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  • A Handful of Hard Men

  • The SAS and the Battle for Rhodesia
  • By: Hannes Wessels
  • Narrated by: Jack Chekijian
  • Length: 12 hrs and 17 mins
  • 4.4 out of 5 stars (212 ratings)

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A Handful of Hard Men cover art

A Handful of Hard Men

By: Hannes Wessels
Narrated by: Jack Chekijian
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Publisher's Summary

It is difficult to find another soldier's story to equal Captain Darrell Watt's in terms of time spent on the field of battle and challenges faced. Even by the lofty standards of the SAS and Special Forces, one has to look far to find anyone who can match his record of resilience and valor in the face of such daunting odds and with resources so paltry.

In the fight, he showed himself to be a military maestro. A bush-lore genius, blessed with uncanny instincts and an unbridled determination to close with the enemy, he had no peers as a combat-tracker (and there was plenty of competition). But the Rhodesian theater was a fluid and volatile one in which he performed in almost every imaginable fighting role.

After 12 years in the cauldron of war, his cause slipped from beneath him, and Rhodesia gave way to Zimbabwe. When the guns went quiet, Watt had won all his battles but lost the war. In this fascinating biography, we learn that in his twilight years, he is now concerned with saving wildlife on a continent where they are in continued danger and devoting himself to both the fauna and African people he cares so deeply about.

©2015 Hannes Wessels (P)2017 Tantor

What listeners say about A Handful of Hard Men

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Excellent story, average performance

Whilst I found the story an amazing account of bravery and sacrifice, the performance is slow. If you buy this audio book you can overcome this by placing it on 1.25 speed. It will then become bearable.

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5 people found this helpful

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The worst ever!

This has been without doubt one of the worst audio books I have listened to. The narrator was so far away from the story it was almost impossible to relate to the narrative.

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3 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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True Legends

brilliant portrayal of unsung hero. brings new insights into both the military and political history and events of that time. An emotional read.

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3 people found this helpful

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    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Pronounciation aweful.

The pronounciation of many of the names and places was incorrect and aweful.
Otherwise the rest of the reading was really clear and great.

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1 person found this helpful

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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Great book. Terribly read

Sorry, but a bit of research on pronounciation of the basic words from Southern Africa, like veld, kopjie and many others would have reduced the irritation I felt while listening to,what was, an rather excellent book in content.

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1 person found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Hard men indeed

An eye opening account for the battle of Rhodesia. Narrator could do some research into pronunciations though

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Love it

I love this.
I’ve gone through countless sleep apps, with limited success.

I sleep like a baby listening to this.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Epic story of true legends and failure of politicians

This book never ceases to amaze and fill you with respect for the skill, bravery and integrity of these men.

I learnt a lot of the hidden history of Rhodesia and the treachery of British politicians.

A must audio book to listen to.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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A riveting story.

The little known history of Rhodesia. I highly recommend this for those interested in the history of post colonial Africa.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Incredible accounts from Rhodesia’s battles

Great insight into history of Rhodesia, had no idea prior to listening. Incredible stories from the SAS

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