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Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:The Martial Spirit: Yao Soldiers in British Service in Nyasaland (Malawi), 1895-1939
Author:Marjomaa, RistoISNI
Year:2003
Periodical:The Journal of African History
Volume:44
Issue:3
Period:November
Pages:413-432
Language:English
Geographic terms:Malawi
Great Britain
Subjects:Yao
colonialism
military recruitment
Peoples of Africa (Ethnic Groups)
Military, Defense and Arms
History and Exploration
External link:https://www.jstor.org/stable/4100792
Abstract:During the colonial period, the Yao formed the main source of recruits for the King's African Rifles Nyasaland (Malawi) battalions. Originally, the main reason for the large number of Yao volunteers was probably the simple fact that the recruitment office was near Yao areas. However, due to prevailing racial ideals the British colonial military interpreted this as a sign of a 'martial spirit'. This led to active encouragement to enlist the Yao, which in turn made military service ever more attractive among this group. They became the 'martial race' of Nyasaland, a concept which continued to affect British recruitment policies until the Second World War. Notes, ref., sum. [Journal abstract]
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