unit.
CARTER HOWARD From Birmingham in England went to the Congo in 1964 and fought under the South African Mercenary Mike Hoare and the ANC as a Sergeant.
CARTON-BARBER JACK Born in the UK and served in the British Army. Lived in Port Elizabeth South Africa for a time. Went to the Congo and fought under South African Mike Hoare for the ANC was made up to RSM, known as the “Whiskered Giant.”
CASHMORE JOHN Fought in Angola in 1976 for the FNLA. He was killed along with 5 other Mercenaries in an Ambush on 14.02.76.
CASSIDY As a Soldier of Fortune he fought in Angola in 1976 in the FNLA.
CASSIDY SAM Born in Glasgow Scotland and served in the Scots Guards went to the Congo in 1964 and served under the South African Mercenary Mike Hoare and the ANC as a Sergeant, later being made up to RSM.
CHALONER DAVY Born approx 1946 in London England, small with a pug nose and enormous whiskers covering his infantile features. Went to the Congo in 1964 and fought under the South African Mercenary Mike Hoare and the ANC as a sergeant was killed in action.
CHAMBERS TOM Recruited by John Banks to fight in Angola for the FNLA in 1976 flew to Kinshasa but returned home after becoming sick having never setting foot in Angola.
CHANU CLAUDE Born in France and an experienced sailor. Went to the Congo in 1964 and fought under South African Mike Hoare for the ANC.
CHOWNES JOHN Alias Ginger John Best was recruited by Leslie Aspin as a Bodyguard and to fight in Angola for the FNLA in 1976. But returned from Kinshasa after briefly setting foot in Angola along with John Banks. On his return he recruited for Leslie Aspin and made a considerable amount of money after the fall of Angola (un spent recruitment money that was never returned to its owners).
CHRISTODOULOU CHARLES A Greek Cypriot believed to be a cousin of Costas Georgio (The infamous Col Callan) from Birmingham in England. Served in the British Parachute Regiment 1st Battalion and toured in Northern Ireland. Sometimes known as “Charlie Caldwell” or “Charlie kebab” and later as “Shot gun Charlie”. He fought in Angola in 1976 for the FNLA and was killed in an Ambush along with 5 other Mercenaries. A ruthless and bloodthirsty man disliked by all except Col Callan, (Costas) his best friend. Charlie had been one of the first four British Mercenaries to arrive in Angola, along with his close friends Costas Georgiou, Nick Hall and Michael Wainwright. Costas had flown to Angola to offer their services to Holdern Roberto and he agreed for them to fly in. Nick Hall was first to make contact with Don Belford and Colin Taylor, two representatives of Holdern Roberto being based in Leeds England. But Costas had pushed his way in and took over.
COETZEE Born in South Africa went to the Congo in 1964 and fought under Mike Hoare and the ANC.
COLEMAN JOHN W Born in 1951 in the USA, served in the US Army in Germany and Vietnam. He was in the Infantry Recon unit based in Quang Tri and Tuy Hoa obtaining the rank of Sergeant. Returning to the US and the Instructors Training Course, then on to the NCO Academy and finally the Rangers School. He saw further tours of duty in Germany and Panama. Coleman then turned up in 1976 in Rhodesia and joined their Army, later transferring to the light Infantry and then moving on to the Tactical Training Course as an Instructor. He then moved on to the South African Defence Force, finally moving back to the USA in 1979.
COLEMAN “SKINNY” From Rhodesia went to the Congo in 1964 and fought under the South African Mercenary Mike Hoare and the ANC.
COLUMBIC RON Went to the Congo in 1964 and fought under the South African Mercenary Mike Hoare and the ANC as a lieutenant but was killed in action. It is believed that he was Jewish.
COOPER GARY Born in London England went to the Congo in1964 and fought under the South African Mercenary Mike Hoare and the ANC, was made up to Sergeant.
COOPER MAJOR JOHN Served as a Corporal with David Sterling during the birth of the Special Air Service in North Africa. Operating behind German lines in the desert during World War II (in 1941/42). After the War he became Commander of “A” Squadron 22. Special Air Service and fought throughout the Malayan Campaign. In 1959 he was one of the leaders of the assault against the Saudi backed rebels on Oman’s Green Mountain. He then took a private contract for the Sultan of Oman and later helped the Arabian Royalists in the Yemen. He also worked along side the famous British Colonel, David Smiley.
COPELAND SAMMY Born in 1947 joined the British Army as a boy Soldier in 1964 and served in the British Parachute Regiment, obtaining the rank of Sergeant. With tours of duty in Northern Ireland, Bahrain, Malta, British Guiana. Had a dishonourable discharge after a court martial for possession of firearms. He fought in Angola in 1976 for the FNLA with the rank of RSM. He was executed on the orders of Holdern Roberto for his part in the Maquela Massacre (he was also one of the firing squad)(and is reported to have enjoyed what he did when Col Callan ordered the executed his own troops for firing on his own men).
CREMER ANDRE Went to Katanga in 1961 and was hired by Munongo to form a killer group of Mercenaries and assassinate United Nations officials, in particular the Irishman Connor Cruise O’Brien’s and deputy Michael Tombelaine, but it was called off at the last moment.
DAHLSEN ARNOLD Born in Norway a civilian doctor, he fought in Angola in 1976 for the FNLA.
DALGLIESH KEN Served in the Rhodesian Police Special Branch. In late 1979 he was recruited by Mike Hoare and took part in the attempted coup of the Seychelles. He escaped after the failed attempt, along with Hoare and most of the other Mercenaries on a hijacked Aircraft back to South Africa. They were all put on trial and Ken received 30 months imprisonment. In November 1983 he was released after serving just over half his sentence.
DANIELS Went to the Congo in 1964 and fought under the South African Mercenary Mike Hoare and the ANC as a radio operator.
DAVIDSON DAVID “DARKIE” Served in the Special Air Service a weapons instructor.
DAVIES JOHN Was recruited by Tom Posey and sent along with Peter Glbbery to Nicaragua as Military Advisers in 1985, but they only made it as far as Costa Rica. Where they were arrested and found to be in possession of arms and money intended for the Contra Rebels.
