Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A scarce K.A.R. D.C.M. group of four awarded to Company Sergeant Major Blaimu, 1/1 King’s African Rifles, for gallantry in Portuguese East Africa in 1918

King’s African Rifles Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (618 Sjt: Blaimu, 1/1 K.A.R.); 1914-15 Star (618 Sjt. Blaimu 1/K A R); British War Medal (618 CSM Blaimu DCM 1/K A R); Victory Medal (618 CSM Blaimu 1/K A R ) the last three impressed in usual local style, contact pitting, otherwise nearly very fine (4) £1400-1800

Approximately 190 awards of the K.A.R. D.C.M. were made in the reign of King George V.

African D.C.M. Nyasaland Government Gazette 31 October 1918.

‘For conspicuous gallantry in action at Lioma, Portuguese East Africa, on 30th August 1918. He rallied his men at a very critical time causing the repulse of a sudden attack. His behaviour throughout the action was conspicuous. He inspired his men with confidence and exposed himself fearlessly to control the fire of his platoon.’

Blaimu, son of Chisuru, of the Angoui tribe in the Zomba District, enlisted into the 2nd King’s African Rifles on 7 March 1905. He enlisted into the 1st King’s African Rifles on 13 November 1913 and was promoted to Corporal in January 1917, and Sergeant in July 1918. He served throughout the campaigns in German East Africa and in Portuguese East Africa and was discharged at Zomba on 6 December 1919. Sold with copied service papers.