Description
Physical description
71/84 bullet distinguished from M1871 bullet by flat tip. Bullet press fitted in cartridge with paper patch (edges slightly frayed). Primer press-fitted in head of cartridge.
Label
This German 11mm cartridge was picked up after the Battle of Gazi (Kenya) in October 1914, by Lieutenant Gerald Cooke of the 2nd Kashmir Rifles. Gazi had been attacked by German forces under Major Baumstark. Indian Army reinforcements - Jind Infantry and 29th Punjabis - were instrumental in his defeat. In his report on the battle Baumstark stressed 'the sense of inferiority produced in his men by their obsolete rifles firing black powder against the modern smokeless weapons of his opponents.' [History of the Great War, Military Operations in East Africa, Vol I, August 1914 - September 1916, pp 47, 59].
Evidently Baumstark's command consisted of one of the Field Companies of the German East Africa Schütztruppen who were yet to receive modern rifles, and were still armed with single-shot Model 1871 Jäger rifles. As the campaign in East Africa progressed, ammunition supply became a major problem for the Germans. The modern smokeless 7.92mm ammunition eventually ran out, forcing them to rely upon the M1871 rifles or captured weapons.
History note
Developed in 1867 by Mauser and Samuel Norris (Remington's European importer), adopted by Germany in 1871 and issued first in 1875, this cartridge was used by several countries, notably China.
History note
From the inscription on the envelope it may be assumed that this cartridge was picked up on the battlefield after German forces under Major Baumstark had unsuccessfully attacked Gazi (East Africa) on 7 October, 1914. Indian reinforcements - Jind Infantry and 29th Punjabis - were instrumental in his defeat. In his report on the battle Baumstark stressed 'the sense of inferiority produced in his men by their obsolete rifles firing black powder against the modern smokeless weapons of his opponents.' [History of the Great War, Military Operations in East Africa, Vol I, August 1914 - September 1916, pp 47, 59]. The British tended to regard the use of obsolete large calibre, unjacketed ammunition as unfair practice and a breach of the Hague Convention.
History note
Reference: Datig, F A : 1967 : Cartridges for Collectors : Borden Publishing Co : Vol III : p 77.
[1] headstamp (mark, stamped, case base): raised characters on bevelled edge of Mauser A base
1. D // 88 // six pointed skeletal star (underlined)// 7
'Gazi East Africa 7th Oct. 1914',
4, BANKSHALL STREET, CALCUTTA