DAVIES PHILIP Born in 1954 in Birmingham England and served in the British Army. He fought in Angola in 1976 for the FNLA. Was executed by Col. Callan in front of his troops (shot three times) for shooting at his own men.
DEACON ALEX In late 1979 he was recruited by Mike Hoare and took part in the failed attempted coup of the Seychelles.
DEAN JACK Born in the USA he was a Major in the Special Forces. Being an underwater demolition expert and instructor. Trained at the Special Warfare Centre at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Flew to Angola but his services were not wanted by the FNLA, so he joined the UNITA and successfully undertook guerrilla raids against the Cubans in the South of Angola.
DE-ASSUNCIO MANUEL Portuguese went to Angola at the age of ten with his parents. Later he fought for the FNLA.
DE-CHARRETTE-DE-LA-CONTRIC MICHEL Alias Kermarec fought along side Bob Denard in the assault on Cotonou in March 1977.
DE-CHIURE HUGUES Alias Sergeant Rucker fought along side Bob Denard in the assault on Cotonou in March 1977.
DE-CLARY MICHEL Born in France fought in Katanga in 1961, he lead a unit that captured the Irish Garrison at Jadotville when the 184 strong force surrender to the Katangese. The first significant battle involving Mercenaries in the Congo in september1961.
DE-GROUWE LEON Born in Belgium and married to rich proprietress of Jewellery shop in Belgium. In 1964 he fought under the Belgian Major Protin and later the South African Lt. Colonel Mike Hoare, obtaining the rank of Lieutenant. Later he was killed when a Bazooka rocket hit the Jeep that he and Ingo Hudowernik was riding in, towards the end of the conflict they were both buried in Albertville.
DE-JAEGER DARBY Born approx. 1915 went to Angola in1964 and fought under South African Mike Hoare for the ANC. He had the job of feeding over 1000 men and made a good job of it, so much so that Mike Hoare made him up to Sergeant and later Sergeant Major.
DE-JAGER CHRIS In late 1979 he was recruited by Mike Hoare to take part in the attempted coup of the Seychelles, but he backed out at the last minute.
DE-LA-MICHELLE From France nick named “Frenchie” he went to the Congo in 1964 and fought under the South African Mercenary Mike Hoare for the ANC, in the 14th Commando.
DE-LAURIER Served in the British Air force, in 1964 he went to the Congo and became a Major in the 5th Commando unit fighting under the South African Mike Hoare.
DELAUNEY Ex colonial administrator for the DeGaullist Government, Ex Cavalry Officer.
DELIN JOSEPH Known as Jose born in Belgium but living in South Africa. In 1960 at the age of 47 he went to fly for the newly formed Katanga Air force. He was a top ranking flight instructor with grey Moustache, a veteran of the South African Air Force. For the Katangian Air force he flew a single seater “Fouga” jet and became there top pilot along with a 28 year old Belgian lady killer known as “Magain” who flew the two seater “Fouga.”
DEL SOL LOBO Born in Buena Aires parents from Argentina, US citizen and Vietnam veteran. He ran a Security Organisation G and G Guard dogs Inc. Later in 1976 he fought in Angola for the FNLA.
DEMPSTER CHRIS Was born in India. His father being a Bandsman in the British Army for 35 years. So Chris grew up around Army Barracks in India, Britain and West Africa. He left school at the age of 15 years and tied his hand at window cleaning, chimney sweeping and building. At the age of 16 he fell off a scaffold and fractured his skull in five places. The accident left him quick tempered and easily provoked. With an inclination to end disagreements with his fists. He then joined the Army as a Gunner in the Royal Artillery and saw service in Kenya, (Mau Mau), Sarawak and Hong Kong. He also represented the Army in the, Middleweight Boxing Championships against other services. He applied to join the Army Elite the Special Air Service. But was rejected after hitting another soldier with a rifle butt. He was severely wounded in Borneo where he was ambushed and had his stomach slit open very badly by a bamboo Panga, but he still managing to kill 6 terrorists. He was mention in dispatches for his part in repelling an attack on his patrol by communist rebels. After this he was down graded and put on a cooks training course. One morning he lost his temper and struck an officer. He was sentenced to 56 days in Colchester but went AWOL. His discharge from the Army followed. He then got married and joined the Merchant Navy. In 1967 he went to Israel and fought in the six-day war. In returning home he tried his hand at panel beating, being a mechanic, plumber, salesman and disc jockey, calling himself Oliver Plunkett. He backed all the top bands like The Who, Ten Years After, Gary Glitter, The Mojos, Smokey, Sweet, Hot Chocolate. And provided back up support for established Radio DJ’s like David Hamilton, Dave Lee Travis and the Emperor Rosko. But slowly his popularity waned and in 1976 he was off again to Angola to fight for the FNLA, after being recruited by John Banks. He was ordered by Col Callan to be on the firing squad at the Maquela Massacre, executing 14 British Mercenaries for shooting at there own men. He hated Callan for forcing him to do it, but knew that if he refused Callan would have shot him.
DE-MURVILLE COUVE Went to the Congo in 1964 and fought under the South African Mercenary Mike Hoare and the ANC as a Doctor in the field. He is a distant relation of the French Foreign Minister.
DENARD BOB Born approx. 1929 in France the son of a French peasant farmer, he served in the French Marines as an NCO and fought in Indochina. Later serving in the Security Forces in Morocco and Algeria. He got involved in shadowy right wing activities, including a plot in 1954 to assassinate Pierre Mendes-France the left wing Jewish intellectual and French political leader. Which cost him 14 months in prison. In 1961 he went to Katanga and served under Robert Faulques as a Subaltern. It was at Kolwezi that he was to win the reputation for personal bravery and loyalty but his later activities were to do nothing to justify this. Bob was too flamboyant a figure for the English-speaking Mercenaries to take seriously and he was viewed by the Belgians with a mixture of uneasy admiration and deep suspicion, (as Schramme’s later attitude indicated). When Robert Faulques left Katanga Bob took over the Command of the Mercenaries for the last battle against the United Nations. On the 21.01.63. Denard along with Schramme and Puren retreated with just under 100 other Mercenaries known as the “Red Devils” across the border and into Portuguese Angola. Where the Authorities were always denying that any Mercenaries had ever set foot on Portuguese soil. Bob and a handful of men then left Angola and followed his old leader Robert Faulques to the Yemen to train the Royalist troops of the Imam El Badr (The Iman of Yemen) in the civil war there, against the Egyptians of Abdul Nasser. He ended up commanding all the European Mercenaries in that area.
