Henry Thomas Smith - WW1 - German East Africa

[Markly Darkly]

I am trying to find any military records for Henry Thomas Smith, born 18th February 1879 in Stepney. Apparently was in the 14-18 War and eventually left in 1921. At some time he was sent to German East Africa.

I've had a look at National Archives and found several Henry Thomas Smiths but can't narrow it down further than that.

Can anyone help me to find out how I can find anything out. I have found his Sea record (joined 1897), but not his army record.

Thanks

[liverpool annie]

Hi Markly Darkly and welcome to RootsChat!

This may give you some background - if you don't already have it ! are you sure he was in the Army also? as the Navy was there too

When World War I broke out in 1914, German East Africa was the only German colony not to fall to enemy forces within a matter of months. The island of MAFIA was occupied by the British Navy in 1914; German military commander, Colonel PAUL VON LETTOW-VORBECK was able to hold the colony's northern border to Kenya until 1916. When British and South African forces finally managed to penetrate the German lines, von Lettow-Vorbeck switched to a guerilla strategy. He reinforced his troops by conscripting native soldiers, the so-called ASKARIS. Constantly on the move and partially operating in British Rhodesia and Portuguese Mocambique, he held out until the end of the war, tying enemy forces up in Africa which thus could not be employed on the European front.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/German_East_Africa

Annie 

[Markly Darkly]

Thanks Annie - well the general family rumour is that he was in army but I suppose could be navy.

Your info is good reading though

Thanks