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Sunday Bloody Sunday: A Soldier's War in Northern Ireland, Rhodesia, Mozambique and Iraq
Gold is forged in fire. Men in the furnace of adversity…Step into the extraordinary life of Jake Harper-Ronald, a man whose childhood dream of becoming a soldier led him on an unparalleled journey. In 1966, he fulfilled his ambition as a conscript in the Royal Rhodesia Regiment, only to embark on a series of adventures that most soldiers can only imagine.From early days in the elite Parachute Regiment in the UK to his pivotal role as the official photographer during the infamous 'Bloody Sunday' in Northern Ireland, Jake's path was one of courage and resilience. He left an indelible mark on history, capturing iconic moments through his lens that still resonate today.Returning to Rhodesia in 1974, Jake's journey continued with the ultra-tough SAS and the Selous Scouts. His daring cross-border raids and contributions as a professional soldier showcased his unwavering commitment. Despite facing the trials of combat, he persevered, even transitioning to a top-secret Special Branch callsign and later joining Zimbabwe's Central Intelligence Organisation.Jake's remarkable story unfolded further as he operated as an intelligence agent for global powers such as South Africa, Britain, and the US. His path was not without challenges; accusations of treason led to his time in solitary confinement at Goromonzi Detention Centre.Undeterred, he emerged from adversity, and in 1989, MI6 enlisted his expertise to train and lead militias combating Renamo in Mozambique. His efforts were so impactful that his Special Forces unit was integrated into Mozambique's National Army.Witnessing the harrowing realities of Mozambique, Jake's journey came full circle as he returned to Zimbabwe and ventured into the private security sector and then on to private military contracting in Iraq. Despite his health declining, his resolve remained unshaken until his passing in 2007 at the age of 59.Immerse yourself in an incredible narrative of bravery, sacrifice, and tenacity as 'Sunday Bloody Sunday' chronicles the awe-inspiring life of Jake Harper-Ronald. This is more than a biography; it's a testament to the indomitable spirit of a true soldier and a captivating journey that will leave you inspired and in awe.Read It Now!
509 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2010
165 people are currently reading
168 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
December 21, 2023
A life well lived and told
A story of one man’s life in the 70 ‘s till the 90’s. Well told and recorded for anyone like me who lived through some of the same times and places it makes for some very sobering reading.
Jake had, I suppose, a hard but interesting life and his story is one that I am great full for the opportunity to have read about.
A story of one man’s life in the 70 ‘s till the 90’s. Well told and recorded for anyone like me who lived through some of the same times and places it makes for some very sobering reading.
Jake had, I suppose, a hard but interesting life and his story is one that I am great full for the opportunity to have read about.
September 6, 2023
This is by far the most interesting account of the Rhodesian war I have yet read . The story shows what the conflict was like and the politics. Jake doesn't blink away from the atrocities of all sides. Well worth a read if you have an interest in this conflict
November 10, 2024
This is a book about a man who was always THERE, or THERE adjacent, or knew the people who were right THERE.
From his days with 1 PARA during Operation Banner, to his time with the SAS and Selous Scouts Recce Troop, his time locked up in Goromonzi, to his final years in Mozambique and Iraq, Jake was really in the thick of it time and time again.
You'll see a lot of people talk about his overcoming adversity, his struggles, or focus on his actions and incidents, and it's all there, page after page. If you want to know what selection was like, the physical and mental toughness required, if you want to know what the contact and firefights, an interesting view of the Paras in NI, and SAS operations across the borders, this book has it in spades.
But what Budd was able to write about that sets this book apart, was the more personal aspects. His two marriages, his feelings toward Rhodesia as a nation, staying on and working for the new government in Zimbabwe and more. To read the chapter on the election night and about Mugabe's slaughter of the Matabele cuts right to the bone and is raw in its emotion. To read the chapter about his time in Goromonzi is incredibly difficult to read because of its detail and horrors. More importantly, Budd and Jake never shy away from the trauma and its effects on him after that. How much that changed him, how much he continued to suffer because of that.
This is a man who killed, who had so many friends killed, who saw atrocities, and isn't shy about talking about an incident that he was ashamed to have partaken in. And a man who stayed, even when so many others left, who knew his faults and admitted them while sometimes trying to blame the stresses of the job, but accepted much of the responsibility for the things he did.
Which is why that chapter on Goromonzi hits home so hard. As he succinctly put it, he was always willing to pay the price for the things he did, but to be tortured and destroyed in so many ways for something that someone else did, for something he was innocent of... that was too much to handle, too much to endure, and yet... he did. He survived, but surviving doesn't mean you aren't affected, don't carry the wounds and scars, and doesn't mean you are the same person you were before.
There is a lot to say about this book, and each section contains so much incredible info, so many good stories, and the writing is so fluid. From being a covert photographer and political shenanigans when he was with CIO and Special Branch, to the fireforce concept and what it was like fighting a war against all sides while heavily sanctioned. His experiences with the complexities of South Africa's machinations inside of Rhodesia/Zimbabwe, and how even his own former friends wanted him dead for staying behind all give you an incredibly vivid picture of his life and the world around him.