On the 28th and 29th of October 1967 Denard along with 13 Mercenaries recruited in France by a friend called Moreau, attempted to release Godefroid Munongo from a prison on an island in the Congo river estuary by canoe, the raid ended in a farcical failure Between November 1965 and February 1967 he returned to the Congo and at one time he was commanding all of the French Mercenaries from the 6th Commando Commanded 5 Commando taking over from Mike Hoare. Also in 1969 it is strongly rumoured that he tried to break out Moise Tshombe from an Algiers prison, where he had been locked up for two years since his high jack off the coast of Spain by Francois Bodenan. The bid failed and Denard lost 6 or 7 Mercenaries in the attempt, plus shortly after Tshombe was killed.
In March 1977 Bob led a small Mercenary force in the assault on Cotonou in Benin, an attack that only lasted a few hours but the coup attempt failed.DENNISON ANDRE Known as Andy a Captain in the British Army he served in the SAS as Troop Commander in Rec “B” Squadron in Borneo. He left the British Forces and moved to Africa where he commanded a force in the Army of Botswana. He returned to the UK and went to Northern Ireland and served as a Regular Training Major in the Ulster Defence Regiment. After replying to a newspaper advert he contacted John Banks who was recruiting Mercenaries to go and fight in Rhodesia. Banks made him a Major and they both got together to recruit a further 200 men. But unknown to Banks Dennison informed the Rhodesian authorities of the plan. At the last minute the whole exercise was called off. So Dennison went to Rhodesia before any of the Mercenaries found him out and tried to kill him. In Rhodesia he was decorated for outstanding bravery while seriously wounded. He was killed in absurd circumstances while serving with the Rhodesian African Rifles in July 1979. He was inside a bar of the “Zimbabwe Hotel” near Fort Victoria when it came under fire; he rushed out side and was shot in error by a Black Police Officer.
DERRICKS Fought in the Congo in 1964 as a Major under the South African Lt. Colonel Mike Hoare.
DE-SAINT-PAUL TONY Went to the Yemen and fought under the Frenchman Robert Faulques in 1962. Was killed at by shrapnel from an Egyptian bomb Christmas 1963, reported to be the only Mercenary killed in this conflict.
DEVAY YVES Veteran of the Belgian Army.
DE-WET STEYN In late1979 he was recruited by Mike Hoare and took part in the attempted coup of the Seychelles. After the failed attempt he flew out with Mike and the other Mercenaries on a hijacked Aircraft, back to South Africa where they were all put on trial. But he was acquitted, being only a doctor on the raid and not carrying a weapon.
DICKENS Served in the British Parachute Regiment. Later in 1976 he fought in Angola for the FNLA. He was killed along with 5 other Mercenaries in an ambush on 14.02.76. He was a member of “Canada” Newbys last stand team.
DIMMOCK MALCOLM He fought in Angola in 1976 for the FNLA and was killed along with 5 other Mercenaries in an Ambush on 14.02.76, being a member of Canada Newbys last stand team.
DOE JOHN Born in the USA served with the USMC in Vietnam. Was the very 1st Sergeant Major in the Rhodesian Sellous Scouts. A noted weapons instructor and expert in anti-terrorist and long-range reconnaissance operations. In 1983 he fought in El Salvador.
DOLINCHEK CANTON LUBIC Was recruited by Mike Hoare and in late 1979 was part of the attempted coup of the Seychelles. He became separated from his men when the fighting started at the Airport and was left behind when Hoare and his men hijacked a plane and flew out. He was captured and put on trial receiving the death penalty, later it was reduced to 20 years imprisonment. When a mutiny took place at the prison 17.08.82 all the Mercenaries stayed loyal to the Guards and as a reward they were all moved to Platte Island where they were only locked up at nights, during the days they were allowed to roam around. They were all released in the summer of 1983 and allowed to fly back to South Africa.
DONOVAN JOHN Born in the USA he became a Major Special Forces USAR a demolition’s expert. Owned a company Known as Donovan Dynamiting his firm is the largest user of C4 in the USA. Later in 1983 he fought in El Salvador.
DOOREWARD PIETER South African joined Mike Hoare on a coup attempt against the Seychelles in late 1979, put in charge of back up. After its failure he along with Mike Hoare and most of the Mercenaries escaped by hijacking an aircraft and returning back to South Africa. Where he was put on trial, he received 5 years imprisonment but in May 1984 he was released after serving just less than 2 years of his sentence.
DOUGLAS-HOLDERN NORRIE From Lancashire in England went to the Congo in 1964 and fought under the South African Mercenary Mike Hoare and the ANC as a Sergeant.
DREYER TIM South African he went to the Congo in 1964 and fought under Mike Hoare and the ANC as a Sergeant later he was wounded.
DUFFY PETER Gordonstoun educated a Karate expert and a leading exponent of the Shokokai style, ex Congo Mercenary having served in the 5th Commando under Peters. In late 1979 was recruited by Mike Hoare and was on the attempted coup of the Seychelles. After its failure he fled along with Mike Hoare and most of the other Mercenaries on a hijacked Aircraft back to the Seychelles where they were all put on trial. He received 5 years imprisonment but was released in May 1984 after having only served 2 of those years.
DUGGAN Major in the Special Air Service.
DUKE From the USA, went to the Congo in 1964 and fought under the South African Mercenary Mike Hoare and the ANC was made up to Lieutenant.
DUKES CHARLIE Born in the USA and served in the Rhodesian Special Air Service a member of the One Recce Commando unit. In late 1979 he was recruited by Mike Hoare and took part in the attempted coup of the Seychelles, where he was badly wounded. But managed to escape along with Hoare and most of the other Mercenaries on a hijacked Aircraft back to South Africa, where they were all put on trial, but Dukes was acquitted.
