British in Kenya - 1950

Discussion in 'Searching for Someone & Military Genealogy' started by Michael Sheldrick, Jan 15, 2023.

  1. I am looking for details to try and track down what my grandfather would have done in Kenya. In 1952 he was there on national service from the UK. He got malaria and ended up in a life threatening situation and had to come back early so I think he was just there for 6 months. He was aged 21-22.

    Would recommend any advice on how to learn more, where he would have served, and where his unit would have been based. Does anyone know if there are any museums in Nairobi today?
     
    JimHerriot likes this.
  2. JimHerriot

    JimHerriot Ready for Anything

  3. davidbfpo

    davidbfpo Patron Patron

    Officially the Mau Mau or Kenya Emergency started in October 1952!

    If you search online with "mau mau rebellion primary sources" you will find more than enough to read. The Wiki appears comprehensive: Mau Mau rebellion - Wikipedia

    Would your grandfather have been in Kenya before the emergency was declared? Reading "between the lines" there was a military role before the Emergency. A lot would depend on which corps / regiment he served with.

    You could apply for his service record, although there are issues with availability and the time to wait. PM coming on clues.

    I have one book that includes Kenya: 'Withdrawal from Empire' by William Jackson, published 1986. You might find that in a library, although I expect more is now online.
     

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