DESCENDANTS OF KEY ACTORS IN WWI CONFIRM ATTENDANCE AT EVENT IN ZAMBIA
(Posted 01st September 2018)
Over 18 countries will be sending delegations to Zambia, including from Britain a representative of the Duke of York , Prince Andrew and from Germany a grand son of First World War German East Africa Commander General Von Lettow-Vorbeck both of whom have confirmed participation in the Centenary Commemorations of the end of the First World War to be hosted in Mbala later this year.
The Commemorations being held alongside the Northen Province Tourism and Investment Expo has so far received confirmations from Britain, Germany, India Ireland, USA, Japan, Ghana, Namibia and Rwanda.
General The Lord David Richards of Herstmonceux, Deputy Grand President of the Royal Ex Servicemen League has been asked to represent the Duke, Prince Andrew who serves as the Grand President of the League, the Royal Servicemen of the British Monarchy.
The Grandson of General Vorbeck, who led the ilustrious East African Germany campaign in the First World and their surrender in Mbala Han Casper Graf Rantzau has also indicated his desire to attend the event.
France, Russia, Kenya, Malawi, Tanzania, Burundi, Democratic Republic Of Congo Botswana Nigeria and South Africa are also expected to be part of the Commemorations.
Zambia is also expecting delegations from the Russian Society for Military History and from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission to attend the event that will be held over a five day period.
According to a tentative programme that has been drawn, the event will commence with the re – enactment of the receipt of a telegraph notice of the end of the First World War by then Kasama District Commissioner Hector Croad on 14th November 2018 at Chambeshi Bridge.
The organizers, including the Zambia Tourism Agency, have compressed all the 10 day activities leading to the surrender of the Germans in Mbala to five days from the 20th to 25th November 2018.
The climax of the Commemorations will be the wreath laying Parade at the World War Memorial Cenotaph in Mbala.
Other events expected to spice up the Commemorations is the Diving activity by Special Forces on Lake Chila for the retrieval of World War weapons thrown into the lake by the Germans upon surrender 100 years ago.
The province will also in conjunction with the Ministry of Tourism and the National Museums Board be hosting a First World War Exhibition at the Motomoto Museum in Mbala beginning this September.
The Province is using this prestigious event to open a window into the numerous Investment Opportunities in the Northern Province like the development of Hydros at the over 12 Water Falls, the expansion of the Mpulungu Harbour and the Kalungwishi Farm Block.
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