Copper Wings

"... well-written and every bit the quality expected of a Helion publication. For those interested in one part of the very complex story of Africa's transition from colonial holdings to independent countries and the role of a really unique form of airpower, these two volumes are well worth reading." - The Journal of the Air Force Historical Foundation
Lacking funding to purchase and operate own aircraft, the Rhodesian police established the British South Africa Police Reserve Air Wing (PRAW). Equipped with private aircraft, mostly flown by owner pilots, this extended policing across a country that had few roads, reaching remote villages and farms, separated by long distances. Established in 1967, the PRAW assisted in the capture of criminals, transported police officers, and flew in support of police operations. During the 1960s, it was expanded into three flights with more than 20 aircraft: all of these saw gradually intensifying operations as the war in Rhodesia escalated.
Based on extensive use of official documentation and participant recollections alike, and richly illustrated, Copper Wings: British South Africa Police Reserve Force Air Wing Volume 1 is the first operational history of the service from its establishment in 1967, until 1974.

Guy Ellis is an aviation historian who has written many articles and is the author of, amongst others, Serve to Save - The South African Air Force at Sea and Britain's Jet Age Volumes 1 and 2.