Military Model Scene

Title: Sanctuary Lost
Author: Matthew M. Hurley & Jose Augusto Matos
Publisher: Helion & Co
ISBN: 978-1-914059-99-5

Number 59 in the Africa @ War series from Helion & Co, examining Portugal's Air War for Guinea 1961-1974. A 92-page soft-cover book in the usual style for the series, and in this case the first volume, covering Outbreak & Escalation, 1961-1966. In terms of research and references, I was struck by the use of no less than 19 pages at the end of the books to list a Bibliography and extensive notes on the text.
This first half of the story is spread over 5 sections. It starts with some historical background of Portugal's involvement in Guinea (now Guinea-Bissau) and adds the context of what was happening in the world at the time, of the 1950's to early 1960s and the growing calls for nationalism in states which were still under the control of various European powers, effectively a withdrawal from Empire. Portugal had plenty of internal problems, but used their overseas territories as a way of maintaining support at home. The chapter takes its' heading from the famous 'Winds of Change' speech by Harold MacMillan in 1960. The Nationalist organisation in Guinea was known as the PAIGC (Partido Africana de Independencia da Guine e Cabo Verde). The second chapter the aircraft operated by the Portuguese Air Force (FAP), types which were a mix of some which were left overs from WW2, while others were the early jets which were leading some great changes in aviation technology, also common during this period. We are taken through various issues for aircraft operations in Guinea, including having only one paved runway, through plenty of additional but rough strips around the country. There were plenty of issues, such as maintenance and the availability of aircrew among others which are set out. The war itself is said to have started in July 1963, when the PAIGC launched serious attacks on a number of Portuguese army outposts. The terrain of the country caused serious problems for ground forces, but ideal for guerrilla operations. The importance of air support is clear, and we are taken through the series of events as the PAIGC was put under pressure in parts of the country and had to readjust their strategy as airpower, including the use of helicopters, forced them to look for anti-aircraft defences. At this stage in the conflict these were small arms fire, along with heavier weapons including the 12.7mm DShK and 14.5mm ZSU series. The detailed text has the addition of plenty of tables detailing aircraft types and numbers, a lot of archive images plus the central colour section with excellent colour artwork profiles, plus some colour photos and map.
This is an interesting read and a story which has been largely overlooked as the events in Angola (another Portuguese colony) and Vietnam attracted much more attention. So much history to learn and this is another good addition to the Africa @ War series of books. For aircraft modellers there is a really good mix of aircraft types involved, and with the thought of making models in Portuguese markings will I think make a very tempting theme for a 'different' collection group.
Thanks to Helion & Co for the review copy.

Robin