Weapons of Denard's Mercs in Comoros [Archive]

HCV

11-16-2005, 04:32 PM

In 1978, a small force of mercenaries led by "Bob" Denard staged a coup on the Comoros islands. Apparently, they couldn't acquire military small arms; an article I read claims the main long arms were Franchi Mod 48AL shotguns, Remington Model 870 Wingmaster shotguns, and CZ-Brno ZKK602 rifles in .358 Norma Magnum. The men apparently also carried handguns. Would someone know which?
Also, apparently they later got hold of Beretta BM59 rifles -- which model and where from? Why weren't they used in the original assault?

Cheers

HANS

baboon6

11-16-2005, 07:41 PM

Still better than trying to buy military arms in Zimbabwe... Bob's boys did better than our bloody lot trying to take down Equatorial Guinea (or Mike Hoare's crew in the Seychelles in 1981). Surprised to hear it though, I thought they would have been more organised than that. Then again, stealthy approach, element of surprise...maybe worth more than firepower.