Dr. Hamish Ross has produced another special forces centric history of the British Empire worth reading. The Boer War of the late 19th and early 20th centuries is a fascinating subject for historians as well as social scientists and this adds a new needed perspective of the events.

NetGalley, CASPER HILEMAN

The book details the creation and development of the SAC, its wartime achievements, and its transition into a community support role helping local people returning to their homes. It also highlights the influence of the SAC on Baden Powell’s later establishment of the scouting movement. The author, Hamish Ross, uses archival material and includes previously unpublished images in this well-researched history.

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Medieval Sword School

An excellent, well-researched history of Baden-Powell and his remarkable and successful establishment of the South African Constabulary. Lauded by many as the hero of the siege of Mafeking during the Boer War, Baden-Powell’s exploits became well known in Britain and South Africa. He was felt to be the most capable for the job of putting together men to form an armed and mounted police force in the Transvaal and Orange River Colony. The book is an in-depth look at exactly what Baden-Powell went through in his efforts to get the job done. Moving away from traditional (at the time) Army models, Baden-Powell wanted a force that would have as its smallest unit, a squad of 6 men under the command of a corporal. He expected his force to be made up of men of good honor, efficient, and able to handle anything thrown at them. While the book focuses on its subject of the SAC, it also touches upon Baden-Powell’s establishment of the Scouting movement. He took many of his ideas and thoughts on how the SAC worked and created the worldwide Scouting program. The book contains several very interesting photographs. Using archival material, the author, Hamish Ross, does a very good job of highlighting the history of the development of the South African Constabulary, and Baden-Powell’s singular efforts to bring it to fruition.

NetGalley, Sue McNelly

I found the book enjoyable and an easy read. It stands as an adjunct to the life of one of Britain's more colourful characters and is an important part of his biography.

ARRSE (Army Rumour Service)