DYSON Went to the Congo in 1964 and fought under the South African Mercenary Mike Hoare and the ANC. He was killed in action at Likati and is buried there.
EARLY JOHN in Vietnam, Obtaining the rank of Captain, (US Army Special Forces). Was at the siege of the Lang Vei Special Forces camp Afterwards he became teaching assistant at Southern Illinois University, (1975).
After six months he was recruited and told to fly to Kinshasa all expenses paid. But never made contact, so moved onto South Africa. From there up to Rhodesia and joined the Rhodesian Air Force to expand and modernise the Rhodesian Parachute School. Was also made Chief Airborne Advisor to the Commander of Combined Operations, Lieutenant General Peter Walls. And was made responsible for training a team of instructors to build a Halo Committee, (High Altitude Low Opening). He wrote a book on rules and regulations to be used by Halo. When he arrived at the parachute school they were turning out twenty-four personnel a month, when he left a year later they were graduating one hundred and fifty man classes in the same facilities, with three additional instructors.
Lieutenant Colonel Ron Ried-Daley soon grabbed John and made him Commander for planning and executing all Airborne Operations. The unit comprised of both white and black ranks. Training consisted of parachute drops as low as five hundred and sometimes four hundred feet and at night with planes being talked in. The talker having a QFE Altimeter would tell the pilot so the pilot knew his exact height. His ideas were very revolutionary and soon had good results. John led the raid into Mozambique to Pungwe in Manika Province killing 1,184 terrorists and only suffered 4 friendly casualties. He led 65 disguised Sellous Scouts in eighty two and half-ton trucks with 50 Calibre Machine Guns Mounted on them. They did there home work and knew that the camp at Pungwe was a training area and at 6am all the personnel would be on the parade ground for roll call and exercise, with all the weapons locked in the Armoury. Being so deep in Mozambique they thought they were safe. John drove his convoy right into the camp at 6.30am, his men were dressed in terrorist uniforms and waving Frelimo Flags. His men dismounted from their trucks and fell in a single line. The Guerrillas all three thousand of them were on the parade ground and thinking the convoy were there own troops they started clapping and giving the black power salute. John gave the command to fire. The initial fire fight if you could call it that lasted about thirty minutes. By 8.30am the machine guns on the trucks had run out of ammo, leaving 1,184 dead they just turned round and drove home. General Walls claimed that the Sellous Scouts alone had killed or captured more enemy than the entire army since the war started about 1969-70 and the Scouts had only been in existence since 1973 and hadn’t even done anything really punitive until John joined them. It was rumoured that Nkomo- Mugabe both wanted all the Sellous Scout leaders put on trial when they took over Rhodesia. Later in 1983 he fought in El Salvador.ECHANIS MIKE Born November 16 1950 in Ontario Oregon. Being small he had an inferiority complex when he was at school. To try and overcome this he took part in all the athletic games and mixed with all the large boys. His childhood was very wild and he drove cars very fast he wrecked every car his father owned.
Completing school in 1969 but didn’t wait to graduate. He immediately joined the Army something he always wanted to do. He completed his basic training at Ford Ord in California and subsequently joined the Airborne School at Fort Benning Georgia. He joined the Special Forces and after Benning he went to Fort Bragg North Carolina, for Special forces training. Then he was off to Vietnam with the 75th Rangers arriving in March 1970. In May he was riding through a KHE Pass in a truck, when he was hit by an ambush. Echanis was hit in the foot by an AK-47 round. He returned fire but was again hit in the head, arm and leg. For fighting with valour he was awarded the Bronze Star. After 8 months in hospital he was discharged a cripple. Not being one to give up he started to do bodybuilding and returned to the Martial Art which he’d started at school.
In 1975 he moved to Los Angeles to study under Joo Bang-lee, “Hwarang” a Korean Martial Art. He was soon promoted to Sul Sa, (Master of Infiltration) the first American to achieve this honour.
He now developed his own form unarmed combat, described by a lot of people as the most effective system of hand combat ever devised. Word spread and he was soon back in the Special Forces passing on his skills.
After two years service Echanis headed for Nicaragua. Here he joined President Somoza and set about training his civilian bodyguards. Building them into very well trained unit. Next he trained the Nicaraguan National Guard. Very effectively and named them “Los Commandos”.
The country was having trouble with the Sandinistas Guerrillas. On August 22nd 1978 they took over the National Palace and took thousands of hostages. Echanis was all for launching a commando style raid using the men he had trained in Helicopters. But Somoza was against it and gave into the Rebel demands.
On September 8th Echanis boarded an Avo Commander with Brigadier General Jose Ivan Alegrett Perez, operations chief of the guard. Something happened on the plane and it came down into Lake Nicaragua there were no survivors. Echanis was given a military funeral in the United States.
Echanis concentration became such that he could suspend a thirty-pound bucket of water from a steel spoke pushed through the flesh of his neck. He once demonstrated his prowess, as a jeep was driven over his torso without injury to him. His best friends were Charles Sanders and a Vietnamese recruited by Echanis named Nguyen “Bobby” Van Nguyen.EDENS RALPH G Born in the USA president of “Security and Research Ltd.” in Humble Texas. An International Security Consultant and Unconventional-Operations expert. In 1983 he fought in El Salvador.
EDWARDS TREVOR JOHN A Briton. A deserter, from the feared South African, Buffalo Battalion. Who later exposed this feared Mercenary Unit.
ELFORD LOU Went to Angola in 1976 to fight for the FNLA recruited by John Banks believed to be an M16 agent.
ELLIS Went to the Congo in 1964 and fought under the South African Mercenary Mike Hoare and the ANC, was killed in action at Baraka.
