A scarce K.A.R. D.C.M. group of five to R.S.M. Chibwana, King's African Rifles

KING'S AFRICAN RIFLES DISTINGUISHED CONDUCT MEDAL, G.V.R. (C.S. Mjr., 1/2 KAR.); AFRICA GENERAL SERVICE 1902-56, 2 clasps, Somaliland 1908-10, EastAfrica 1913-14 (Pte., 1/K.A.R.); 1914-15 STAR (Sgt., 2/K.A.R.), rank scratched; BRITISHWAR and VICTORY MEDALS (R.S. M., 2/K.A.R.), local impressed naming on the last three, mounted for wearing, contact wear and polished, fine (5)

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The AA Upfill-Brown Collection.

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An award for German East Africa, ref. Routine Order No. 42, dated 15 January 1918, 'At the action near Nangwani on 24 April 1917, when both his officers had become casualties, he led his company with skill and courage. While walking down the firing line, he saw an enemy machine gun about to come into action at close range. He threw a bomb at it, and the crew ranaway. He then went forward by himself and started to drag in the gun, but was wounded in the attempt, and the enemy recovered the gun. He has done excellent work at all times and is an example to his men.'

Regimental Sergeant Major Chibwana enlisted in 1905, receiving promotion to Corporal in 1911, Sergeant in 1914, C.S.M. in 1916 and to R.S.M. in 1918. He was twice wounded during the course of the Great War, firstly at Kikugumi on 14 July 1915 and again at Nangwanion 24 April 1917. He was discharged at Limbi in February 1919.