I'm really glad I grabbed this book, and reading it was definitely one of the highlights of this years group of books.
From his days with 1 PARA during Operation Banner, to his time with the SAS and Selous Scouts Recce Troop, his time locked up in Goromonzi, to his final years in Mozambique and Iraq, Jake was really in the thick of it time and time again.
You'll see a lot of people talk about his overcoming adversity, his struggles, or focus on his actions and incidents, and it's all there, page after page. If you want to know what selection was like, the physical and mental toughness required, if you want to know what the contact and firefights, an interesting view of the Paras in NI, and SAS operations across the borders, this book has it in spades.
But what Budd was able to write about that sets this book apart, was the more personal aspects. His two marriages, his feelings toward Rhodesia as a nation, staying on and working for the new government in Zimbabwe and more. To read the chapter on the election night and about Mugabe's slaughter of the Matabele cuts right to the bone and is raw in its emotion. To read the chapter about his time in Goromonzi is incredibly difficult to read because of its detail and horrors. More importantly, Budd and Jake never shy away from the trauma and its effects on him after that. How much that changed him, how much he continued to suffer because of that.
This is a man who killed, who had so many friends killed, who saw atrocities, and isn't shy about talking about an incident that he was ashamed to have partaken in. And a man who stayed, even when so many others left, who knew his faults and admitted them while sometimes trying to blame the stresses of the job, but accepted much of the responsibility for the things he did.
Which is why that chapter on Goromonzi hits home so hard. As he succinctly put it, he was always willing to pay the price for the things he did, but to be tortured and destroyed in so many ways for something that someone else did, for something he was innocent of... that was too much to handle, too much to endure, and yet... he did. He survived, but surviving doesn't mean you aren't affected, don't carry the wounds and scars, and doesn't mean you are the same person you were before.
There is a lot to say about this book, and each section contains so much incredible info, so many good stories, and the writing is so fluid. From being a covert photographer and political shenanigans when he was with CIO and Special Branch, to the fireforce concept and what it was like fighting a war against all sides while heavily sanctioned. His experiences with the complexities of South Africa's machinations inside of Rhodesia/Zimbabwe, and how even his own former friends wanted him dead for staying behind all give you an incredibly vivid picture of his life and the world around him.
I'm really glad I grabbed this book, and reading it was definitely one of the highlights of this years group of books.
November 26, 2025
The narrator, Jake, had a really action-packed life.
Since young age, living in Rhodesia, he only wanted to be a soldier.
He joined Rhodesian Army as part of National Service.
After a girl trouble, he immigrated to UK doing odd jobs and then join Para in British Army.
He had a firsthand experience of the Trouble in N Ireland.
In fact, he claimed most of the photographs of Bloody Sunday was taken by him, he took these photos for intel purposes.
In 1974, moved back to his home country and took part in Rhodesian Bush War - first in Rhodesian SAS later in Selous Scout.
Most of the operations he described in this book, I have already read in other books, but grunt eye view of his provide another perspective for me.
He frankly talked about his & his wife infidelities during that time.
At the closing days of Bush War, he involved briefly with a shadowy SB unit.
Ironically after Robert Mugabe came to power and Rhodesia became Zimbabwe, most of his brother in arms moved to South Africa and joined SADF, but he remained in Zimbabwe and joined CIO. This caused a lot of griefs for him from both sides.
CIO, Central Intelligence Organization, was a kind of like combination of FBI & CIA. It was a left-over service from Rhodesian days and surprisingly even though now under new black management the CIO continue to operate more or less the old way. They tend to be more friendly on Western intelligence services. CIO even spied on Communist blocks countries on behalf of MI6 & CIA.
For me Jake's times in CIO is the most interesting episodes in this book.
However, those transition days were hard on Jake. He was viewed by his former friends as a sell out and his new college as a possible South African spy. Due to that reason he was detained in a horrendous way for a few month by his new masters. Even though he was later cleared and allow to continue his work in CIO his resentments grew. He decided to work for South African Intelligence. Even though he works for SA now, that was a secret, and he was still under death threats from his former friends.
Later when he knew his double life became untenable, he quit CIO and worked as a security chief for a foreign company in Mozambique. There he was to go against armed bandits. He only refers to them as bandits, I think they are RENAMOs. Anyway, it was also a bloody mess as usual.
As a last gig he worked as a security contractor in a PMC in Iraq.
It was a long read but very interesting read.
I wonder how much of the facts are true.
To really enjoy this book, it would be better if you have some fore knowledge of conflicts in Southern Africa during 70s and 80s.
Since young age, living in Rhodesia, he only wanted to be a soldier.
He joined Rhodesian Army as part of National Service.
