Shadows : Airlift and Airwar in Biafra and Nigeria 1967-1970 [Hardcover]

Michael I. Draper (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 15, 2000

The Nigerian Civil War broke out in 1967 after the country's Eastern Region declared itself the independent state of Biafra. The war lasted three years, pitting the Nigerian Air Force against the ill-equipped Biafran Air Force in one of the most intense conflicts ever to occur on African soil. The Biafran Air Force was armed with a motley mix of antiquated and modem aircraft, whereas the Nigerian Air Force was made up of mostly mercenary-crewed MiG 17s, Il 28s and L-29 Delfins. Biafra was not only overshadowed and outclassed by Nigeria, but it was also landlocked for most of the conflict. However, despite the many setbacks, the Biafran Air Force held out, supporting an amazing airlift of food and arms, second only to the Berlin Airlift of 1948. Fusing firsthand accounts and much original documentation, Shadows is the story of the largest civilian relief airlift ever mounted. Shadows was officially launched at the House of Commons in London on January 12, 2000, the 30th anniversary of the end of the Nigerian Civil War. It has already been named the book of the month of April by Aeroplane Monthly and other special features are to appear in Flypast Magazine.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Michael Draper was briefly involved in the airlift to Biafra during 1968 and was later involved with an attempt to ferry other aircraft there. The concept of Shadows emerged during conversations with pilots and other personnel engaged in organizing flights to and from Biafra. Draper has researched the subject for almost thirty years, often with assistance from various illegal gunrunners. He also gained access to many confidential files, as well as Church and International Red Cross records.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 272 pages
• Publisher: Howell Press; 1 edition (November 15, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1902109635
• ISBN-13: 978-1902109633
• Product Dimensions: 11.7 x 8.5 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #920,091 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #60 in Books > History > Africa > Nigeria

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars We want more ..., June 27, 2000

By 

Hugo Lucke (Hoeilaart, Belgium) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Shadows : Airlift and Airwar in Biafra and Nigeria 1967-1970 (Hardcover)

This book could serve as the master template for future books on air warfare and its associated civil aviation involvement. When reading and looking at this book I was immediately wondering which other conflicts should be devoted a book like this: the 1960s conflicts in Zaire/Congo, the Libyan arm airlift in the 70s, the Vietnam War (Air America/World etc.), etc. The quality of the information and the photographs are outstanding. A definite "to buy" book.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Air war in the nigerian civil war, July 25, 2001

By 

MANUEL (MADRID Spain) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Shadows : Airlift and Airwar in Biafra and Nigeria 1967-1970 (Hardcover)

This book is the best book about the Nigerian civil war written.

It is very detailed with a very complet information about the activities of the diferent aircraft in this war. It give information about the aerial operations of both parties but the book is focusing in the biafran side.

I recomend this book to all people interested in the african conflicts and especially in the air war.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A hard book to find, December 7, 2007

By 

James D. Crabtree "Doc Crabtree" (Fort Leavenworth, Kansas) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Shadows : Airlift and Airwar in Biafra and Nigeria 1967-1970 (Hardcover)

It's a pity someone either doesn't put out a new edition of this book or produce a new book along the same lines. This book is an excellent reference on the airwar aspects of the Biafran War, an important part of the war as much of the outside aid received by Biafra was from the air. Also, one of the ways Nigeria routinely outmatched the Biafrans was with their federal air force, which received considerable Soviet and East German assistance.

Well illustrated this book is a "must have" for anyone attempting to complete their collection on the Biafran conflict.