Ray, B. Dangerous Frontiers. Campaigning in Somaliland & Oman

Since the Second World War British soldiers have been continuously involved in small wars many of which, largely for political reasons, have received little or no publicity. Dangerous Frontiers is a gripping personal memoir of soldiering in two hot and hostile areas of the world. In Part 1 the author describes his life as a young officer in the Somaliland Scouts in the (then) British Protectorate of Somaliland. At that time tribal quarrels, generally over water, were taking place in the Ogaden, that troubled strip of country between the Protectorate and Ethiopia. It was the Scouts' difficult task to keep the warring clansmen apart. His account gives a rare and vivid account of a nineteen-year-old in command of Somali troops in a fascinating and unpredictable country.The second and longer part of the book deals with the Author's second period of service with Muslims a quarter of a century later. This time it is in Dhofar, the Southern Province of Oman, where he was commanding the Northern Frontier Regiment of the Sultan's Armed Forces in a limited but fierce war against Communist insurgents. He describes, with great modesty, how the tide was turned against a brave and ruthless enemy fighting on their home ground among the savage wadis and cliffs of the jebel.Dangerous Frontiers will appeal to a wide audience, including those interested in military history and in these two little known areas - the Horn of Africa and Southern Oman. The affection and respect that existed mutally between the handful of British officers and their Muslim soldiers stands out in both campaigns. This fascinating memoir is written with humour and a clear understanding of other cultures and throws new light on little known conflicts that took place before the advent of 24 hour news coverage.

The reader learns about how British and domestic troops worked together, how the British soldiers had to "make friends" with the difficult climatic and geographical conditions and how the soldiers from northern Europe coped with the foreign culture and mentality of their allies and opponents.