ENGLAND ROGER English believed to have served in 3 Para. Went to Angola in 1976. Later he served in the Rhodesian Special Air Service. In 1979 he was recruited by Mike Hoare and took part in the attempted coup of the Seychelles. But was left behind when Hoare and his Mercenaries fled, hijacking a plane. He was captured and put on trial receiving the death penalty (death by hanging). Later he was moved with the other Mercenary prisoners to Platte Island as a reward for not taking part in a mutiny at the prison (17.08.82.) On Platte Island they were only locked up at nights, during the day they were allowed to roam anywhere. They were all released in the summer of 1983 and allowed to fly back to South Africa.
ERASMUS JOHNNY Born in Rhodesia he was a wizard with explosives. In 1968 he went to Biafra and fought under Robert Faulques and Rolf Steiner.
ERIKSON Went to the Congo in 1964 and fought under South African Mercenary Mike Hoare and the ANC, became Mike Hoare’s personal runner.
EVANS In 1964 went to the Congo to fight under the South African Mike Hoare and the ANC as a Medic.
EVANS COLIN Born in 1948 in England at the age of 17 he joined the Kings Own Yorkshire Light Infantry for 10 years. He saw active service in Aden and spent time in Northern Ireland, Germany and three months in Malaya. He then transferred to the Royal Corp of Transport and passed a basic B3 driver’s course with flying colours. Being sent to Munster in West Germany where he saw out his 10 years. Upon his discharge he took up long distance Truck driving. He fought in Angola in 1976 for the FNLA but was captured and imprisoned for 24 years.
FABRI Went to the Congo in 1964 and fought under the South African Mercenary Mike Hoare and the ANC.
FARMAN Fought in Angola in 1976 for the FNLA was a member of “Canada” Newbys last stand team.
FAULQUES ROBERT (RENE) An ex Legionnaire and Paratrooper one of the few French Paras to Survive a Vietnam prison Camp, an expert in counter revolutionary warfare. Went to Katanga with a group of French officers to help the Government, (the French were backing the Congo at the time). They were later recalled but Faulques stayed on and with the rank of Captain he was put in Command of the Mercenaries in Katanga in 1961. During the second battle of Katanga he had his head quarters set up in the town of kamiama. On the19th December 1961 a United Nations force of Ethiopians won a fight at the town of Miniere beating a Mercenary force commanded by Bob Denard. Tshombe had given orders to hold the town at all costs, this so infuriated Faulques that he left Katanga, swearing that he would never return and accept orders from Africans again. Politically it looked like the end of Tshombe and Katanga, but Denard and Puren stayed loyal and stayed on to fight.
In 1962 Faulques went to the Yemen to assist El Badr, leader of the Royalist Guerrilla group. Along with a few of his loyal Mercenaries who had fought under him in Katanga, Bob Denard was also with him for a time. In 1968 he went to Biafra and led the breakaway revolt with the assistance of Bob Denard and a group of Mercenaries.FLEMMING Went to the Congo in 1964 and fought under the South African Mercenary Mike Hoare and the ANC as a Captain.
FORSBERRY Went to Angola in 1964 and fought under South Africa Mike Hoare for the ANC, was made up to Lieutenant. Served in the 54th Commando.
FORSELL SVEN Austrian living in South Africa, a TV presenter and ex opera singer. In late 1979 while planning a TV documentary about Mercenaries was recruited by Mike Hoare and took part in the attempted coup of the Seychelles.
FORTUIN CECIL “SUTCH” UK citizen. (Half South African) Served in the British Parachute Regiment. He fought in Angola in 1976 for the FNLA. Was John Banks personal bodyguard, Banks left him behind to make up the number of Mercenaries that he had promised to deliver, but failed. Was captured and sentenced to 24 years in prison. In March 1984 along with all the other white Mercenaries was released from prison and returned to England.
FRANKLIN A Sergeant in 5 Commando in the Congo in 1964.
FRASER JOCK Possibly an alias, a Glaswegian seaman who was recruited by Steve Reynolds on “The Hilton Assignment” as a replacement skipper on the motor vessel “Conquistador X111”. For a raid to break out of a Libyan prison, scores of political prisoners who would then take part in an already in progress uprising to over throw Colonel Gadhaffi. As the boat was about to leave “Trieste Harbour on the day of the raid, the Italian Security forces stormed aboard and impounding the vessel, imprisoning Jock and four French crew members. The raid was called off and Jock was released from prison four weeks later.
FREEMAN BARRY Born in Manchester England and Served in the British Army. He fought in Angola in 1976 for the FNLA and was wounded. Back in England he was worried about retaliation against him, because of his part in the Maquela Massacre, he was one of the firing squad. Col Callan had some of his own troops executed because they fired on there own men, Freeman was force to be one of the firing squad. So in October 1976 he went to Rhodesia and joined a group of 700 Mercenaries helping the Rhodesian Army in fighting against incursions by Zanu Guerrillas.
FRITZ JOHAN In late 1979 he was recruited by Mike Hoare and took part in the attempted coup of the Seychelles. Unfortunately he was accidentally shot dead by his own men during the attack at the Airport. He was the only Mercenary killed during the coup being killed by his own men.
GAFFENKA Born in Germany a regular Army Corporal of the Federal Forces for many years. In 1964 he served under the South African Lt. Colonel Mike Hoare in the Congo fighting for the ANC. Obtaining the rank of Sergeant in the 52nd Commando unit under Lt. Von Lieres.
GALINO’S PAUL A Greek born in Rhodesia after the Second World War. Fought as an officer in the Greek army against the Communism of General Markos. He then became an Officer in the Rhodesian Army and later an Officer in Tshombe’s Katangese Army becoming the best soldier in the unit. He then fought under the Belgian Major Ptotin and later the South African Lt. Colonel Mike Hoare.
GARDIEN CHARLES Born in Belgium very anti Communist. Could always be found fighting where communism was trying to gain a foothold. Fought Nasser in the Yemin. Then in 1964 he was in the Congo fighting under the Belgian Major Protin and later the South African Lieutenant Colonel Mike Hoare, where he was put in command of the Volunteer Company of Mercenaries.
GARY Former English Army Sergeant (in his 50s in 1964) known as Sergeant Gary. Served under the South African Lt. Colonel Mike Hoare in the Congo in 1964 and was well liked by the African troops that he commanded.
