Episode 11: “Bush War Operator” by A. J. Balaam

Hank and Bindu explore one of our favourite books on the Rhodesian Bush War, written by A.J. Balaam a veteran of both the Rhodesian Light Infantry and the Selous Scouts. Balaam grew up in Rhodesia and after national service in the RLI, he suffered through the legendary Selous Scouts selection course and became a member of this formidable elite unit. He then participated in many of both the well-known and more secrative operations of the Bush War, including the infamous Operation Eland. Finally, he finished his military career as an instructor for the Transkei special forces, in the confusing political and military vortex of the “Bantustans” in South Africa. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the Rhodesian Bush War.


Apologies about the background breathing and Hank’s voice being quieter than normal. He had a cold and we both had dry throats when we recorded this.