Sergeant Walisema being decorated, 1940 (c)

Photograph, World War Two, 1940 (c).

In 1938, the regimental strength of the King's African Rifles amounted to 94 officers (all British), 60 African NCOs and 2821 other ranks. After the outbreak of war, these men (Sergeant Walisema included) provided the trained nucleus for the rapid expansion of the regiment. By March 1940, its strength had reached 883 officers, 1,374 NCOs and 20,026 other ranks.

From a collection of 93 photographs of the King's African Rifles.