GAWTHORP BRIAN He was a civilian cookwho fought in Angola in 1976 for the FNLA.
GAWTHORP VIC Brother of Brian Gawthorp rumoured to be a spy working for the British Special Branch. He fought in Angola in 1976 for the FNLA. He died in suspicious circumstances, one rumour has it, that he was not liked by a couple of Mercenaries who found out he was a spy, and working for M16. Another rumour has it that he was killed in the battle that wounded Col Callan and ultimately lead to his capture. Brian his brother claimed on his return to England that he had died of a heart attack due to the heat on 09.02.76 a story he told journalist Frank Branston.
GAY ALEXANDRER Born in Glasgow Scotland and Fought under Bob Denard at the Battle of Bakavu, after the town fell he crossed over the border into Rwanda. Where he was interned in a camp along with several 100 other Mercenaries, while the world Courts decided what to do with them. On the 4th April 1968 he was flown out of Rwanda along with all of the other white Mercenaries with there Passports stamped “Not Valid in Africa.” Later that same year he re-appeared in Biafra, fighting under Frenchman Robert Faulques getting out in 1969. He also spent a short time in the Sudan with the German Rolf Steiner who he had met in Biafra. Getting out of the Sudan before Steiner’s arrest. Some people believe that Frederick Forsyth based his character Channon, in his bestseller book “Dogs of War” on Alexandra Gay, but there are others who think that it might have been the Scotsman Taffy Williams whichever both had served in Biafra.
GEARHART DANIEL Born in 1942 in Kensingham Maryland USA. He fought in Angola in 1976 for the FNLA was captured on 14.02.76. and executed by firing squad.
GENOCIDE (A call sign) A South African recruited to fly for Nigeria against Biafra in 1967-68. He would upset the pilots on the relief runs into Biafra by repeating monotonously in a heavy accent on his radio, ‘Ullo, Ullo, this is “genocide” calling. Trying to unnerve them and turn them back, not wanting to shoot down fellow Mercenaries pilots. But by the end of the conflict this unwritten law had gone by the wayside and it became common to hear of relief aircraft being shot down, because gunning aircraft tagged on to the relief supply planes heading into Biafra.
GEORGIO COSTAS “Col CALLAN” Born in Cyprus in 1951 his family moved to England in 1963. Believed to be a cousin of Charlie Christodoulou (Shotgun Charlie, Captain Charlie) Served in the Parachute Regiment 1st Battalion and was the best all round recruit. Because of his all round fitness and good military abilities he was made bodyguard to the Commanding office. He Went to Northern Ireland, where with his friend Nick Hall would provoke the locals to riot by throwing stones at them. Then with friend Michael Wainhouse robbed a post office of 93 pounds they both received a 5 years prison sentence for this and a dishonourable discharge. He was the first English Mercenary to arrive in Angola (02.12.75). Having been recruited by Don Belford and Colin Taylor Based in Leeds England, being representatives of Holdern Robert’s FNLA (who was being backed by the CIA). Costas flew to Angola to make all the arrangements for himself and his three friends Nick Hall, Michael Wainwright and Charlie Christodoulou (all old friends from his Parachute Regiment days), to go to Angola. Later for work he had carried out on the battlefield Holdern Roberto gave him the rank of Col. He was not liked by his men because of his brutality and blood thirst ways. But at least he led by example. Upon his capture after being wounded in the leg, he was put on trial and executed. But not before he stood up in court and took full responsibility for all the men who had served under him, he was arrogant right to the end.
GERMANI HANS Dr Went to the Congo in 1964 and fought under the Belgium Captain Protin and later South African Mercenary Lt. Colonel Mike Hoare and the ANC. A very paunchy and rusty Doctor he attached himself to 5th Commando. He was also a writer, read “White Soldiers in Black Africa” (published by Nasionale Boekhandel Beperk). This is a slim vivid often-shocking account of Five Commando’s activities by the eccentric who later became their medical officer. Unfortunately it was published only in South Africa and is therefore rather difficult to obtain.
GILBERT Captain former Adjutant-Chef of the Legion, of the 1st REP French. He was at the Battle of Bakavu fighting under Jean Schramme and Bob Denard.
GINGER (Nickname) Recruited in 1976 by John Banks he served in Angola, was wounded along with the Infamous Col Callan, having his leg blown off. He died during the night through loss of blood. Callan also had a leg wound that led to his capture and being put on trial.
GLIBBERY PETER Was recruited by Tom Posey and sent along with John Davies to Nicaragua as Military Advisers in 1985 but they only made it as far as Costa Rica. Where they were arrested and found to be in possession of arms and money intended for the Contra Rebels.
GLUBB JOHN BAGOT Major General John Bagot Glubb. British soldier of Fortune known as “General Glubb Pasha”. Commanded the Jordanian Arab Legion an Elite six thousand man Bedouin Force. In 1948 with this Force he encircled the Israeli City of Jerusalem leaving only one safe roadway into the city open. This was the Jerusalem to Tel-Aviv main highway. The city was under virtual siege being bombarded daily, Glubb Pasha finally took the roadway. This was all the Israelis could take, so the American Soldier of Fortune fighter David “Mickey” Marcus was put in command and took over. The Israelis fought back bravely and retook the road, they also regained a lot of the Arab controlled parts of the city. Glubb Pasha had to retreat leaving Marcus in charge of over three-quarters of the city. Mickey was reward by being made up to Brigadier General. This was the only defeat that Glubb Pasha ever suffered.
GLYN BRIAN Was one of the great white hunters in Kenya, he met Mike Hoare and over the years they struck up a lasting friendship. In 1964 he went to the Congo and fought under Mike and the ANC being made Commanding Officer, but was wound and later died. He was only in the Congo for seven days.
GOATLEY CHARLES Helicopter pilot in the Rhodesian Air Force. In 1979 he was recruited by Mike Hoare and took part in the attempted coup of the Seychelles. After its failure he along with Mike Hoare and most of the other Mercenaries escaped by hijacking an Aircraft to South Africa where they were all put on trial. Charles received 5 years imprisonment, but was released in November 1984 after serving just over half his sentence.
