Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Africa General Service 1902-56, 1 clasp, East Africa 1913-14 (279 Bglr. Kazembe, ‘C’ Coy. 1/K.A.R.) edge bruising, details worn, poor £70-90

Kazembe, a member of the Yao tribe, from the village of Nkupa, in the district of Zomba, enlisted into the King’s African Rifles on 7 October 1908, aged 18 years. Not the best of soldiers, he was several times on the ‘defaulters sheet’, receiving 4 lashes in May 1909 for ‘being in correspondence with prisoners relating to escape’; 10 lashes in June 1909 for absenting himself from his guard post; 10 lashes and the forfeiture of his Good Conduct Badge in December 1912 for stealing ammunition, and 4 lashes and the forfeiture of his (restored) Good Conduct Badge for disobedience of orders when on active service.

He served in British East Africa, October 1913-February 1914 and in Jubaland, February-September 1914. During the Great War he served in British Central Africa from 18 September 1914 and then in Nyasaland, 10 June 1916-20 September 1916. He was discharged as ‘time expired’ at Zomba on 31 January 1917 when his character was judged to be ‘Fair’. Kazembe was awarded a War Gratuity in October 1920 and in September 1924 was awarded the 1914-15 Star, British War and Victory Medals. Sold with copied service papers and roll extract.