German East Africa - Military Railways 1916 -1919

[Douglas29]

Lieutenant John Rose Lawler, Temp Commission Royal Engineers, 14.11.1916, also Indian Volunteer Officer, Bengal and North Western Railway Battalion

Medals: BWM, VM, IVD

Lawler, a mechanical engineer by profession, awarded a temp commission in RE’s and sent out to GEA on the Military Railways, becoming in June 1918 District Loco Superintendent Central Military Railway.

I am seeking background on the Military Railway operations in GEA during this period and wished to understand the role & responsibilities of an officer such as Lawler. Any assistance greatly appreciated, and/or pointers as to books, research or indeed photographs.

Douglas

 

[MaureenE]

 Railway Gazette – Special Great War Transportation Number Naval & Military Press reprint  of 1920 book is stated to include East Africa, although I haven't read it myself, so can't confirm this.

Maureen

[Douglas29]

Dear Maureen,

Many thanks for the recommendation, having reviewed the book’s synopsis I have decided to jump in an acquire a copy. 
I also found out that there is a 34page file on Lawler at the National Archives & hopefully this might provide some additional insight as to his activities in GEA.

Regards

Douglas

[Terry_Reeves]

On 19/03/2022 at 15:58, Douglas29 said:

Dear Maureen,

Many thanks for the recommendation, having reviewed the book’s synopsis I have decided to jump in an acquire a copy. 
I also found out that there is a 34page file on Lawler at the National Archives & hopefully this might provide some additional insight as to his activities in GEA.

Regards

Douglas

Douglas

I have the above publication, unfortunately the German East Africa piece is  only two short paragraphs. 

I do have a copy of the History of the Railway Corps, East African Expeditionary Force from TNA in  WO 32 / 5830 which is largely about the construction work. It is 21 pages in length and quite Interesting, although mainly about construction.

TR

Edited 22 March , 2022 by Terry_Reeves

[Douglas29]

20 hours ago, Terry_Reeves said:

Douglas

I have the above publication, unfortunately the German East Africa piece is  only two short paragraphs. 

I do have a copy of the History of the Railway Corps, East African Expeditionary Force from TNA in  WO 32 / 5830 which is largely about the construction work. It is 21 pages in length and quite Interesting, although mainly about construction.

TR

Dear Terry,

Thank you for providing the update as to the publication. I will look at the National Archive reference you have kindly provided. 
 

Regards

Douglas