Dear all
Welcome to the first newsletter for 2026.
Cherry Kearton items on auction – 10 February. For those who aren’t aware, Kearton was a member of 25 Royal Fusiliers (Legion of Frontiersmen), who was attached to RNAS when Smuts was at Salaita. He took aerial photos and developed them on site. He was also a natural photographer, preceding David Attenborough in innovative approaches to wildlife photography. He accompanied Roosevelt on his 1911 safari with FC Selous. Some of his camera equipment and photos are being auctioned, including one of his war ribbons.
The catalogue can be viewed here (Chiswick Auctions). The World War collection is lot 86 and Roosevelt is 69 etc.
There is also a blog post about it here. The links were sent by the auction house to people with potential interest.
In new developments for the GWAA, we’ll be trying some online seminars this year to enable people across the globe to share information. Five events of two hours each are planned – there is a small fee for attending. Sign up in advance for all 5 seminars for £7.00 otherwise £2.00 per seminar. Login details will be sent to named individuals.
Time is 6pm UK on Wednesdays:
11 March 2026
15 April – Trevor Brock: A history of GEA at war illustrated through its postal system
13 May
23 September
14 October – Anne Samson: South Africans in the German Schutztruppe
If you would like to present at one of the seminars, please contact me.
The idea is to have two 20 minute presentations with discussion around the topic. It’s an ideal opportunity for to test out theories about the African conflicts, showcase what you’re working on, share information on relevant book(s), etc. Interest is wide-ranging and covers all theatres of the Great War in Africa (and linked conflicts) and its legacy.
The 2026 in-person conference is looking like it might be late June/early July – date to be confirmed in February. If you are interested in presenting a paper at the conference in London, please let me know.
As usual, don’t forget to have a look at what books are available for sale. New titles are expected during 2026. In addition, various research pages have been updated including the spreadsheets. Thanks to members who have continued to supply snippets of information and your ongoing support. If there’s anything you think should be added, please let me know.
With best wishes
Anne
