SOLDIER OF AFRICA

Like these authors' previous titles A Crown for Thomas Peters and Sword of the Hausas, this book is based on the life of a real African. It deals with Charley Maigumeri who at 16 left his Fulani tribe on the Gold Coast and joined the German army. For his bravery he received the Iron Cross. He later switched to the British side, and as member of the Nigeria Regiment distinguished himself in both World Wars. Maigumeri (he is called Charley throughout the book) is treated as a good soldier rather than as an African native, but his story does bring special insight into the forgotten aspects of the Wars as they affected the dark continent. The complete acceptance of Maigumeri by the British after being ridiculed by some of the German officers seems questionable. The fictionalization is an unnecessary accessory to this man whom the authors have rightfully chosen as an unsung but legitimate hero.