Bush War Operator: Memoirs of the Rhodesian Light Infantry, Selous Scouts and beyond

by A.J. Balaam, Andrew Balaam

From the searing heat of the Zambezi Valley to the freezing cold of the Chimanimani Mountains in Rhodesia, from the bars in Port St Johns in the Transkei to the Drakensberg Mountains in South Africa, this is the story of one man's fight against terror, and his conscience. Anyone living in Rhodesia during the 1960s and 1970s would have had a father, husband, brother or son called up in the defense of the war-torn, landlocked little country. A few of these brave men would have been members of the elite and secretive unit that struck terror into the hearts of the ZANLA and ZIPRA guerrillas infiltrating the country at that time - the Selous Scouts. These men were highly trained and disciplined, with skills to rival the SAS, Navy Seals and the US Marines, although their dress and appearance were wildly unconventional: civilian clothing with blackened, hairy faces to resemble the very people they were fighting against. Twice decorated - with the Member of the Legion of Merit (MLM) and the Military Forces' Commendation (MFC) - Andrew Balaam was a member of the Rhodesian Light Infantry and later the Selous Scouts, for a period spanning twelve years. This is his honest and insightful account of his time as a pseudo operator. His story is brutally truthful, frightening, sometimes humorous and often sad. In later years, after Rhodesia became Zimbabwe, he was involved with a number of other former Selous Scouts in the attempted coups in the Ciskei, a South African homeland, and Lesotho, an independent nation, whose only crimes were supporting the African National Congress. Training terrorists, or as they preferred to be called, 'liberation armies', to conduct a war of terror on innocent civilians, was the very thing he had spent the last ten years in Rhodesia fighting against. This is the true, untold story of these failed attempts at governmental overthrows.

Genres: History, Africa, Nonfiction, Biography, Military Fiction, War, Military History

542 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 19, 2014

About the author

Author writes under the penname Andrew Balaam as well

Reviews

[Sceadugenga · Rating 5 out of 5]

Andrew Balaam pulls no punches with this "grunt's-eye" view of his time served in the Rhodesian Security forces and beyond. He is recounting his combat experiences as a member of the Rhodesian Security Forces and as such it is compelling and informative. The book reads as if Andrew is answering the direct question "so what was it like?" over a beer at the bar. It is a gripping and realistic personal account of what "really" happens on missions and what most soldiers actually experience. Don't expect an in-depth analysis of the Rhodesian Bush War, a historical work on the Selous Scouts, or a political diatribe, as the subtitle states, this is a memoir and is written in the form of episodes taken from Balaam's experiences. Kudos to Andrew for giving us an excellent "boots on the ground" (or takkies if you will...) account of what a soldier really thinks and feels in the bush. This is recommended to all those interested in the Rhodesian military or anyone who has ever "humped a ruck in the boonies."

[Walter Stevens · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found it refreshing to read a memoir where the author highlights their failings. But that is about the only positive aspect of this book. The writer 's descriptions of his physical condition are invariably very negative, whether self-induced or not. The writing style is poor: the same descriptions are used repetitively throughout and the jumping between time periods is confusing. There is very little discussion of the writer's own personality or motivation, other than that he drifted or blundered from one military theatre to another. I wouldnt recommend it to anyone but the most hardcore enthusiast.

[Brigitte · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting read and really did highlight how tough conditions were. Prior to reading this book I had read Three Sips of Gin by Tim Bax. I would recommend reading Three Sips of Gin first. It provides a more detailed account of the Rhodesian war and the Selous Scouts. In Bush War Operator, the author recalls a specific memory then moves onto the next one (they are memoirs after all). It is a different and interesting lay out and the author manages to describe the conditions and difficulties he faced in a very vivid and gripping way.

[Shrai · Rating 4 out of 5]

Incredibly raw and sobering. Especially loved the closing reflections, where we finally get a better glimpse into the mind of the man seemingly addicted to guerilla warfare. Always boots on ground, never rising to a position above instructor, he finally lets himself reflect on the stupidity of the decisions that brought him to where he is. Honest to a bone chilling point about his fear and emotions, even after decades of this life.

