AGS Nandi 1905 3rd KAR

Description Africa General Service Medal, EDVII, bar Nandi 1905-6, 1725 Private Kalichoi Ndulli, 3rd King’s African Rifles.    Officially impressed: “1725 Pte Kalichoi Ndulli. 3/K.A.R.”   Confirmed on the medal roll.   Particularly well preserved example in good condition.   This clasp was awarded for service in the “5th Nandi Expedition” which took place between 18th October 1905 – 6th July 1906.   The 3rd (Kenya) Battalion of the King’s African Rifles, formerly known as the East African Rifles played a pivotal role in the campaign as they were stationed at the Nandi Fort on the outbreak under the command of the infamous Lieut Richard Meinertzhagen who seems to have won the campaign for the British on the first day even if he used duplicitous methods to achieve it.   At the time of the Nandi Campaign, Lieutenant Richard Meinertzhagen (Later Colonel CBE DSO), was attached to the 3rd K.A.R. stationed at Nandi Fort, he made friends with the locals, although it is noted that on one occasion he was ambushed as the Chief With Doctor, Koitalel wanted his body to make a medicine which might “turn bullets into water”.   Meinertzhagen believed that the higher ups in the Military wanted and expedition to win a new medal, and the Political wing wanted one there to absorb the Nandi’s lands into the White Highlands.   Eventually he got his wish to spark a conflict, arranging to meet the “Laibon” (Medicine Man) Koitatel arap Samoei, who had been leading the Nandi Resistance for over a decade for a parlay.   This is where the story diverges, as according to Lt Meinertzhagen, he was ambushed, forcing his hand into killing Koitatel and his followers.   However there are claims that Meinertzhagen took with him 80 men, but hid 75 nearby to launch his own ambush, the moment he shook hands with Koitatel, he shot him at point blank range killing him, alongside his followers.   It was then claimed that he decapitated Koitalel and took some of his body parts home to England, to this day the descendants of the Nandi Elders are still demanding of the British Government to return the skull of Koitatel.   3 Courts of enquiry were held when the news reached the authorities, although Meinertzhagen was technically cleared of wrongdoing, preaching Self Defence, conveniently the next year he was withdrawn from Africa in disgrace, some say he should have been awarded the Victoria Cross, some a prison cell.   T.E. Lawrence aka “Lawrence of Arabia” later wrote that “Meinertzhagen knew no half measures. He was logical, an idealist of the deepest, and so possessed by his convictions that he was willing to harness evil to the chariot of good.” and “Meinertzhagen was a silent laughing masterful man who took as blithe a pleasure in deceiving his enemy (or his friend) by some unscrupulous jest, as in splattering the brains of a cornered mob one by one with his African knobkerrie.”   Following the “Assassination” of Koitatel the full expedition was launched, with them being greatly weakened by the death of their Leader Koitatel, the campaign almost came to an end early in December 1905, but was renewed and lasted until July 1906.   Meanwhile Meinertzhagen was left desk bound back at the Colonial Office, before his connections got him back on his feet later becoming a remarkable Soldier, Spy, Diplomat and Scientist, one of the inspirations for James Bond and during the period of WW1 a contemporary of T.E. Lawrence, although he had little kind words to say, since his death much of his remarkable achievements have been questioned, he may have also been also a multiple murderer, thief, fraud and plagiarist.   Meinterzhagen: Hero or Fraud? https://www.fusiliermuseumlondon.org/art24873