A Great War 1917 ‘German East Africa operations’ D.C.M. group of four awarded to Sergeant Isaac, King’s African Rifles, for gallantry in single-handedly capturing an enemy Askari accompanied by two Ruga-Ruga at Mamba, 10 September 1917

King’s African Rifles Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (493 Cpl Shisha Isaac. 1/1 K.A.R.) rank officially corrected; 1914-15 Star (493 Pte. Isaac. 1-KAR); British War and Victory Medals (493 Sgt Isaac DCM 1/K A R) minor edge bruising and contact marks, all medals polished and worn, therefore fair to fine (4) £700-900

D.C.M. Nyasaland Gazette 31 January 1918:
‘At Mamba during the period from 15th August to 2nd September 1917, Corporal Isaac was conspicuous in dangerous and difficult patrol work round the enemy’s position. On 10th September when the column had moved to the rear of the enemy, and it was important that the move should come as as surprise, he restrained his piquet from firing on an enemy Askari accompanied by two Ruga-Ruga. He then captured the Askari single-handedly, driving the Ruga-Ruga into the piquet.’

Note: A Ruga-Ruga is an armed follower.

A second D.C.M. is recorded as being issued to this man from Woolwich on 16 April 1921. Approximately 195 K.A.R. D.C.M.s were awarded between 1906 and 1925, the majority for the Great War period.