The Kenya Regiment was a British military unit recruited from white settlers in colonial Kenya and Uganda. It was formed in 1937 but temporarily disbanded at the outbreak of World War II in 1939. Re-established in 1950, it participated in the repression of the Mau Mau rebellion (1952–56) and was finally disbanded in May 1963 when Kenya became independent.
History
The regiment was formed in the aftermath of the Abyssinia Crisis (1935). Fearing an Italian threat to the British colonies in East Africa, the Colonial Office ordered the reform of the military units in Kenya Colony. A section of the Territorial Army was established for white settlers to complement the long-established King's African Rifles (KAR) which comprised black soldiers under white officers. It was originally designated Kenya Regiment (Territorial Force) and subsequently expanded, also recruiting white settlers in Uganda Protectorate. At the outbreak of World War II in 1939, the unit's personnel were re-allocated to the KAR and Northern Rhodesia Regiment. Kenya Regiment soldiers also formed the basis for the creation of the Kenya Armoured Car Regiment.
The regiment was recalled in 1950 and participated in the repression of the Mau Mau uprising (1952–56). It was disbanded with the independence of Kenya in 1963.
Notable personnel
- Roger Whittaker, singer and songwriter, national service, 1954–56.[1]
References
Bibliography
- Guy Campbell The Charging Buffalo: A History of the Kenya Regiment 1937-1963 (London: Leo Cooper, 1986)
- Leonard Gill, Military Musings (Victoria, BC: Trafford, 2003)
- Leonard Gill, More Military Musings (Victoria, BC: Trafford, 2004)
- Leonard Gill, Remembering the Regiment (Victoria, BC: Trafford, 2004)
- Ian Parker, The Last Colonial Regiment. History of Kenya Regiment (T.F.)
External links
- Official website of the Kenya Regiment Association.