Blue and Old Gold

Blue and Old Gold – A Selection of Stories from The Outpost the Regimental Magazine of the British South Africa Police by Various Authors 1953 Howard B. Timmins is a rare and compelling anthology that documents the rich history and memorable exploits of the British South Africa Police through first‑hand accounts originally published in the force’s regimental magazine The Outpost. Published in Cape Town in 1953 by Howard B. Timmins with the official permission of Brigadier J. Appleby, then Commissioner of Police, this hardcover edition captures the character, spirit and adventure of a unique institution that served in Southern Rhodesia from the late nineteenth century through the mid‑twentieth.

Drawing on contributions from officers and members of the BSAP, Blue and Old Gold offers a curated selection of stories, anecdotes and dispatches that reveal the daily reality of policing in remote and often perilous terrain. The narrative mix includes dramatic accounts of criminal investigations such as the famed Killarney Gold Case, explorations of local prophecies like Kusekwenya, and vivid descriptions of frontier life involving dangerous wildlife encounters with lions, crocodiles and elephants. These accounts are paired with black‑and‑white photographic plates, portraits and maps, giving readers both textual and visual insight into the landscapes and challenges faced by the force.

Beyond thrilling adventure, Blue and Old Gold serves as an authentic historical record of an era when the BSAP operated as both a paramilitary and policing entity, bridging the transition from colonial frontier duties to structured law enforcement. The title itself reflects the force’s colours — blue and old gold — and stands as a tribute to the commitment and courage of its members. Whether read as military memoir, colonial history, or a cultural document, this 1953 edition remains an important and collectible volume for enthusiasts of Rhodesiana, African policing history, and stories of personal endeavour on the edge of empire.

Condition: Very Good – Some light dirt marks visible on the light brown cloth boards with blue BSAP crest on cover and blue text on spine. Prior ownership stamp on end paper and in ink on the title page. Remnants of the dust jacket inside the book.