The Indian Army in East Africa, 1914

Towards the end of October 1914, two Indian Expeditionary Forces arrived in East Africa to help protect the British East Africa Protectorate (Kenya) and launch an attack on German East Africa (mainland Tanzania). The decision to send these two IEF contingents was not straightforward and was to impact on their performance in Africa for the remainder of the war. While the defeat at Tanga in early November 1914 is well-known, the reasons for, and consequences of, this defeat are seldom discussed or placed in context.

The talk will centre on the battle for Tanga in which Indian troops played a major role. Dr Samson will be looking at how the Indian army came to serve in East Africa, the events around Tanga (and Longido) and the repercussions of the defeat.

Dr Anne Samson is a WW1 African specialist, author and runs the Great War in Africa Association.

Members and non-members of The Western Front Association are equally welcome. Any new members are guaranteed a friendly atmosphere and a warm welcome from a group of like-minded enthusiasts.