The War Diaries Archives - Page 3 of 5

The War Diaries

Antonio Garcia served as a combat engineer in the SANDF. He is now a civil servant with experience as a researcher at Stellenbosch University, lecturer at Durham University, and tutor at the Open University.

Max Lauker served in the Swedish Armed Forces from 2002 to 2018, including roles in special operations and intelligence. He led numerous covert missions in Africa and the former Eastern Bloc. Now, he works in the private security sector, focusing on intelligence.

Both of them, the authors of the book Number 788 bring you their War Diaries, a column where they explore contemporary warfare, reflect on past conflicts, ask questions related to the future of war, and discuss many other aspects of war and warfare. Read their stories, leave comments, and join the discussion.

Using ‘Whiteness’: Defeating the Apartheid Intelligence System (I)

Following the Rivonia Trial in 1964, the leadership of the African National Congress (ANC) and its armed wing Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK) were either in prison serving life sentences or in exile. Their underground organisation was crushed. The mass organisations of the African people were banned. A young saboteur from Durban, Ronnie Kasrils, was tasked by Oliver Tambo with finding a way to carry out propaganda exercises in South Africa keeping the name of the ANC alive while they regrouped and reorganised.

Past, Present & Future The War Diaries

Combat Trauma – A Not-So-New Phenomenon

Before the launch of Number 788 and conscious of the impacts of conflict and trauma especially those caused by war, and other military operations, your war diarists wanted to publish a column on combat trauma & PTSD.

Past, Present & Future The War Diaries

The Dawn of the Special Purpose Units & the International Ranger Platoon

This was the dawn of the International Ranger Platoon that formed the embryo of the future Swedish Special Forces.

News Past, Present & Future The War Diaries

Ukraine: Managing in Times of War

‘What is next for you Tony’, Kostia asks. Almost an impossible question, he opens up an unending possibility of answers.

Past, Present & Future The War Diaries

A Snap Shot of War from the Diaries and Letters of Generals and Soldiers

Our reflections on war are captured in different ways. The diaries of generals often read like the works of ancient Greek heroes. Brimming with purpose and almost unconscious of the human cost, they sometimes win and often lose, crushed by the Herculean weight that they try to lift.