John Hunter

Died on the 18/04/1919 at New Langenburg, Tanganyika Territory, East Africa

John died in New Langenburg, Targanyika Territory, East Africa Africa on the 18/04/1919 as a result of "long continued strain". He had been actively engaged in Military service since the commencement of hostilities and was Mentioned in Despatches on several occasions. His is NOT listed by the CWGC. The King's African Rifles including the 2nd Battalion of 4 companies served with distinction mainly in German East Africa. Their history is rather complex but briefly they were involved predominantly with the 1st Division of Smut's invasion force throughout 1916 and along with the Gold Coast and Baluchi Regiments became the mainstay of the force throughout 1917 and 1918. The 1914-18 War was fought in German East Africa, now Tanzania, and the enemy did not lay down their arms until November, 1918. By the end of the war the King's African Rifles strength had risen to 22 Battalions. This included a 'new' 6 King's African Rifles formed from the ex-German askari of the Schutztruppen. The total strength of the King's African Rifles was 35,500, of whom 11% were European. Casualties were 8225, including 22.6% of the officers. The total troops involved were 114,000, with casualties of 62,000. There were between 400,000 and 500,000 native porters, The Carrier Corps, of whom 40,000 were unaccounted for at the end of the campaign. John's 2 brothers are remembered on the Old Monkland Church Roll of Honour (see Newspaper clipping). See photos x 3 of a Remembrance tribute presented to the Church by the Old Monkland Brownies on the 10/11/2019. These feature John and all of the lost men from the Parish during the 1st World War, the Old Monkland Church Roll of Honour plaque, Newspaper clippings x 3 (Coatbridge Express x 2 and the Coatbridge Leader x 1), John named in the Scotland National Probate Index and the King's African Rifles Regiment Cap Badge.