BSAP – SUPPORT UNIT

Standard

SUPPORT UNIT – BSAP

Emblem the Martial Eagle worn on the shoulder.

Unit Call Sign – ‘Mantle’

Having quickly researched the book on the BSAP (Blue and Old Gold) I found that African Police were introduced in the late 1890s and soon an armed branch was created which became the Askari Platoon. At one point there were 200 constables which were also known as the African Police Platoon. Used in support of the outlying posts, or when there were problems in the provinces. The unit was also used for Ceremonial Duties and as instructors for the African Police Training School.

In the early 1960s with the advent of UDI the unit became known as Support Unit. In 1968 it expanded by three more troops. As the war wore on the unit expanded rapidly until by 1979 it comprised 12 Companies of 1,500. Each company had 3 troops.

There is mention of Zulu Alpha and Zulu Bravo Troops so I am still wondering until someone from Support Unit explains.

It carried out duties to support BSAP units and outposts which included COIN operations. Riot Drills, Field Craft and Radio Procedure. Guarding of the detainees at Gonakudzingwa was another responsibility. In later years at the turn of independence it roll was similar and included COIN, Crowd Control, similar duties in urban context, and support of the branches. This included dealing with stock theft, crime epidemics, poaching, similar offences, guard and escort duties.

Looking at the photos in the BSAP book the 12 Companies had on average of 65 – 86  members and Troops averaged 21-28 members.

Originally formed in 1951 the Mounted Unit was eventually integrated into Support Unit and became known as ‘Mantle Mounted’

War Gaming-

As far as war gaming is concerned one could use the 28MM RAR figures by Eureka for Support Unit as they were equipped the same as regular army. Put the odd European head on one of the figures and you have a Support Unit unit. See the photographs.

I am hoping to get some more accurate information about Support Unit in the near future.

8 thoughts on “BSAP – SUPPORT UNIT”

  1. Gary Gainsford

    very informative. As for the Zulu troops, these were used as postings until there were enough persons for the tough training course. I was to Zulu 3 with S/O Ron Hein back in 75 and when I left in 76, we were still Zulu 3. at that time we were doing 6 weeks out and 10 days in, then out again. Ron, Myself and 2 National Service guys. ( can only remember 1, was known as Donny Brook Dutton, think he used to race cars or something. He was sharp with tuning up our Hyena armoured vehicles, on the Highway we could get 140 Kph

    • Hi Gary many thanks for the info. Great to hear from veterans with good first hand detail of these units. Any time you fancy adding more detail please go ahead. I only glean what I can from books and facebook sites on the Support Unit detail.

  2. Leonard Alan Pitman

    Dear John, I was in Zulu Echo Troop or Zulu 5, I think the last troop formed and served from mid 1977 to 79. Towards the end of 1978 we formed Juliet Company with 2 other Troops. During my time we did the 6 week out 10 day in routines. In 2020, Barry Woan the Zulu Alpha Troop Commander and many others brought out a book called “The Black Boots” which is a history and collection personal accounts of it’s members, which can better explain our active involvement in the Rhodesian Bush War than I as one man who was there can. I am extremely proud to have served with both the black and white soldiers of this unit which earned one of the highest reputations in the field of this war. The Black Boot book can be acquired through our website I would think if you’d like to read it. Best regards

