🔥 1918 Campaigns: The Final Push Against the Germans

By 1916, troops from Northern and Southern Rhodesia (modern-day Zambia and Zimbabwe) joined Allied forces in launching coordinated invasions into German East Africa (GEA) from all directions—British East Africa (now Kenya), Uganda, and the Belgian Congo.

Meanwhile, deep in Portuguese East Africa (now Mozambique), General Paul von Lettow-Vorbeck, commander of the German Schutztruppe, kept his forces alive by raiding Portuguese posts for weapons and supplies, trading cloth for food from local villagers.

🪖 Action at Fusi: A Day of Bravery

On 28 September 1918, von Lettow's troops left Mozambique and re-entered German East Africa. They marched north along the eastern side of Lake Nyasa, skirting the border with Northern Rhodesia. British forces, including Ugandan battalions of the King's African Rifles (KAR) and Northern Rhodesia Police (NRP) units, pursued them in hopes of cutting off their escape.

The NRP finally intercepted the Germans on 4 October 1918 at Fusi, just 15 miles west of Songea. Positioned strategically, the NRP blocked the German advance and held their ground in a full day of fierce fighting. Eventually, von Lettow's forces outflanked the defenders, but not before the NRP displayed exceptional bravery.

• Sergeant Chichasi (No. 229) earned the Imperial Distinguished Conduct Medal for leading his section under intense machine-gun and rifle fire, helping to break the German assault.

• Colour Sergeant Yasi (No. 451) received a Military Medal for courageously delivering orders across the battlefield while under fire.

• Private Kunenga (No. 421) was also awarded a Military Medal for carrying ammunition under dangerous conditions.

• Acting Sergeant J. Khor, of the British South Africa Police (BSAP), attached to the NRP, was similarly decorated for gallantry.

Sadly, the battle came at a cost. Privates Siyeya (No. 1699) and Mwansabamba (No. S/33) were killed in action at Fusi.