The South African Border War - Mines, Mines did I say mines?
PLAN or the armed wing could not compete with the SADF militarily so it resorted to mining warfare.
By - http://www.dodmedia.osd.mil/Assets/1987/Marines/DM-ST-87-01574.JPEG, Public Domain, Link
With thousands of kilometers of dirt roads and long quiet nights, it was impossible to clear the roadways of mines.
South Africa resorted to using Mine proof vehicles with V shaped hulls to deflect explosions from underneath.
The Buffel (or buffalo)was used by the military.
Police favored the Caspir.
Public Domain, Link
Troops would also walk out upfront to look for tracks and signs of activity.
The ocupants were strapped in and protected during the explosion, but we can't say the same for the vehicle.
Anti tank mines like the one in the top picture would often leave huge craters.
In this picture you can sees the seat belts for each occupant.
this one took a hit from something other than a mine.
img source
Below we see a follow up operation with "bushmen" trackers leading the way.
PLAN's tactic was sometimes to lay anti-personnel mines parallel to their anti-tank mines to kill policemen or soldiers either engaging in preliminary mine detection or inspecting the scene of a previous blast.
Previous posts in this series can be found at the bottom of this post:
The South African Border War - 1976, The end of a chapter and the beginning of a new phase.
The use of land mines is hurrendious, armies can cope to some degrees however the local population can be devestated by the unexploded devices many years after.
Landmines are horrific devices that have killed and maimed thousands of people in Africa especially Angola. The sad part is that most of the victims are children and young productive people. I hope producers of these mines have heeded the ban and are not manufacturing them anymore. Meanwhile there are still some non-detonated ones lying in wait.
Yeah lets get rid of them!
Extraordinary photographs and intriguing history. I loved the amazing way they concoct the V molded structures, that is extremely cunning.
Well,, this is the type of mine you wouldn't wish to deal with unlike the mine that is very popular in the crypto world right now.
Great photos and interesting history. I liked how they come up with the V shaped hulls, thats very clever.
Yes you right
@gavvet - The very first picture of the exposed mine sent shivers down my spine. Have read a lot about lost limbs and lives in various minefields (notably Afghanistan) around the world. The Buffel is an interesting vehicle. Was this manufactured by DCD company by any chance?
I collaborated with DCD on a project couple of years ago. Remember having seen their military/police vehicle division and it had some interesting personnel carriers. Wonder if they did some of those Buffels or Caspirs.?
Thank you for this perspective on mines and vehicles. Helps enrich our knowledge on the dangers of mines and their historic use. Full upvoted.
@gavvet,
Land mines, that's a horrible dream for peace makers! And also for soldiers as well. My country was at a huge terrorism war and we could eliminate that terra group few years ago! But we are still not rescued entire country by mines that used in that war times.
I heard something like, terra group was sent group of cattle to the battle field before they attack while we were at the war. By using that trick they could get two benefits!
#1. Attention goes for cattle
#2. Mines will blow while the group of cattle are going on it
basically, they are clearing the path! So by using that Buffel they did the same thing. And my country purchased those Buffels from South Africa during that war times as well! But as you said, anti tank miners can blow them too!
Great article and great writing! A lot of people don't know about those wars and how countries built on! So really appreciate your effort of sharing your knowledge with us!
Cheers~
@gavvet - oh my goodness, mines are too much dangerous. And very hard to track them. A lots of people die just after wars due to mines. Lovely article & feel like a historical lesson we could read about bloody wars. Therefore, I wish to ReSteem your post.
+W+ [UpVoted & ReSteemed]
I lived in cambodia for 7 years and it remains the 2nd most landmined country after afghanistan. I can tell you the fear you have to live with. 5 meters out of the main lane and there is every chance that you could be walking in a mine field.
Always the long term tragedy...
Maybe that could be a potential use of robots.
Could never be sure what you are walking
This has left many areas desolate
Fear associated with mines is even greater than that of gun
Guess is even difficult to clear a land full of mines easily
Thanks for learning post