Porter, 2nd Battalion, the King's African Rifles, 1936.jpg

There were few roads in interwar Africa and the prevalence of the Tsetse fly made animal transport near on impossible to maintain. Because of this human transport, or porters, were required by the military to move around the countryside. Initially members of the local tribe were usually press ganged into service but later men were employed on this task and incorporated into the units.

This porter wears a KAR uniform with few distinctions. In fact the only symbol employed is the unit patch, worn on the chest by the porters. His drill fez has a folding neck shade, buttoned up to the sides. The shirt is the ‘African’ pattern worn by both east and west African military units. The sleeves have been cut down, a usual affectation.

Shorts are worn due to the heat, and serge puttees provide some protection to the lower legs when on the march. No boots were provided as native feet were considered just as hard.