East Africans Serving with the British Forces

whole: the twelve 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 East African infantrymen being trained for various aspects of the Army, or engaged in military duties, such as cleaning equipment and unpacking ammunition supplies. text: EAST AFRICANS serving with the British Forces In Abyssinia, in Italian Somaliland, in the North African desert, and in Madagascar, East Africans have made their contribution to victory. As the attack opens up against Japan, East Africans are assembling in India and Ceylon side by side with other Empire Forces to give to the Japs the same sort of medicine as they gave to the Italians. East African Pioneers stacking shells. During the long months of preparation for the attack in East Africa the Pioneers worked night and day unloading ammunition and supplies. This picture shows an African worker testing electrical equipment on the workbench at an East African Electrical and Mechanical Engineers' workshop, where army equipment is repaired. VAN LOAD 6720 LBS Men of the King's African Rifles driving through Tananarive, in Madagascar. The K.A.R. led the attack against Italian Somaliland; they fought all through Abyssinia, and were in the thick of the fighting in Madagascar. The Pioneers unload an ammunition train. Their reward came later, when the armies of the British Empire swept forward, well equipped, to drive the enemy out of Africa. Kisarishu (left), who came from an African village to join the Pioneers, receives his first pay as a soldier. Kisarishu later became a Sergeant in the King's Army. East African troops in Madagascar. During this campaign the K.A.R. attacked Ambohipia with hand grenades and rifle grenades, and then charged forward and captured the village at bayonet point. A squad of motor-cycle dispatch riders during training. By the time they have finished their training these men of Africa will be expert riders. They will then become the trusted messengers of the Army. Chief Paul Agoi greets a tribesman. In the East African Forces there are men from all the East African territories. Wa-Swahili, Luo, Kikuyu, Wakamba, Kipsigis, Nandi, Acholi, Lango, Baganda, Masai, Wanyamwezi, Wasukumu, Yao, Anguru, Angoni, Anyanja, Awemba, Atonga, Awaila, and all the other tribes are represented. Modern warfare is not all fighting. Behind the lines, Bren-gun carriers, tanks, guns and other machines of war must be repaired and kept in first-class order. East African Pioneers are attached to the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, who do this work. Two East Africans are seen above working on a Bren carrier engine. Trained in the use of modern equipment, these men of the King's African Rifles show their approval of their Bren-gun carrier. The men of Africa have learned to use many different kinds of weapons. East African troops board a ship bound for India. Having dealt with the Italians, African troops will soon have a chance to attack the Japanese. G.P.D. 365/71/3

GPD 365/71/3 This poster was printed in Great Britain for distribution in eastern Africa A Swahili language version was also produced (see PST 15365) Similar posters were produced giving details of other colonial peoples serving with the British Army - Mauritians (PST 16002), Cypriots (PST 16000) and West Africans (PST 15392)

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