In the late 1960’s and early 1970’s, much of Africa burned. Sundry populist uprisings supported by distant communist benefactors strived to nip at the forces and institutions of the European colonial powers long enough to draw blood. With small arms, mortars, and artillery of predominantly Russian and Chinese origin, guerrilla fighters in places like the Congo and Mozambique engaged in pitiless unconventional warfare that saw widespread atrocities.
European colonial powers like Belgium and Portugal fought to defend their interests, but the rebels had little to lose and everything to gain. In the chaotic maelstrom that swallowed up untold treasure and an entire generation of people, soldiers of fortune found employment opportunities on a previously unprecedented scale. In a veritable ocean of blood, one otherwise trivial engagement gained lasting notoriety.
Mike Rousseau was a white Rhodesian mercenary engaged in combat against FRELIMO guerillas in and around the Mozambique capital of Maputo. FRELIMO was the dominant political party in Mozambique fighting for independence from Portugal. FRELIMO’s Marxist underpinnings earned it support from Russia and China. Portugal had ruled Mozambique for four hundred years, had subsequent deep roots in the country, and was not leaving without a fight.
Rousseau and his mates were in action clearing the airport in what was then known as Lourenco Marques, the Maputo appellation came later. Most of the mercenary soldiers carried FN FAL or HK G3 rifles. However, for reasons lost to history Rousseau was reduced to his sidearm, a GP35 Browning Hi-Power in 9mm.
Rounding a corner Rousseau found himself unexpectedly face to face with a FRELIMO guerilla armed with an AK47 at a range of about ten paces. Mike Rousseau was a trained soldier so he instinctively presented his handgun and shot the guerilla twice in the chest, launching both rounds in quick succession. The young African not only failed to fall, but he advanced toward Rousseau with murderous intent. Taken aback by the failure of his double tap to stop the threat, Rousseau took a moment, leveled his pistol at the charging man’s face, and fired a third round. This bullet struck a bit low, entering the man’s neck and severing his spinal cord, effectively ending the fight.
by Will Dabbs
