John Edmond - Both Soldiers and Police

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 Africa 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 escort for some pioneers that left the Kimberley mine
Headed off to blaze a trail for a British visionary
To a place they call Rhodesia for the BSA Company

We fought the sun and wind and rain, disease and hostile tribes
We put down two rebellions soon after we arrived
We captured Masakise from the Portuguese
We were on the Jameson Raid and Kruger wasn't pleased

Both soldiers and police
Fight a war or keep the peace
When you say the letters BSAP
Remember both soldiers and police were we

We fought the Boers from 1898 to 1903
From Elands River to Mafikeng, our fallen graves you'll see
If you ever go to Lichtenburg, two troopers there they 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 Shipmansburg and German Caprivi
Board of duty and campaigns in Tanganyika territory
On horse and camel, on foot 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 say the letters BSAP
Remember both soldiers and police were we

We then fought a bloody bush war, and won and we survived
But then a great betrayal led to our demise
Atrocities were swept beneath the 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 them what would happen, much to their surprise
Then finally he said to me, hiding tearful eyes
Like the wounded lie on our badge, courage never dies

Both soldiers and police
Fight a war or keep the peace
When you say the letters BSAP
Remember both soldiers and police were we

Written by:
JOHN EDMOND

Publisher:
Lyrics © Songtrust Ave

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