After a girl trouble, he immigrated to UK doing odd jobs and then join Para in British Army.
He had a firsthand experience of the Trouble in N Ireland.
In fact, he claimed most of the photographs of Bloody Sunday was taken by him, he took these photos for intel purposes.
In 1974, moved back to his home country and took part in Rhodesian Bush War - first in Rhodesian SAS later in Selous Scout.
Most of the operations he described in this book, I have already read in other books, but grunt eye view of his provide another perspective for me.
He frankly talked about his & his wife infidelities during that time.
At the closing days of Bush War, he involved briefly with a shadowy SB unit.
Ironically after Robert Mugabe came to power and Rhodesia became Zimbabwe, most of his brother in arms moved to South Africa and joined SADF, but he remained in Zimbabwe and joined CIO. This caused a lot of griefs for him from both sides.
CIO, Central Intelligence Organization, was a kind of like combination of FBI & CIA. It was a left-over service from Rhodesian days and surprisingly even though now under new black management the CIO continue to operate more or less the old way. They tend to be more friendly on Western intelligence services. CIO even spied on Communist blocks countries on behalf of MI6 & CIA.
For me Jake's times in CIO is the most interesting episodes in this book.
However, those transition days were hard on Jake. He was viewed by his former friends as a sell out and his new college as a possible South African spy. Due to that reason he was detained in a horrendous way for a few month by his new masters. Even though he was later cleared and allow to continue his work in CIO his resentments grew. He decided to work for South African Intelligence. Even though he works for SA now, that was a secret, and he was still under death threats from his former friends.
Later when he knew his double life became untenable, he quit CIO and worked as a security chief for a foreign company in Mozambique. There he was to go against armed bandits. He only refers to them as bandits, I think they are RENAMOs. Anyway, it was also a bloody mess as usual.
As a last gig he worked as a security contractor in a PMC in Iraq.
It was a long read but very interesting read.
I wonder how much of the facts are true.
To really enjoy this book, it would be better if you have some fore knowledge of conflicts in Southern Africa during 70s and 80s.
January 13, 2024
The subject has led an extraordinary life, full of adventure and sacrifice - credit to him.
Unfortunately for me the book is 200 pages too long, I would also question the misleading title - only 10% of the book deals with his time in Northern Ireland and Bloody Sunday.
Overall, I enjoyed it in parts but found it largely repetitive with the time spent in the various forms of special services in the south of Africa.
2.5 stars
Unfortunately for me the book is 200 pages too long, I would also question the misleading title - only 10% of the book deals with his time in Northern Ireland and Bloody Sunday.
Overall, I enjoyed it in parts but found it largely repetitive with the time spent in the various forms of special services in the south of Africa.
2.5 stars
October 29, 2025
Awesome pictorial companion to an an awesome book
I loved the orivinal book. So much so that I've bought it several times as a gift. I have the original and the newer edition. The original had some great photos but this pictorial edition is amazing. Buy this if you have any interest in soldiering, kit, history, or Rhodesia.
I loved the orivinal book. So much so that I've bought it several times as a gift. I have the original and the newer edition. The original had some great photos but this pictorial edition is amazing. Buy this if you have any interest in soldiering, kit, history, or Rhodesia.
September 26, 2023
long read
As much as I enjoyed the stories &t he life of a man who had many journeys & adventures, I did struggle to keep up with who was who & what was happening at times.
The book in itself is a very long read & I struggled to concentrate on its characters.
As much as I enjoyed the stories &t he life of a man who had many journeys & adventures, I did struggle to keep up with who was who & what was happening at times.
The book in itself is a very long read & I struggled to concentrate on its characters.
May 20, 2024
Great insights into history
I thoroughly enjoyed the book. The book is insightful and has expanded my knowledge on the troubles in Northern Ireland and the slow demise of Rhodesia. Highly recommended.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book. The book is insightful and has expanded my knowledge on the troubles in Northern Ireland and the slow demise of Rhodesia. Highly recommended.
January 20, 2024
2.5 stars. Due to this being a long read. I was disappointed that the troubles in NI only contributed to around 10% of the total book, given the title.
February 3, 2024
a really interesting book. it was not a part of history i knew much about but i know a lot more now
March 3, 2024
Very long
The Para chapters were very interesting, thereafter some prior knowledge of the political situation in southern Africa would be useful.
One for the military enthusiast.
The Para chapters were very interesting, thereafter some prior knowledge of the political situation in southern Africa would be useful.
One for the military enthusiast.
April 19, 2025
Outstanding
With so many books about ex military personnel, it was a breath of fresh air to read about Jake's life and his exploits.
With so many books about ex military personnel, it was a breath of fresh air to read about Jake's life and his exploits.
January 30, 2024
excellent read
Highly recommend this book. Awesome story of a true soldier. Actioned packed from cover to cover. This guys story is amazing
Highly recommend this book. Awesome story of a true soldier. Actioned packed from cover to cover. This guys story is amazing
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews