WW1 Mule Bell African Punitive Expedition

Code: 10454

Here is an unusual Mule bell, which appear to be made from shaped coconut shell.

The bell an oval brass plaque which reads: "AULIHAN PUNITIVE EXPEDITION 1917-18 5.K.A.R. SERENLI"

The Aulihan Punitive Expedition was launched in 1917 in retaliation for an attack on the Serenli Fort, on the 2nd of Febuary 1916, where 500 Aulihan Somali's wiped out the Garrison.

The 5th Kings African Rifles were raised specially for the punitive expedition. Plenty of information can be found about the events leading upto, and the expedition itself, online.

A very interesting memento of British colonial Africa, and a little known area of First World War history.