Battle On The Lomba 1987: Witness a Legendary Showdown

Welcome to the historical retelling of the unforgettable Battle On The Lomba 1987, a clash of armies that shaped the course of war strategies forever. Prepare to delve into the depths of this epic conflict, where determination, bravery, and tactical prowess collided amidst the African landscape. Join us as we recount the events that unfolded during this awe-inspiring spectacle, where two military powerhouses clashed for supremacy.

The Prelude: Setting the Stage

Located in Angola, the Lomba River became a battleground marked by the ongoing civil war between the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA) and the People's Armed Forces for the Liberation of Angola (FAPLA). As the opposing forces sought control of strategic territories, the stage was set for a monumental encounter.

In the year 1987, UNITA, led by Jonas Savimbi, controlled the southeast portion of Angola, while FAPLA, under the leadership of General Ochoa, dominated the northwest region. With both factions eager to assert their strength and territorial control, the Lomba River became the focal point of their ambitions.

Battle on the Lomba 1987: Battle on the Lomba 1987

by David Mannall (Kindle Edition)

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	78093 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	607 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

The Battle Unfolds

On August 6, 1987, the Battle On The Lomba commenced with a swift and ferocious onslaught by FAPLA. Their well-equipped Soviet-trained forces advanced relentlessly, attempting to overpower UNITA's underdog army. FAPLA's objective was clear: to secure a foothold across the Lomba River, thus gaining a pivotal advantage in regional dominance.

However, UNITA was anything but ready to be defeated. Led by fearless commanders and hardened fighters, they devised a brilliant defensive strategy. Utilizing their extensive knowledge of the rugged terrain and employing guerrilla warfare tactics, UNITA aimed to repel FAPLA's advancing troops and secure their positions along the river.

As the battle intensified, the combatants unleashed a relentless storm of artillery fire, heavy machine gunfire, and tank assaults. The Lomba River ran red with the blood of the fallen, bearing witness to the tremendous sacrifices made by both sides.

The Battle's Turning Point

Amidst the chaos, UNITA's tenacity began to shine through. Their strategic ambushes and effective use of anti-tank weaponry inflicted heavy casualties on FAPLA, forcing them to regroup and reassess their approach.

With the Lomba River acting as a natural barrier, UNITA seized the opportunity to craft their counter-attack. As FAPLA attempted to secure river crossings, they were met with fierce resistance. UNITA's forces, now reinvigorated by their success, launched a relentless assault that pushed FAPLA back across the river. The tide was turning, and UNITA's valiant defense transformed into an unstoppable offensive.

A Legacy Carved in Valor

Days turned into weeks as the Battle On The Lomba waged on, turning the lush landscapes into a battleground of destruction. Both sides fought with unyielding determination, neither willing to surrender. The gallantry exhibited by soldiers on both fronts was nothing short of extraordinary.

By the end of the conflict, UNITA emerged victorious, successfully repelling FAPLA's advances and securing their positions along the Lomba River. The battle became a turning point in the Angolan civil war, demonstrating that a well-organized and determined force could overcome seemingly insurmountable odds.

Memories and Lessons

The Battle On The Lomba 1987 will forever be etched in history as a testament to the indomitable spirit of those who fought. The conflict highlighted the importance of tactical superiority, adaptability, and unwavering resolve. It also shed light on the devastating toll that war takes on both humans and the land it devastates.

It is through examining battles like these that we can remember the sacrifices made and learn from the lessons they offer. The Battle On The Lomba stands as a reminder that bravery, strategy, and the human spirit can shape the outcome of even the most formidable conflicts.

Join the Journey

Take a step back in time and immerse yourself in the riveting story of the Battle On The Lomba 1987. Experience firsthand the trials and triumphs of those who fought with unwavering courage. Prepare to be inspired by the resilience displayed by both sides and gain a deep appreciation for the human spirit's ability to overcome adversity. Embark on this journey and discover why the Battle On The Lomba 1987 will forever be etched in the annals of warfare history.

Battle on the Lomba 1987: Battle on the Lomba 1987

by David Mannall (Kindle Edition)

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	78093 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	607 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

A South African national serviceman recounts becoming a soldier and an ensuing David-and-Goliath face-off against Angolan armed forces in 1987.

The climactic death-throes of Soviet Communism during the 1980s included a last-gasp attempt at strategic franchise expansion in southern Africa. Channeled through Castro’s Cuba, oil-rich Angolan armed forces (FAPLA) received billions of dollars of advanced weaponry and thousands of armored vehicles. Their intent: to eradicate the US-backed Angolan opposition (UNITA), then push southwards into South Africa’s protectorate SWA/Namibia, ostensibly as liberators.

1985 saw the first large-scale mechanized offensive in southern African history. Russian Generals planned and oversaw the offensive but didn’t account for the tenacity of UNITA (supported by the South African Defense Forces, SADF) or the rainy season. The ‘85 offensive floundered in the mud, and FAPLA returned to their capital Luanda. The South Africans stood down, confident their “covert” support for UNITA had demonstrated the folly of prosecuting war so far from home against Africa’s military Superpower. However, they were mistaken. Fidel and FAPLA immediately redoubled their efforts, strengthening fifteen battalions with even more Soviet hardware while Russian and Cuban specialists oversaw troop training.

As Cuban and Angolan fighter pilots honed their skills over the skies of Northern Angola, David Mannall, a normal seventeen-year-old kid completing high school, was preparing for two years of compulsory military service before beginning Tertiary education. Through a series of fateful twists, he found himself leading soldiers in several full-scale armored clashes, including the largest and most decisive battle on African soil since World War II.

This is a David and Goliath story that has never been truthfully told. The author reveals how Charlie Squadron, comprising just twelve 90mm AFVs crewed by thirty-six national servicemen, as part of the elite sixty-one Mechanized Battalion, engaged and effectively annihilated the giant FAPLA 47th Armored Brigade in one day—3 October 1987. Their 90mm cannons were never designed as tank-killers, but any assurances that it would never be used against heavy armor were left in the classroom during the three-month operation and never more starkly than the decisive “Battle on The Lomba River.” The Communist-backed offensive died that day along with hundreds of opposition fighters.

47th Brigade survivors abandoned their remaining equipment, eventually joining the 59th Brigade in what became a full-scale retreat of over ten thousand soldiers to Cuito Cuanevale. The myth perpetuated by post-apartheid politicians goes something like this: “The SADF force that destroyed 47th Brigade on 3 October numbered 6,000 men and that all the hard yards were run by the long-suffering UNITA!” The inconvenient truth is that there were just 36 South African boys on the frontline that day, but it is also true to say they would never have achieved such a stunning victory without the support of many more. This is their story.