Imperial Military Policy and the Bechuanaland Pioneers and Gunners during theSecond World War

摘要

This is a study of how a small British Protectorate in southern Africa went aboutthe complex process of organizing its human and material resources for the Second World War. That process--the process of mobilization--is used as a lens for examining the evolution of British military policy in Bechuanaland and how it affected the employment of African soldiers. From the end of the nineteenth century, the British developed personal and military relations with Africans that cumulatively subordinated Africans to noncombatant in 'white men's wars'. British military needs and policies changed over time with the changing fortunes of its empire. In theory the British Regular Army was responsible for the defense of British strategic interests around the globe. However, Great Britain lacked the manpower to defend its possessions from foreign enemies. As a result, the British army heavily recruited colonial soldiers to augment its regiments during the Second World War. Botswana soldiers were recruited into British auxiliary support units primarily as laborers and anti-aircraft gunners. They served in North Africa, the Middle East and Italy throughout the war. Britain's colonial ideology regarding African soldiers was patronizing and cloaked in self-serving protectionism. Africans were to be protected from corrupting influences and wider global conflicts. The policy was unrealistic and difficult to implement as news of the Second World War spread. Botswana leaders responded quickly to the declaration of war, began recruiting campaigns, and helped organize military training facilities. However, African soldiers had fewer opportunities for advancement within the British army and cases of racial discrimination abounded.