Never Quite a Soldier – A Policemans War 1971 to 1983

Never Quite a Soldier – A Policeman’s War 1971 to 1983 by David Lemon (2000, Albida) offers a vivid and candid account of law enforcement during one of Southern Africa’s most turbulent periods. Lemon, drawing from his own experiences, chronicles his career as a policeman, providing readers with a firsthand perspective on the operational challenges, political pressures, and personal experiences faced by officers between 1971 and 1983. The book combines detailed narratives of day-to-day policing with broader insights into regional security and societal conditions during this era.

In Never Quite a Soldier – A Policeman’s War 1971 to 1983, Lemon explores both the dangers and the complexities of policing in a context shaped by political unrest and insurgency. The memoir delves into undercover operations, emergency responses, and the moral and practical dilemmas encountered in the field. Lemon’s storytelling offers a humanized view of policing, balancing the intensity of field experiences with reflections on duty, ethics, and the impact on personal life.

Published by Albida in 2000, this edition is a valuable addition for historians, military and law enforcement enthusiasts, and collectors of Southern African history. Never Quite a Soldier – A Policeman’s War 1971 to 1983 stands out as a candid, insightful, and authoritative account, providing a rare window into the realities of policing during a complex and challenging period