Coup legend Bob Denard, 78, dies

FRANCE’S best-known mercenary Bob Denard, who had a hand in numerous African wars and coups d’etat over 30 years, has died at the age of 78.

He had been suffering from Alzheimer’s disease.

Mr Denard, whose real name was Gilbert Bourgeaud, became famous as a soldier for hire in a succession of post-colonial war theatres, including Congo, Angola and Nigeria, as well as in Iran and Yemen.