I have had several large units of Askaris partly done for ages. They were originally for Congo, and then were going to be used as Turkish infantry for the Napoleonic wars and then for the Russo-Turkish Wars. None of this happened and they have been sitting on their painting sticks for a long time. Mostly completed.

Men Who Would Be Kings has been the impetuous to start getting them finished.

Askari is a word that means “soldier” or “police” in Kiswahili, Arabic, Turkish and a number of other languages. Colonial powers in many parts of eastern, central and southern Africa used the term widely to refer to the African soldiers who fought in their armies in Africa.

During World War I, Askari of the German East African colonial army, the Schutztruppe, gained a reputation as highly effective and dedicated troops. Following Germany’s defeat, a “loyal Askari” myth developed that celebrated their service to Germany, while ignoring the negative effects of colonial rule on the peoples of German East Africa.

There is a European myopic view which tends to treat all Askari as the same for instance German Askaris (Schutztruppe) were primarily recruited from present-day Tanzania, Rwanda, and Burundi. They were used in the Scramble for Africa, the Herero and Namaqua genocide, the suppression of the Maji Maji Rebellion and other conflicts.

On the other-hand the British askaris (King’s African Rifle) were recruited from present-day Kenya, Uganda, and Sudan. They were used in the East Africa Campaign of World War I, the East African Campaign (World War II) and other conflicts.

The French askaris (Tirailleurs) were recruited from present-day Algeria, Tunisia, and Senegal. They were used in the Pacification of Algeria and other conflicts.

During the late 19th century, European powers were competing for control of Africa, leading to a number of wars and conflicts. In order to maintain control over their colonies, European powers began recruiting local men to serve as soldiers in their armies. These askaris were a cheap and practical option, and they were used to fight against both local resistance movements and other European powers.

More Askaris over the next few days.