Abercorn

[cdr]

I'm looking for information about the German attack on Abercorn early in 1914

Carl

[athelstan]

Carl

For a short downloadable account of the action at Abercorn in September 1914 try the link below to the Northern Rhodesia Journal.

Northern Rhodesia Journal

More detailed accounts can be found in:

'The Story of the Northern Rhodesia Regiment' edited by W.V. Brelsford, 1954 (reprinted by Galago Publishing Ltd 1990). See pages 29 - 33.

'History of the Great War - Military Operations East Africa Volume 1 August 1914 - September 1916' by Lt Col Charles Hordern, 1941 (reprinted by The Battery Press 1990). See pages 176 to 178.

The History of the Northern Rhodesia Police' by Tim Wright, British Empire and Commonwealth Press, 2001. See pages 98 to 101 and especially the photo of the Maxim and crew at Abercorn in September 1914.

This is a fascinating episode of the Germans invading Northern Rhodesia, ravaging the territory, forced marches arriving in the nick of time, dawn attacks and the Belgians coming to the rescue. The Official History records the fleeing of the natives at the approach of the Belgians. Other accounts put this down to the Belgian askaris being recruited from canibal tribes! There's plenty of material here and a cracking story.

Hope these references are of use.

james

[cdr]

Thank you James

Carl

ps The Brussels army museum will soon host an exhibition on the Force Publique. Might be interesting