  3. John:
    Much accurate info on the Black Boots ( BSAP Support Unit )is not well known .Here are a few facts .

    * During the Rhodesian Bush War years , the Rhodesian Army wanted to assume control of the BSAP Support Unit ( such respect they had for them as a fighting unit ), as another Light Infantry Unit .They were going to be issued a black beret ,with gold eagle emblem.They were also going to be given a Para Course( 1978). However the BSAP realised the usefulness of the Para Military Light Infantry Support Unit ,and refused the transfer to the Army .
    * From late 1979 , with the move to Chikurubi Barracks from Tomlinson Depot , all Support Unit Selection and training was undated ,to ‘Direct Entry ‘ , not having to do the initial normal police training, initially along with COIN training .
    *The Patrol Officer course was upgraded to ‘Junior Leader’, and run along similar lines to the Selection,training and ‘SOP’s of the Royal Marines Commando , with elements taken from the USA Army ‘Green Berets ‘ , as the Assault Course was apparently a copy from there.
    * The Phase one ‘Selection’ was 11 weeks in duration , with a further 11 weeks for Phase two and three training .
    * The recruit attrition rate was 68%.
    * Average running distance was 118-137 km per 5 day week, excluding Assault Course which was often.
    * All Support Unit training ‘Junior Leaders’ had to practice in’ specialist positions’ , on external Clandestine night and day navigation training exercises and at the two Battle Camps .Having to have a competent knowledge on all specialist positions with in a ‘Fighting Patrol’.
    *Support Unit Instructors completed Drill and Weapon courses internally and at Gwelo School of Infantry .
    * In 1980 the 12 Support Unit military style Companies , plus two section size companies ( Mike Troop …Mounted Troop , and Demo Troop ) were now termed as Troops, the Company size Troops with three 30 man sections , each with three 8-10 man size ‘Fighting Patrols ‘.
    Troop size varied between 100 – 130 men ,each with a small Admin /HQ section , plus those on leave , injured and courses.
    * All Support Troops were completely independent with their own Armoured Plated Land Mind Protected vehicles , and all issued equipment, so they could mobilise at any time and set up camp anywhere , often operating in two/ three Provence’s in one 4 week deployment .
    * All Support 8-10 man’ Fighting Patrols’ consisted of a variety of specialists , namely : Patrol Commander , a MAG’ Gun Group ‘ , Battle Trained ‘Medic’ , Grenadier /s for 60mm Commando Mortar / lately 42 ‘Zulu’ Rifle Grenade , Radio Operator ( A73/ TR28 ) ,qualified Tracker , and infantry .
    * As a Police a specialist Paramilitary Light Infantry Unit , Refresher / retraining was every 6 weeks .(4 weeks deployment ,10 days RnR ,4 days retraining at Shamva Battle Camp / alternate Emergency Urban Operations including Riot Control / House Clearing and Range work .
    * All Patrol Officers in Selection and Training had to qualify with a shooting range qualification on the FN 7.62mm Rifle , be competent on the FN 7.62mm MAG , 42 Zulu Rifle Grenade , familiar with a variety of Eastern Block weapons , and complete and pass the First Aid Course , amongst all other COIN lectures and practicals .
    *At final ‘ Training’ Battle camp all Patrol Officers / Patrol Commanders had to qualify in ‘Junior Leadership ‘in Ambush, CVA,GAC, Immediate Action drills, live fire ‘Section Battle Drills’ , and’ Instinctive Firing’ Drills . ( These Latter drills were noted by Rhodesian ‘C’
    Squadron SAS as being difficult tasking and challenging).
    * The BSAP Support Unit also initiated a new Troop , ‘November Troop’ , which took over the roles of urban emergency Special weapons and tactics , with entry into aircraft ,buildings , hijacking situations etc .
    * On RnR ,The only unit the ‘Black Boots ‘were not allowed to fight were the Rhodesian SAS , as they were the best of the Army, and the Black Boots were the best of the Police and other associated units !
    * South African/ South West African Police Koevoet within a contingent of SAP COIN ,were stationed at Chikurubi for about a year,1980.
    Colonel Dreyer was often seen around camp .
    They were there as observers , watching and learning about our selection and training , also being based at Shamva ‘Battle Camp’ .
    They also practiced their now famous ‘Vehicle manoeuvres’ that Koevoet developed ,mounting a vehicle heavy weapon , in the Lowveld area using Hippo and Hyena vehicles ,.This was when the CSIR was developing the Casspir !
    That’s why they were known as the ‘Green Boots’ ,due to their distinctive canvas boots they wore, and why they are associated to the ‘Black Boots’ !

    Phil Day ,Ex Section Commander, Three Section , Echo Troop ,Support Unit .

Leave a comment