May 2017 update

A number of GWAA members are presenting at the World War 1 & Africa: conference on 2 June in Sittingbourne. It will be good to see others at the event if you have some time to spare.

Ed Yorke has reviewed Guerrillas of Tsavo by James Willson (available to purchase through GWAA or from James direct).

The story of a man who served on Lake Victoria during World War 1 – thanks to @Gillyflower

From Tim Wright re Vic Falls memorial (Zambia)
GWAA members may be concerned to know that Northern Rhodesia’s World War I memorial at Victoria Falls is in need of repair. The memorial bears the names of 78 Europeans connected with the Territory who died on war service in Africa and other theatres. I attach details as far as I have been able to ascertain of all 78. It will be seen that several of those who met their deaths on the Western Front had earlier served in the campaigns in East or South-West Africa. Fallen Africans are commemorated but not named on this memorial.

The memorial does not belong to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission so it will not pay for its repair. However it has furnished the name of a suitable contractor who has quoted £5,700 for the necessary work, his food and accommodation being supplied free of charge by Peter Jones, a Livingstone businessman who is most anxious to see the repairs effected and brought the matter to the attention of Brigadier David Williams, President of the King’s African Rifles and East African Forces Association who is handling collection of funds in UK through the accounts of his association which will be well known to many GWAA members.

Anyone who wishes to contribute to this work should contact David Williams . As Chairman of the Northern Rhodesia Police Association I shall be proposing at our AGM in mid-May that we make a donation. I have written to three people I happen to know are related to persons named on the memorial and will be writing to other organisations with a Zambian or Northern Rhodeisa connexion. The Northern Rhodesia Police war memorial, in Livingstone, bearing the names of both European and African members of the Force who fell on active service, remains I am relieved to hear, in good condition.

Author: Anne

www.thesamsonsedhistorian.wordpress.com

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