Africa General Service Medal, with bar for B. C. A. [British Central Africa] 1899-1900, awarded to Pvt. Chamula, 1901
Obverse, a bust of King Edward VII |
Reverse, Britannia with lion gesturing right to sun on horizon |
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Obverse, a bust of King Edward VII |
Reverse, Britannia with lion gesturing right to sun on horizon |
Numerous actions in the British-controlled parts of Africa were felt to merit the award of a medal, but not a distinct one for every action. The Africa General Service Medal replaced the East and West Africa Medal which had previously been awarded for service in this theatre. Bars were awarded for a variety of small campaigns, sometimes only one expedition and sometimes rather more complex operations.
This medal was awarded for participation in any of a number of small operations against the African statelets of Nkwamba, Kazembe (now in Zimbabwe) and Kalulu (now in Tanzania).
It was awarded to Private Chamula of the 1st King's African Rifles. Lester Watson purchased it in the auction of the Hamilton Smith Collection, of which it had formed part, in 1927 (Glendining, 20-21 July 1927, lot 955).