Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A rare Portuguese East Africa operations K.A.R. D.C.M. group of four awarded to Sergeant Nyambe, King’s African Rifles

King’s African Rifles Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (1247 Sjt. Nyambe, 1/2 K.A.R.); 1914-15 Star (1247 Pte. Nyambi, 2/K.A.R.); British War and Victory Medals, with M.I.D. oak leaf (1247 Sgt. Nyambi, 2/K.A.R.), note surname spelling, contact marks and somewhat polished, nearly very fine (4) £1400-1800

Approximately 195 K.A.R. D.C.Ms were awarded between 1906 and 1925, the majority for the Great War period.

K.A.R. D.C.M. promulgated in East African Force G.R.O. No. 99 on 24 February 1919:

‘On 31 August 1918 at Lioma, this N.C.O. came to the help of his British Sergeant. At a very critical moment when a sudden attack from the left flank caused all the porters to bolt, dropping their guns and leaving them. He assisted his Sergeant to mount the guns, and together with him held off the enemy until the line was reformed and brought up to the guns. He had done most excellent work with the machine-guns during the whole period of the campaign.’

Nyambi, a Yao tribesman from Mitawa village in the district of Fort Johnston, East Africa, enlisted in the King’s African Rifles at Zomba in June 1915, and was present in the action at Moshi in the same year. In 1916, according to his service record, he was present at Kilata, in operations in the Lindi area, and all actions including Mahiwa. Advanced to Corporal in June 1917 and to Sergeant in January 1918, he won his D.C.M. for the above cited deeds at Lioma in August of the latter year - an action that cost Von Lettow dearly - in just 48 hours he lost 17 Europeans killed and 11 captured, and about 200 askaris.

Having then added a mention in despatches to his accolades (London Gazette 28 January 1919, refers), and been awarded a ‘free hut for life’ (DO 585/19 refers), Nyambe was discharged. In September 1921, however, he was re-engaged by the K.A.R., and served in Tanganyika and Nyasaland until being discharged for a final time in 1924, owing to reduction of the establishment; sold with copied service record.