The New Mercenaries

by Siegfried Mueller

"It is a strange fate for these mercenaries, rejected by the world, slandered by the civilized, who silently swallow the dust of these bush tracks with the memory of the unbearable image of their fellow travelers lying for eternity under the Congolese earth."

Grueling battles against a sadistic yet cowardly enemy summarize the fights against the Maoist-inspired Simba rebels during the Congo Crisis. Spearheaded by a band of mercenaries, this crusade was waged all across the Congo from 1964-1965. They fought with the intention to rid these cannibalistic Communists from the nation and to protect the many missionaries, priests, nuns, and common folk caught in this Eastern Bloc ploy. This is where we find Siegfried Mueller. Leader of the 52 Commando.

Genres: Africa, Military Fiction, History

139 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1965

Reviews

[Bobby Daugherty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting to read about the Simba rebellion from another one of the combatants. Mueller had fought on the Eastern front against the communist. He was demonized by the media as a "Nazi", but he understood the Congo better than the numerous critics that never enter the bush. His observations of the culture and environment are buried in details of rescue missions, pay delays, division politics, etc.

[Chuckdee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting reflections of a soldier, born and raised in nazi Germans, and continuing to use his talents in “de-colonizing “ Congo of the ‘60s.

This edition is a very interesting translation- written in German, translated to French then from French to English- with original writings from 55 years ago. So be prepared to scratch your head at how some passages read…

That being said, much of what he wrote here especially about the contentment’s importance, as well as China’s is relevant today.

[Fleeting-Improvized Man · Rating 4 out of 5]

A case study in subversive warfare and communist psychological operations. Surprisingly relevant to today in many ways.

This book is translated from German to French, and then French to English, which leads to some odd phrasings.

Still, a poetic quality shines through, as this is also a story of Congolese self-determination through political and military development.