GOFFIN Born in Belgium in 1964 he went to the Congo and with the rank of Captain he fought under the South African Mike Hoare in 5th Commando unit.
GONZALES PHILIP A family nurse practitioner spent two years as Special Forces medic in Vietnam. Ran a clinic for one year in the Republic of Panama, a Spanish linguist and photographer. In 1983 he fought in El Salvador.
GOOSENS MARC Was Flemish (born in Belgian) A Belgian Regular Army Officer. In 1964 he went to the Congo as Belgian’s Chief Adviser with the rank of Colonel assisting the ANC. In 1968 he went and fought in Biafra under the French Mercenary leader Robert Faulques, here he held the rank of Major. During an attack on Onitsha he was killed, his death being dramatically captured on film.
GORDON IAN Born approx. 1929 from Winchester England and the Rifle Brigade. Went to the Congo in 1964 and fought under the South African Mercenary Mike Hoare and the ANC, was made up to Captain, a very hard man. Hoare once said that he was the nearest thing to a perfect fighting man that he was ever to meet in the Congo.
GOULAY Born in Scotland in 1964 he obtained the rank of Sergeant Fighting under the South African Lt. Colonel Mike Hoare in the Congo for the ANC, stayed to the end of the conflict.
GRANT Born in Scotland served as an NCO in the Black watch. Volunteered as a Mercenary and went to Katanga in 1961 where he met up with Mike Hoare. Returned to the Congo in 1964 to fight under Mike Hoare once again and the ANC, obtained the rank of Lieutenant.
GRIFFIN “LUCKY” A Kenyan farmer from Al-Kalou. In 1964 he went to the Congo and fought under the South African Mercenary Mike Hoare and the ANC as a lieutenant.
GRIFFIN ROBIN Served under the South African Mercenary Mike Hoare as a Sergeant in the Congo in 1964.
GRIFFITH JOHN “STARS” Born in the UK known as “Griff”, “The Mole” or “Stars’ because of two star tattoos on his neck. He fought in Angola in 1976 for the FNLA having been recruited by John banks.
GRILLO GASTAVO Born in 1949 in Argentina lived in Newark New Jersey in the USA. Served in the US Marine Corp and is a Vietnam Veteran. He fought in Angola in 1976 for the FNLA. Was captured on the 14.02.76. and sentence to 30 years imprisonment in San Paolo prison Luanda, he was released along with Gary Acker in December 1982.
GROBBELAAR MARI From South Africa for many years owned a model farm near Golu. In 1964 he was a member of Mike Hoares 5th Commando unit in the Congo.
GROBLER MURRY Was a South African but was born and bred in the Congo. He fought under mike Hoare and the ANC as an Intelligence Officer.
GROBLER VOL In 1964 he went to the Congo and served under the South African Mercenary Mike Hoare and the ANC.
GURNELL “CURLY” Went to the Congo in 1964 and fought under the South African Mercenary Mike Hoare and the ANC.
GYURKITS SANDOR Born in Hungry became a Hungarian freedom fighter. Went to Katanga in 1961 as a pilot in the newly formed Air force. Became the hottest flyer of the prop driven planes, called the “Sputnik” because he had fought the Russians in the 1956 Budapest uprising.
HAGEN Born in Germany served as a NCO in the “SS” Division Gotz Van Berlichingen, holder of the Iron Cross and Sturmabzeichen. In 1964 he was a Sergeant in the 5th Commando unit serving under the South African Lt. Colonel Mike Hoare. He could always be seen wearing his German medals on his chest. Mike Hoare had given him permission to wear it.
HALL NICKOLAS MERVYN Known as Nick served in the British Parachute Regiment 1st battalion, with tours of duty in Northern Ireland, with his close friend Costas Georgiou (the famous Col Callan). When life was dull they would provoke the locals into riots by throwing stones at them. He also became bodyguard to his unit’s intelligence officer, graduating to intelligence work, following the movements of suspected terrorists. But he sympathised with the Protestants and was caught selling weapons to the Ulster Volunteer Force (an extreme group), for this he received a 2-year prison sentence and a dishonourable discharge. His political convictions were on the very right and he hated Communism. He fought in Angola in 1976 for the FNLA being one of the first to arrive along with his old friends from the Parachute Regiment days (Costas Georgiou, Michael Wainwright and Charlie Christodoulou). Costas flew to Angola to make arrangements for them all to return and fight. Nick had been the one who first made contact with Don Belford and Colin Taylor, two representatives of Roberto in England. But Costas had pushed his way in and took over. Later Nick Became Holdern Robert’s English recruiter of Mercenaries in the UK, also being a paymaster and having dealings with John Banks. He was one of the last British Mercenaries to leave Zaire. He was penniless with only the shirt on his back, after having been promised a 132,000-acre coffee plantation for his services to Angola. At least he survived his two friends “Col Callan” and “Shot Gun Charlie” both died.
HALLON-QUIST PER Flew for Von Rosens in the Congo he was piloting the plane that mysteriously crashed, killing all on board including Dag Hammarskjold the United Nations Representative. Von Rosens should have been flying the plane but was on business at the time.
HAMMOND Went to the Congo in 1964 and fought under the South African Mercenary Mike Hoare and the ANC as a Sergeant and was wounded in action.
HARCLERODE H. M.P.D. Ran a Company called “Donne Holdings” and was the Training Director. Formerly a Lt. in the Irish Guards then in Civilian life became an Officer in the 21st Special Air Service Territorial Army Volunteers based in London. Has made claims that his Company trained Col Gaddafi’s Body Guards.
HARPER BRUCE Twin brother to Wally Harper went to the Congo in 1964 and fought under the South African Mercenary Mike Hoare and the ANC. Was shot in the arm, later it was removed in Hospital.
HARPER WALLY Twin brother to Bruce Harper went to the Congo in 1964 and fought under the South African Mercenary Mike Hoare and the ANC.
HARRIS he fought in Angola in 1976 for the FNLA BUT he deserted with Jarman and was locked up in Zaire.
