219pp., illus., map. paperback, 30 Degrees South Publishers, Durban, 2025
ISBN: 9781928359944
J. C. Olive was conscripted into the South African Defence Force in early 1986. In August 1987, after his basic training at the Potchefstroom Artillery School, he served as a driver with Sierra Battery, 61 Mechanised Battalion Group on the Lomba River, in southern Angola. From 1 January to 11 December 1987, Olive kept a diary, recording his daily experiences of months of continuous combat, including the SADF’s largest operation of the Border War, Operation Moduler.
J. C. Olive was born in 1964. After completing his military service he spent time travelling abroad. He currently lives in Pietermaritzburg.