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.

Not a bad book, pretty honest on what Lindsey saw in rhodesia, in the way of petty bs from police hq.

An outstanding account, by the author and leader of the unsung heroes; the African BSAP constables of Support Unit. Men who bravely faced the wrath of the terrorists during and after the fighting ended. Mr. O'Brien's ability to work with the African rank and file and balanced assessment of the plight of the largely unprotected African villagers establishes a strong and credible backdrop to an exciting and action packed reading adventure. Now on to his next book; Sitting Target.

I did a 2 year tour as a section leader with Delta Troop, Support Unit, 1971-73. The civil war, although on and off sporadically since 1966, only really hotted up with the farm attacks in Centenary in late 1972 and during my time was limited to farm attacks, land mines, ambushes and the odd contact, none of which I or my section was directly involved in. It was interesting, therefore, to read a first hand account about the 'real war' from the perspective of my former Unit. I can however, attest to the endless energy sapping foot patrols, the heat, the flies and the every day hidden dangers that this part of Africa throws at the unprepared, unwary or just dozy, whether on foot or in a vehicle in the bush. There is no bull-sh*t in this book. Too many former members of what was essentially a small and elite band of men, as well as some credited in the book, are still alive and in contact on social media for any 'licence' to have been used. Highly recommended for former members or anoraks who do re-enactments.

Excellent read

Excellent, informative tale of police support actions in Rhodesia. Written by a man who was in the thick of it.