Description
Object description
whole: the eleven images occupy the majority. The title is separate and positioned along the top edge, in black. The text
is partially integrated and placed across the lower three-quarters, in black. All set against a white background.
image: the images depict West African infantrymen being trained for various aspects of the Army, or engaged in military
duties.
text: WEST AFRICANS serving with the British Forces
This picture shows a West African anti-aircraft gun crew preparing for action. West Africa's fighting men played a big part in defeating
the Italians in East Africa. This is what the High Command said of the Royal West African Frontier Force in 1941: 'In every situation they
have distinguished themselves. Their high spirits, their efficiency, their burning patriotism and their high courage are admired and envied
by all.'
West African dispatch rider mounts his motor-cycle. These men carry written messages quickly, and have to be good riders because often they
must ride through rough country.
The modern Army often has to build up its own bridges. The men in this picture are training to be 'sappers' - the name by which the British
Army calls its engineers.
A West African mortar platoon on the move. The equipment which the platoon uses is taken to pieces when the platoon moves from place to
place so that the load can be divided fairly.
West African soldiers after landing in India - many are already fighting against the Japanese. They receive further training in jungle
warfare before they go to the front.
West Africans are provided with modern arms, and men of the Royal West African Frontier Force are here seen getting into their Bren-gun
carriers.
Quite at home with his complicated wireless set, this Royal West African Frontier Force operator is sending and receiving messages during
an exercise.
Three West African heroes who have received British awards for conspicuous gallantry in the East Africa campaign. Left to right: Regimental
Sergeant Major Ilanyien Dagarti, awarded the M.B.E.; Private Bukare Frafra, awarded the Imperial D.C.M.; Private Seidu Issalla, awarded the
M.M.
This West African military policeman on road duty 'in the bush' is armed with a revolver. He wears special eyeshields to protect his eyes
against the dust.
The British Army often uses a smoke screen to cover an advance over a difficult obstacle. Nigerian soldiers practise this trick as they
scramble over a wall during their training.
The instrument this man is using measures the distance to the enemy target. He finds the distance for the gunners and so helps them to aim
correctly. He hides himself from the enemy with the bushes on his hat and on the instrument.
G.P.D. 365/80
Physical description
GPD 365/80
This poster was printed in Great Britain for distribution in western Africa
Similar posters were produced giving details of other colonial peoples serving with the British Army - Maltese (PST 15998), Mauritians (PST
16002), Cypriots (PST 16000) and East Africans (PST 15364 and PST 15365)