Information AboutAskari |
| CATEGORIES ABOUT ASKARI | |
| german empire | |
| history of italy | |
| history of africa | |
| swahili words and phrases | |
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Askari is an Arabic , Persian and Swahili word meaning "soldier" ( ''‘askarī''). It was frequently used to describe indigenous troops in East Africa and the Middle East serving Europe an colonial powers but also describes policemen and security guards. A good example of the use of Askaris was during the World War I campaign in German East Africa where around 11000 Askaris under the command of the German Oberstleutnant Paul Erich Von Lettow-Vorbeck who were vastly outnumbered by troops of the British Empire remained unbeaten after four years of war. In Apartheid South Africa Askari was the term given to guerrillas who were captured by the South African army and 'turned' or converted into spies or killers for the former apartheid regime. air training school at Waterkloof , Pretoria , South Africa .]] The term "askari" was also used by SS soldiers in WWII to refer to Russian deserters who joined the ranks of the SS by volunteering. The reference for this usage is the book "The Sunflower" by Simon Wiesenthal. "Askari" also means spear bearer. Although they no longer carry spears into battle they still fulfill the role of guardsmen. SEE ALSO |
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