Once A Warrior

By: Robert Smith

Narrated by: Virtual Voice

“I don’t know if it was the shouts, the gunfire, the dogs barking or a combination of all three which woke me, but the shock was such that I almost fell out of bed in my haste to rejoin the conscious. I was naked, save for the pair of shorts I always wore in bed, and had no time to dress. I didn’t bother with the light. As I awkwardly pushed my feet into the pair of flip-flops, I grabbed for the pistol belt. I heard my father shout something while I was fumbling to fasten the belt around my waist. My bedroom door suddenly opened. My god! The terrs are in the house?! I was reaching, pseudo quick draw style, for the .45 when my father appeared in the doorway. “Quick!” He shouted. “We’re under attack!” We both knew he had no further need to expand. The defence plan would swing into operation with immediate effect. I scooped up the AK-47 which was propped against the side table then hobbled into the corridor. I could hear gunfire outside, lots of it, some of it close. Bloody hell! Had the terrs broken into the compound?”……….

Rhodesia 1978. The son of a farmer was witness to the horrors of a terrorist war which was raging all around him. He wanted to play his part in the defence of his country and its people but disability meant he was rejected for military service. While many people would have quietly accepted their lot, this young man refused to roll over and play dead. ‘Once A Warrior’ is a remarkable story of how one young man decided he wasn’t going to allow his disability or the authorities to stop him from taking on the terrorists on the field of battle. It’s a tale of heroism and humility, triumph over adversity and a reminder that the human spirit is all conquering. In a book which reads in the very best traditions of the adventure novel, the author takes the reader by the scruff of the neck and propels them headlong into those most dangerous of times. Uncompromising and sometimes brutal, be prepared for an edge of the seat ride.

Interesting story

I enjoyed the personal perspective of living in Rhodesia during the 1970s. Would’ve loved to see photos of the battle bus. Performance is only three stars because it’s an AI voice, which isn’t too bad but not great.

RIP Rhodesia

This book is another example of the strength of the Rhodesian people and the love they had for their great country.

We in the west are all Rhodesian now. Don’t let the same thing happen to your country.

Farming in the late 70’s

The courage of the farmers at that period .
The author and his family with their devoted staff and trying to survive during that period.