I loved the lack of fluff and moralizing. Truly makes you realize that in these life or death situations your human instincts are honed and able to focus on strictly survival. Warfare is always grueling, but Andrew Balaam makes sure we're aware there are gradations in everything.

[Christopher Pokorny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Balaam provides a personal account of his growing up in the Rhodesian Light Infantry and Selous Scouts, through the downfall of the Rhodesian government. His memoirs speak to the always fleeting pursuit of warfare and the insatiable appetite that a warrior has for it—and how to live with that desire.

His quote in the preface captures the memoir best: “War is not about jumping over logs and burning trucks, or kicking in doors and firing from the hip with grenades hanging from your teeth and a devil-may-care smile slapped on your face, as the enemy drop like flies. It is a heart-wrenching, soul-destroying, guilt-ridden and personality-changing experience.”

[Niels Bergervoet · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book gives a good idea of the Rhodesian bush war, from the perspective of a soldier. The author takes the reader with him on different missions, some succesfull, some failed, and you actually feel like you are there, joining in the gruesome, gritty, soul crushing war. This book gave me a better impression on how war is than most documentaries I saw, and it definately made an impression.

[Jeff King · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting insight into this war.

[Sue Meek · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very well done

Great read they fought hard for all there land. They had a very hard time. And put up with a grief and hardship.

[Alan Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good fread

Quite well written considering Andy is a soldier and not an author, as such.
Hoping for a follow up book. I want to know what happened next.

[Arne Erickson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book because I am a big fan of Wilbur Smith's historical fiction books, especially those dealing with the bush wars and the fight against communist insurgents. This book is a first person view of a foot soldier in the special forces. It doesn't read like a novel with a story arc and the big picture view of what is going on. This is just one guy's recollections of what he saw and experienced as a boots on the ground guy. You see basic training, surviving in the bush, what the fire fights are like, but it is kind of disjointed because it lacks context. It is like sitting with a guy over a beer and he is just telling you a series of stories of things that happened in his life. If you want to know what is going on in the big picture, why the insurgents ultimately took over the country despite the many victories of they guys on the ground, why they were operating undercover in Mozambique, why they were trying to orchestrate a coup in the Transkei, etc, you will be left with many unanswered questions. I suppose this is realistic because in war the guy on the ground doing the fighting is often left in the dark about the ultimate purpose of his orders and is rather just trying to do his duty, follow orders, and get home alive. I found the book interesting but lacking in a story arc to tie the narratives together. I admire the dedication, courage, and toughness of Balaam and his fellows. It seems to me everybody lost, the Europeans and the everyday people of Zimbabwe, and the country itself. Nobody's life is better in Zimbabwe today than it was before the insurgency.

[Dane Mortensen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many have criticized this book but most of those come from expecting this book to be something it is not. This book is the memoirs of the RLI Selous Scouts and the authors war experiences. It is not an autobiography or ideology; it is the raw truthful account of an elite solider living through one of the most complicated times on the most complicated continent and as that it is absolutely amazing. You can tell this book was written by Andrew Balaam; he didn't send in a manuscript then let the editors change it to be more palatable. I have seen criticisms of his repetition, the black face paint and sweat, but I think it is good they renforce just how uncomfortable hard and sweaty everything was. The authors description of his injuries while hiding during pseudo-ops were gruesome and accurate it gave me a whole new perspective on the Bush war and Selous Scouts. If there's any man I hope to have a pint or 3 with one day it is Andrew Balaam.

[pierre bovington · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Told from the view of the “coal face “ the author paints a great picture of the African bush.
The mopane fly, introduced in early chapters, sums up the toughness of soldiering in the African climate.
As a former “grunt”, I enjoyed the first person narrative. He describes the surrounding area in great detail.
Now for the political bit. Yes, Rhodesia was a dying state the moment my country pulled the plug.
Moscow and Beijing entered the story, the rebels being armed with weapons of the communist regimes.
Check out the SE Asia storyline for example.
Back to this account. I have read others, “ what went wrong in Zimbabwe” Richard Bourne, but that’s clearly a broad brush stroke.
This book puts you in the bush, my experience, brewing up caked in nasty camo paint.
As I said, in my 60s now and I recommend this to anyone who wants to learn real history.

