Lionel Reid - A book about life's journey as well as a journey through war.
Lionel Reid joined the South African Air Force in 1983 and played a significant role in the Angolan conflict from 1986 to 1989. During this period, he piloted Bosbok light reconnaissance aircraft and Puma helicopters, gaining valuable experience and insights into the air combat scenarios of the time. Now residing in Johannesburg, Reid has continued to pursue his passion for aviation and history by delving into the nuanced perspectives of the Angolan Bush War.
In an unprecedented collaboration, Lionel has joined forces with former MiG-23 Squadron Commander of the Cuban Air Force, Lt-Col Eduardo González Sarría, to offer a groundbreaking new narrative of the aerial conflicts over Angola during the 1980s. This partnership has resulted in the creation of "The MiG Diaries," a comprehensive account that merges their personal experiences and expertise with those of other air combatants from the Angolan, Cuban, and South African air forces. These recollections, many of which are being shared publicly for the first time, provide a richer and more balanced understanding of the events that transpired in the Angolan skies.
Most literature on the Angolan Bush War, particularly those written in English, tends to present a predominantly South African viewpoint. "The MiG Diaries" seeks to rectify this by incorporating diverse perspectives from all sides involved in the conflict. Through their meticulous research and unique aviation backgrounds, Sarría and Reid have woven together the stories of former comrades and adversaries to offer fresh insights and a more holistic description of the aerial warfare that occurred.
The book is further enhanced by the artistic talents of Sean Thackwray, a former fighter pilot himself, whose pencil sketches vividly bring the narrative to life. These illustrations, along with select images—many of which have never been published in South Africa—add depth and visual context to the compelling accounts.
"The MiG Diaries" stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and the importance of multiple viewpoints in understanding history. By combining the narratives of air combatants from all sides of the Angolan conflict, Sarría and Reid have crafted a more comprehensive and nuanced picture of the events, challenging previously held beliefs and offering new revelations about this complex period in aviation and military history.