Operation Vanity
| Operation Vanity | |
|---|---|
| Part of the ZIPRA | |
| Date | 25โ26 February 1979 |
Operation Vanity was a Rhodesian military operation in Angola with clandestine assistance from the South African Air Force (SAAF) during the Rhodesian Bush War. The Rhodesian Air Force planned a retaliatory raid against a ZIPRA camp in Angola after a second Air Rhodesia Viscount was shot down on 12 February 1979.[1]: 157
Operation
In retaliation for the downing of an
The flight of seven bombers took off at 06h30 on 26 February 1979 headed for the target, which was located 1,100 kilometres (680 mi) to the north-west.
Aftermath
Having attacked the target successfully, the bombers returned to Rhodesia, the SAAF bombers to Flyde near Hartley while the RhAF bombers flew back to Victoria Falls with one 1000 lb bomb before refueling and joining the SAAF aircraft.[2]: Chp5 Photographic evidence captured by a SAAF bomber showed the camp was occupied and there were anti-aircraft guns.[2]: Chp5 It was said[by whom?] 160 ZIPRA soldiers died and another 530 were wounded.[1]: 157
References
- ^ ISBN 9781848845220.
- ^ ISBN 9781908916624.
Further reading
- Lord, Dick (2012). From Fledgling to Eagle. The South African Airforce during the Border War (Kindle ed.). Solihull, England: Helion & Company. ISBN 9781908916624.
- Moorcraft, Paul; McLaughlin, Peter (2011). The Rhodesian War. A Military History (3rd ed.). Barnsley, South Yorkshire: Pen & Sword Military. ISBN 9781848845220.
See also