HARRISON TOM Sailed single handed from Australia in a 25-foot yacht “The Sundowner” to Durban South Africa where he docked along side Mike Hoare and struck up a friendship. Later in 1964 he went to the Congo where he fought under Mike for the ANC, he was made Quartermaster and later Sergeant in a Commando unit.
HART DAVE An explosive expert supposedly representative of a Geneva Based Intelligence operation. He fought in Angola in 1976 for the FNLA.
HASENFUS EUGENE From Marionette in the state of Wisconsin USA. A pilot recruited to fly and drop Arms to the Contras in Latin America. On the 5th October 1986 he was shot down by a ground launched missile, fired by Sandinistas troops in Southern Nicaragua and became the first American citizen to be captured by the Sandinistas in their war against the Contras. He was accused of being a CIA agent and also that he was a military adviser in El Salvador and had been assisting the government against left-wing guerrillas there. It was also claimed that scattered around the crash site the official Sandinistas communiqué spoke of 50,000 rounds of ammunition suitable for the AK-47, riffles carried by the Contras, (and also the Sandinistas as it happened), dozens of rifles, grenades and other sundry equipment. Though the details may perhaps be somewhat suspect, it is clear that the plane was indeed carrying arms and ammunition and that they were intended for the Contras. He was found guilty as charged but mysteriously released after ten weeks imprisonment and allowed to leave the country.
HEAN PETER Born approx.1949 a Major in the Rhodesian Light Infantry. In late 1979 he was recruited by Mike Hoare and took part in the Attempted coup of the Seychelles.
HEATON DAVID Born in 1946 in Plymouth England no Military experience, a civilian driver. He fought in Angola in 1976 for the FNLA. Was one of those killed in the Maquela Massacre.
HENDERSON KEITH Born in Liverpool England and served in the British Army. He fought in Angola in 1976 for the FNLA, he was a member of “Canada” Newbys last stand team on 14.02.76.
HENDRIKS MARCEL Went to the Congo in early 1964 and became the first man from Major Protin’s Column to be Killed, shot in the groin, attended by Hans Germani the then Medic.
HENRICK PATRICK In 1979 was recruited by Mike Hoare and took part in the attempted coup of the Seychelles.
HERZ FRIEDRICH He was a pilot in the German Luftwaffe went to Biafra in 1967 as a pilot flying a B-25 assisting the Biafans. Flying on several raids over Nigeria he flew along side “Kamikaze” Johnny Brown, who had fought against him during the Second World War. Brown was a Polish pilot who flew for the Poles and later the RAF.
HIDER RALPH Went to the Congo in1964 and fought under the South African Mercenary Mike Hoare and the ANC, was made up to Sergeant.
HIGGINS FRANK English and an Arms dealer. One such deal saw him involved with the sale of aircraft to Biafra, in their breakaway struggle against Nigeria and because of this he was unable to return to the United Kingdom.
Frank was also the supplier for “The Hilton Assignment” Steve Reynolds (possible alias) had made contact with him in 1970. The weapons came from Omnipol based in Prague the Czechoslovakian arms sales agency.HOARE THOMAS MICHAEL BERNARD Known as “Colonel Mad Mike” Born in Dublin in approx. 1919, he always kept his Irish Nationality and Passport. An Accountant by Profession he served in the London Irish and during the Second World War he went to the Far East on Earl Mountbattens Staff. He immigrated in 1947 at the age of 28 to Natal in South Africa. Where he became a sleeping partner (Jeremiah Puren was also a partner) in a used car business, an active safari organiser and secretary of the Royal Natal Yacht Club. In 1961 he left Durban and went to Katanga to help the Katangese army, but it seems he played a comparatively minor role. He had known Katanga from pre Independence safari expeditions days and the story goes that he was hired not as a Mercenary but as a freelance by a South African millionaire named Anderson who’s son had been reported missing in North Katanga, sometime in 1961. Hoare led an expedition of half a dozen Mercenaries out into the bush only to find that the missing son of a Scotsman had been ritually murdered by the Baluba. There upon Hoare ransacked and burnt the village of Kalamatadi. This seems to have been his only major exploit and he apparently left Katanga before the major battle that marked the end of the year 1961, the second battle of Katanga. In July 1964 after 4 years of uneasy independence, the Democratic Republic of the Congo was engulfed by an armed Rebellion, which spread through the Country with the speed and ferocity of a bush fire. The “Simbas,” the Rebel soldiers doped up with Heroin proceeded to strike terror into the hearts of civilians and national army alike, raping, looting and burning. Faced with this situation, Moise Tshombe on the advice of Jeremiah Puren (Puren had kept in touch with Tshombe during Tshombe’s exile in Spain) enlisted the aid of “Colonel Mike Hoare” and his National Army. Hoare flew into the Congo to Leo and was commissioned to raise a force of Mercenaries with himself as Commanding Officer. Before July 1964 he was virtually unknown, sixteen months later, when he retired he famous Mercenary leader in the world. The soldier who had swept the Congo clean of Savages, the man who made modern Mercenary soldiering briefly but confusingly respectable. Hoare became the ideal Mercenary leader, quiet-spoken, quietly confident, cool, collected, charming in manner, boyish in looks, dapper in uniform, every inch the English officer and a gentleman. In sixteen months Mike and his Army liberated “Stanleyville,” and freed hundreds of European hostages and finally restored law and order to the Congo. Mike led the 5th Commando from July 1964 to November 1965. Once called by an East Berlin broadcaster at the time, the “Mad Bloodhound Hoare” because of his persistence to pursue the enemy.
Mike was used as a Technical Advisor on the Film “Wild Geese” staring Richard Burton, Richard Harris, Roger Moore and a host of other top film stars. It is based on the Irish born Rhodesian-based Daniel Carneys novel. This film is very accurate in detail and well worth watching, the best mercenary film made to date. The name “White Geese’ comes from the Irish Mercenaries who used it years ago as there emblem. Hoare being of Irish decent also used it as his Emblem when he served in the Congo in 1964.
He recruited a band of men and attempted a coup of the Seychelles in the Indian Ocean, but it failed and he and most of his men escaped by hijacking an airliner back to South Africa. Where he was placed on trial along with his m