Dangerous Frontiers: Campaigning in Somaliland and Oman

Ray, Colonel Bryan

ISBN 10: 1848848579 / ISBN 13: 9781848848573

Published by Pen & Sword Military, 2012

About this Item

Most items will be dispatched the same or the next working day. An apparently unread copy in perfect condition. Dust cover is intact with no nicks or tears. Spine has no signs of creasing. Pages are clean and not marred by notes or folds of any kind.

Seller Inventory # wbs4197588415

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Dangerous Frontiers: Campaigning in Somaliland and Oman
• Publisher: Pen & Sword Military
• Publication Date: 2012
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1848848579
• ISBN 13: 9781848848573
• Binding: Soft cover
• Condition: Like New

About this title

Synopsis

Since the Second World War British soldiers have been continuously involved in small wars many of which, largely for political reasons, have received little or no publicity. Dangerous Frontiers is a gripping personal memoir of soldiering in two hot and hostile areas of the world. In Part 1 the author describes his life as a young officer in the Somaliland Scouts in the (then) British Protectorate of Somaliland. At that time tribal quarrels, generally over water, were taking place in the Ogaden, that troubled strip of country between the Protectorate and Ethiopia. It was the Scouts' difficult task to keep the warring clansmen apart. His account gives a rare and vivid account of a nineteen-year-old in command of Somali troops in a fascinating and unpredictable country.The second and longer part of the book deals with the Author's second period of service with Muslims a quarter of a century later. This time it is in Dhofar, the Southern Province of Oman, where he was commanding the Northern Frontier Regiment of the Sultan's Armed Forces in a limited but fierce war against Communist insurgents. He describes, with great modesty, how the tide was turned against a brave and ruthless enemy fighting on their home ground among the savage wadis and cliffs of the jebel.Dangerous Frontiers will appeal to a wide audience, including those interested in military history and in these two little known areas - the Horn of Africa and Southern Oman. The affection and respect that existed mutally between the handful of British officers and their Muslim soldiers stands out in both campaigns. This fascinating memoir is written with humour and a clear understanding of other cultures and throws new light on little known conflicts that took place before the advent of 24 hour news coverage.

About the Author

Colonel Bryan Ray MBE is now retired and living near Shepton Mallet, Somerset. He was decorated by the Sultan of Oman for his command of the Northern Frontier Regiment.