'Basutos' marching past a saluting base on Empire Day, Cairo, 1943

Photograph compiled by Major Wilfred Herbert James Sale, 3rd County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters), World War Two, North Africa, 1943.

South African troops parade in Cairo on 24 May 1943. During the war more than 20,000 Sotho from the British protectorate of Basutoland (Lesotho) served in North Africa, the Middle East and Italy. Most served in the African Pioneer Corps where they undertook myriad tasks including the construction of fortifications, carrying of supplies, camouflaging of military installations, building of dummy tanks, guarding of supply dumps and POWs and working as dockers and stevedores.

In early 1943, the 3rd County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters) was moved to Cowley Camp at Mena near Cairo where the unit was re-equipped and personnel undertook training in preparation for the invasion of Sicily.

The first Empire Day took place on 24 May 1902. It remained an essential part of the calendar for more than 50 years and was an opportunity to demonstrate pride in being part of the British Empire.

From an album containing 45 photographs compiled by Major W H J Sale, MC, 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters), 1938-1945.