The First World War in East Africa

The First World War in East Africa

Commemorating 100 years since the start of World War 1

To commemorate the centenary since the start of the First World War the Australian High Commission in Nairobi is proud to have put together a photo display that tells a little of the history of how this war affected East Africa.  Whilst the story is not as well known as the Battle of the Somme or the Gallipoli Campaign, nonetheless it played an important part in the war.  Even Australians were involved and one, Lieutenant William Dartnell, played a significant role and paid the ultimate price, for which he was awarded his country's highest honour, the Victoria Cross.  He now lies in the small Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery  in Voi, Kenya.  As we approach the centenary of the Gallipoli Campaign we are proud to post this display on our website for more people to learn about this period of history.  It will also be on display at a number of sites over the centenary period.

For more information on Australia's involvement in WW1 click on the link to go to the Australian War Memorial website for a good introduction.

For more information about the First World War in East Africa we highly recommend James G Willson's book 'Guerrillas of Tsavo'  which provided much of the source material for our display.