Bandit Mentality: Hunting Insurgents in the Rhodesian Bush War. A Memoir

I really enjoyed reading this book of the experiences of the author in the BSAP during the Bush war in Rhodesia.

This book gave a very different view from a policemans perspective. The story is well written, and the action can be felt. As a former special ops soldier, his stories are authentic and obviously true in every regard. A great read that I would strongly recommend to any Rhodesia-philes

Starts off a bit slow, but gets better and better as you read.

If you enjoy your Southern African war-experience books, then this one will be an eyeopener. Written entirely objectively, often belligerently and largely devoid of patriotism and politics, the intelligently put together story encompasses the author's time in Rhodesia as a (foreign) volunteer police serviceman around the mid-1970s war years up to and including 1980. Its main point of difference to other similar subject matter and period books, is that it gives an outsider soldier's point of view and in parts is hyper-critical of the powers that were along with those in authority and the way they undertook and often misguidedly directed their part in the war from a policing point of view. Having stated all that, it's actually a refreshingly great read, time and time again it draws you in and then brings you down to Earth with a thud as, for the author at least, it was not a war fought with overtly obvious heroes and goals. I enjoyed it for that alone. I should add, the author's recollection for finer detail and the characters involved (and their names) is to be commended, especially considering all the events contained in the book occurred well more than forty years ago now. This one is highly recommended.

Well written with an easy style. Great insight into the day to day of the Rhodesian bush war. Very descriptive. From the boredom to the terror. A much appreciated read.

A fascinating and detailed account of leading BSAP Support troops in active counter-insurgency operations. This is all about living with his African police in the Rhodesian bush - patrolling in all weathers, questioning locals to gather information, interspersed with fierce action contacts. Covers the smell and feel of life in rural areas, as well as the resourcefulness of making do in infantry work on foot against a better armed enemy. Very readable and thoroughly absorbing. Excellent pen pictures of the characters among his policeman soldiers, as well as of the social life in a country at war.

This is an easy read and very entertaining. The author has a wonderful gift with words: at times the reader feels that he/she ha been dropped into a situation.It's a very good read. The reason for only 4 stars: this book needs editing eg chapter 12 appeared twice.

So far so good. Just started reading it. Wished it had more pictures/photos.