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BOOK REVIEW

MAD MIKE HOARE:

THE LEGEND

In 1964 and 1965, Colonel Mike Chris Hoare
(left) with his
Hoare led 300 ‘Wild Geese’ Dad, Mad
across the Congo to crush a Mike Hoare
communist rebellion, rescue
2 000 nuns and priests from
barbarity, beat Che Guevara …
and become a legend.

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of Irish blood, Thomas Michael Bernard Hoare was sent
along with his brother, Alick, to boarding school in England
IURP WKH DJH RI \HDUV $PRQJVW KLV PDQ\ WDOHQWV KH ZDV
D EULOOLDQW FULFNHWHU $IWHU VFKRRO KH ZDV DUWLFOHG WR D ÀUP It was while living in Durban that Mike embarked on a series
of chartered accountants until World War 2 interrupted his of adventures that included a few trans-Africa motorbike
mundane lifestyle. trips, blue water sailing, exploring remote areas, and leading
safaris in the Kalahari Desert.
During the war, Mike built up a sterling reputation, being
named at one stage as the ‘best bloody soldier in the British During one of his excursions in the Kalahari, he got to know
$UP\· $IWHU WKH ZDU KH TXDOLÀHG LQ /RQGRQ DV D FKDUWHUHG a CIA agent who was to change his life … (and, as it turned
accountant and emigrated to South Africa. out, Nelson Mandela’s!).

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socialist government of the Seychelles.
Things went wrong and Mike spent three years in jail for
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Mike Hoare, who turned 100 in March this year, was often
described as a brilliant leader. Any reader of this book
should make sure to read the Appendices, in particular,
Appendix C, A Lecture on Man Management and
/HDGHUVKLS. “A leader is only as good as the sum of his men;
but let me also assure you that a good leader can raise this
sum to the power of ten, by caring for his men, setting a
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After reading the enthralling tale of Mike Hoare’s escapades,
Frederick Forsyth, author of 7KH 'RJV RI :DU and 7KH 'D\
of the Jackal, said, “I found this book a cracking read and
recommend it to those who want to miss a night’s sleep.”

Al J Venter, the well-known war writer, wrote: “7KH /HJHQG is
exceptionally well written. Chris handled his Dad’s story with
remarkable clarity and insight.”
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Chris Hoare is the eldest son of ‘Mad Mike’. He went to
school at Michaelhouse, has a Bachelor’s Degree from the
University of Natal in South Africa, and has spent most of
his working life in journalism. With unique access to Mike
and his story, it took Chris about 12 years, working between
times, to research and write this authoritative biography.

AVAILABLE from:
Bookshops in South Africa and UK
Recommended retail price: R395,00
PUBLISHED by:
Partners in Publishing, Durban, 2018

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Kyalami Estates • CONNECT • Issue 3 • 2019
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