Colonial Troops

joea · 10-13-06, 09:52 AM

Saw a French movie last week and posted my review (or a link to it) on the films forum. Might as well post the link here too.

http://www.armchairgeneral.com/forum...ad.php?t=44337

Just curious as to what members here know about the issue of colonial troops contributions to various war efforts, how they are shown in history and how they were treated by the colonial powers during and after conflicts. As we have a lot of Brits and Commonwealth people here it certainly is an issue worth discussing, for example I understand Ghurkas still serve in the British Army do they serve in Afghanistan and Iraq?

Schultzy · 10-13-06, 11:30 AM

Good article about the Gurkhas in A-stan. These soldiers never fail to impress and amaze me. Bravest fighters around imho

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.../wafghan05.xml

Bertgang · 10-13-06, 12:22 PM

I don't know if it could be called "colonial troop", but a Maori unit from New Zealand had his glory in Italy during WWII.
These men are remembered as excellent soldiers; despite their tribal war dance, their manner to fight wasn't primitive at all.

Less simpathy here for french colonials (north africans); brave on the battlefield against german, yes, but also a terrible gang against civilians.

Italy had his colonials too; as the war was a total failure for our country they aren't remembered very often.
Anyway, an african cavalry unit (really on horses), leaded by an italian officer, was able to make several successful strikes behind the lines of british army in eastern africa (the first of our colonies to fall, being out of any supply from fatherland)

bradclark1 · 10-13-06, 01:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Schultzy

Good article about the Gurkhas in A-stan. These soldiers never fail to impress and amaze me. Bravest fighters around imho

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.../wafghan05.xml

Very good piece!
By reading that I take it Gurkhas are still led by British officers?

10-13-06, 09:52 AM	#1
joea Silent Hunter Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: At periscope depth in Lake Geneva Posts: 3,512 Downloads: 25 Uploads: 0	Colonial Troops Saw a French movie last week and posted my review (or a link to it) on the films forum. Might as well post the link here too. http://www.armchairgeneral.com/forum...ad.php?t=44337 Just curious as to what members here know about the issue of colonial troops contributions to various war efforts, how they are shown in history and how they were treated by the colonial powers during and after conflicts. As we have a lot of Brits and Commonwealth people here it certainly is an issue worth discussing, for example I understand Ghurkas still serve in the British Army do they serve in Afghanistan and Iraq?

10-13-06, 12:22 PM	#3
Bertgang Sparky Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Italy Posts: 158 Downloads: 1 Uploads: 0	I don't know if it could be called "colonial troop", but a Maori unit from New Zealand had his glory in Italy during WWII. These men are remembered as excellent soldiers; despite their tribal war dance, their manner to fight wasn't primitive at all. Less simpathy here for french colonials (north africans); brave on the battlefield against german, yes, but also a terrible gang against civilians. Italy had his colonials too; as the war was a total failure for our country they aren't remembered very often. Anyway, an african cavalry unit (really on horses), leaded by an italian officer, was able to make several successful strikes behind the lines of british army in eastern africa (the first of our colonies to fall, being out of any supply from fatherland)