I met this ancient trooper a very special one
His face was scarred by war and battered by the sun
And though he had to live by his wits and by the gun
The laugh lines round his eyes told me he'd also had some fun
"On your badge" I said "there's an acronym I see
British South African Police?" I asked him gingerly
He said "yes son you're right but it's not an anomaly
You'll understand when I take you back into our history."
They put us all together in 1889
As an escourt for some pioneers that left Kimberley mine
Headed off to blaze a trail for a British visionary
To a place they'd call Rhodesia for the B.S.A. Company
We fought the sun and wind and rain disease and hostile tribes
We put down two Rebellions soon after we arrived
We captured Massaquessi from the Portuguese
We were on the Jamseon raid and Kruger wasn't pleased
Both Soldiers and Police- fight a war or keep the peace
When you see the letters BSAP
Remember both soldiers and Police were we
We fought the Boers from 1899 to 1903
From Elands river to Mafeking our fallen graves you'll see
If you ever go to Lichtenburg, there two troopers lay
They share a burial ground with Boer General De La Rey
Then after we were back at home the country was at peace
We carried on our calling doing duties as police
But then came the devastating 14-18 war
Borders threatened by German colonies of Africa
Our boys then captured Shuchmannsburg in German Caprivi
Border duty and campaigns in Tanganyika territory
On horse and camel and with dogs, in boats and in the air
Any other place my son ask us we were there
All creeds and colours served with us way back from days of old
And many pretty ladies also wore the blue and gold
Victoria crosses won by Booth and Nesbitt brought us fame
We're the only police in the world with a King's Standard to our name
Both Soldiers and Police- fight a war or keep the peace
When you see the letters BSAP
Remember both soldiers and Police were we
When we fought a bloody bush war and won we survived
But then a great betrayal let to our demise
Atrocities were swept beneath a carpet made of lies
The world awarded tyrants our dear land as a prize
And I know you think in hindsight it's easy to be wise
We told what would happen much to their surprise
Then finally he said to me hiding tearful eyes
"Like the wounded lion on our badge, courage never dies"
Both Soldiers and Police- fight a war or keep the peace
When you see the letters BSAP
Remember both soldiers and Police were we