First In, Last Out by Clive Wilsworth offers a detailed and compelling look into the South African Air Force’s Pathfinder Squadron, an elite unit that played a critical role during the South African Border War. Specialising in covert reconnaissance, precision strikes, and high-risk missions, the squadron was often the first to enter dangerous territories and the last to leave.
Drawing on extensive research, personal interviews, and firsthand accounts, Wilsworth vividly recounts the squadron’s daring operations, the strategic challenges they faced, and the remarkable courage of the pilots and crew. The book provides a rare glimpse into the tactics, equipment, and decision-making processes behind some of the most significant military missions of the era.
Blending military history with human stories of bravery, resilience, and sacrifice, First In, Last Out is an essential read for anyone interested in aviation, warfare, and South African history.
