The Northern Rhodesia Regiment

Northern Rhodesia (which in 1964 achieved independence from the United Kingdom as Zambia) between 1932 and 1933 separated its civil and military police, the latter in April 1933 becoming (unlike neighboring East African forces which became battalions of the Kings African Rifles) the Northern Rhodesia Regiment. By August 1938 the strength of the Regiment stood at 20 Europeans (of whom the officers were mostly seconded from the British Army) and 401 African troops. That same year the first European Reserve was formed to begin military training for white settlers, and in August of the following year the new African Reserve began accepting volunteers. It was also in August 1939 that European reservists were mobilized and the existing strength of the Regiment became officially "1st Battalion The Northern Rhodesia Regiment".

From such humble beginnings, and a total white population of less than 20,000, came the force that Northern Rhodesia considered "...one of the greatest efforts of any British Colony during the 1939-1945 campaign."

While Northern Rhodesia/Zambia can be justifiably proud of its war record, fifty-plus years later few elsewhere in the world are likely to remember its achievements. Here is a brief synopsis of the Northern Rhodesia Regiment.

1st Battalion

Dispatched on 3 September 1939 to guard the Belgian Congo border from an imagined invasion by a mythical 1300-strong mechanized force supposedly raised in Portuguese Angola. Recalled three weeks later, then moved overland to Kenya with a pause for training in Tanganyika.

Sailed from Mombasa on 11 May 1940 and reached Berbera four days later, then occupied the Tug Argan position. Defended there during the Italian invasion of British Somaliland (along with such legendary formations as the Somaliland Camel Corps) until forced to withdraw and evacuate by sea to Aden on 16 August.

Sailed to Mombasa, arriving 17 September. Assigned to 21st East African Infantry Brigade (under 11th African Division, then 1st South African Division). After advancing in May from Moyale as part of Cunningham's offensive from Kenya, the battalion served on garrison duty in Abyssinia and Kenya.

Sailed for Ceylon from Kilindini on 10 March 1942 with 21st Brigade. Arrived Colombo and underwent two years of garrison and jungle training. To Chittagong in July 1944. Employed in construction role near Palel until October, the battalion then took part in the advance Palel-Tamu-Kalewa through December. Still in Burma at the end of the war.

2nd Battalion

Raised at the end of 1939. In April 1940, pressed into civil duty during miners' strike, fired into striking workers and killed or wounded 80 civilians during the "Copperbelt Riots". In 1941 split off 2-2nd Battalion, later redesignated 5th Battalion. The 2nd remained in Northern Rhodesia on security duty.

In July 1942, as part of Northern Rhodesian 27th Infantry Brigade (with 3rd and 4th Battalions of NRR), moved overland to South Africa en route to Madagascar. Arrived Diego Suarez aboard Dutch liner Nieuw Amsterdam on 14 August for garrison duty.

To Italian Somaliland for garrison duty in September 1943.

3rd Battalion

Security duty in Northern Rhodesia, then garrison duty on Madagascar with 27th Infantry Brigade.

Returned to the mainland for refitting and training, then to Ceylon in July 1944. Arrived Chittagong 10 December 1944. With 22nd East African Brigade in 15th Indian Corps reserve in the "Tunnels" region. To the Arakan in February. Reassigned to 7th Indian Division and crosses Irrawaddy, advances toward Rangoon and then the Salween.

4th Battalion

Security duty in Northern Rhodesia, then garrison duty on Madagascar with 27th Infantry Brigade. Then to Kenya and Somaliland for the same purpose.

5th Battalion

Originally formed as 2-2nd from the 2nd Battalion. Proceeded to Italian Somaliland for garrison duty. Then to the Middle East for further garrison and security work, mostly in Palestine.

6th Battalion

Formed in first half of 1942 and sent immediately to Italian Somaliland.

7th Battalion

Formed in 1942. Later served on Madagascar.

8th Battalion

Formed January 1943 and served in Abyssinia and Somaliland.

Independent Company

The Northern Rhodesia Regiment also raised the 96th Independent Garrison Company which guarded Headquarters of East Africa Command for some time.

Sources

Allen, Louis. BURMA: THE LONGEST WAR. New York: St Martin's Press, 1984.

Brelsford, W. V. (ed) THE STORY OF THE NORTHERN RHODESIA REGIMENT. Lusaka, Northern Rhodesia: The Government Printer, 1954.

Joslen, H. F. ORDERS OF BATTLE. London: HMSO, 1960.

Kirby, S. Woodburn. THE WAR AGAINST JAPAN, volumes 2, 3, and 4. London: HMSO.

Playfair, I. S. O. THE MEDITERRANEAN AND MIDDLE EAST, volumes 1 and 2. London: HMSO.