[Joseph Freedom · Rating 4 out of 5]

The biggest thing that jumps out at me is the author’s unapologetic integrity as he recounts his journey as a member of the Rhodesian Light Infantry and vaunted Selous Scouts.

If you don’t know anything about the Selous Scouts, they are the proverbial (and somewhat literal) spirit cousins to certain parts of the U.S. Army’s SFOD-D and the U.S. Navy’s DEVGRU. Some of the tactics you’ll read about in this book were wholly unique for their time and have since become standard for clandestine military operations.

There’s a sadness in A.J. Balaam’s transition from freedom fighter to pseudo-terrorist, to outlaw for espousing on lesser forces the finer points of being both. The emotion is raw and some of the tactics questionable, but the whole book is a profound lesson in “Soldiering against the odds.”

Take from that what you will, but read it with an open mind.

[Joshua Horn · Rating 3 out of 5]

When reading memoirs I think we have to extend more grace than usual, as we want the book to be faithful to the author's experience and perspective, not something that he has reshaped to meet public approval. This gentlemen's wartime experience were doubtless interesting and exciting, but his experience also seemed quite depressing. While it may not make for the most enjoyable read, we want memoirs that reflect the author's true feelings.

I listened to a chunk of this book before moving on to something else. I don't think I'll be back to finish, partly because I'm not sure I have access on the streaming service anymore, and partly because I'd just rather read something else.

[Charles Withington · Rating 1 out of 5]

Alas, I found this a drudgery. Without any reflection on the bravery, and tenacity of the author, it was very repetitive and completely lacked cohesion. What was of interest and not often recorded is the lengths the South African "security regime" would go in terms of destabilisation and sowing turmoil in their effort to cling to power.

[JAKE · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was born after Rhodesia was no more, so I don't have any real insight to the history or context around the country or war. So maybe not the best way to start learning. As memoirs go this was okay. A little bit jumpy and disjointed. It might have been better had I known the historical context.

[Andrew Karras · Rating 4 out of 5]

Be aware of the bias heading in and don't be afraid to Google pretty much everything the author refers to off hand. Interesting account that flirts openly with apologism the entire time. I have never seen someone be more indignant that they were caught in a failed coup attempt!

[Ruth · Rating 3 out of 5]

5 It is said that a smell can take you back a thousand years and this is certainly the case for this author. Having lived in the world in which this book takes place, I was still surprised at some of the revelations. Brave men and a lot of people owe them a lot.

[Aloysius Teng · Rating 1 out of 5]

Probably the worst book I have read about the Rhodesian bush war. The writing style was bad and the jumps between different periods of operation were confusing.

[Tony Matches · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read , the writing is typical of reality for war , the fear, disaster, relief, discomfort, uncertainty.

[Shane Cole · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book was an enjoyable read, a little dry sometimes, but the trial and tribulations of the soldiers of the Selous scouts and the RLI was portrayed well.

[Jono Grondel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cool stories but in every single one he steady be f*cking up making stupid decisions.

[Kevin McAvoy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A freebie from Audible. Interesting but repetitive. Tired cliches. Why would anyone choose to do this job? It doesn't even pay as much as a mailman. Strange life choice.

[William Lawrence · Rating 4 out of 5]

A.J. Balaam has the ability to admit his failures and offer respect to his enemy.

[Michael G · Rating 3 out of 5]

Entertaining reading on a soldier's journey through the Rhodesian War Bush war and in Apartheid South Africa. Nothing too deep. Not memorable. But a good way to pass time.

[Paithan · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was okay.

The book is a series of vignettes from the author’s life.

Little to no context is given. I don’t know much about the author or his family or his friends. He doesn’t talk about Rhodesia or why he stayed in the army. Was it love of country? Hatred of communism? Money? What was his world view?

250 pages and all I know is the guy is really good at war, drinking, and fishing.

At one point his books get thrown around by some soldiers and he describes them as “beloved.” He also has a couple of sentences where he paints a picture of beautiful landscapes, so he’s not a total thug.

More questions than answers here at the end.

[Dana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reads like the real thing.
Lots of waiting, lots of disappointment, fear, uncertainty. A few good times.
This is war.