Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, November 11, 2026: Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General NS Raja Subramani, PVSM, AVSM, SM, VSM, paid tribute to soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice during the First World War by laying a wreath at the Dar es Salaam Commonwealth War Memorial in Tanzania.
The solemn wreath-laying ceremony honoured the extraordinary bravery, courage and selfless service of soldiers who fought in the East African Campaign during World War I.
General Subramani was accompanied by India’s High Commissioner to Tanzania, Bishwadip Dey, and the Defence Adviser from the High Commission of India.
During the commemorative visit, the CDS paid homage to the fallen soldiers whose sacrifices remain an enduring reminder of the courage and dedication displayed by military personnel during one of history’s most devastating conflicts.
The East African Campaign of the First World War, fought between 1914 and 1918, involved Allied forces battling German colonial troops across East Africa. Soldiers from the British Indian Army were among those who participated in military operations in the region, serving alongside troops from Britain and other parts of the British Empire.
Indian soldiers played an important role in several theatres of the First World War, including East Africa, where they faced challenging terrain, tropical diseases, difficult climatic conditions and prolonged military operations.
The Dar es Salaam Commonwealth War Memorial commemorates servicemen who lost their lives during the East African operations. It stands as a reminder of the sacrifices made by soldiers from different nations and communities who served during the conflict.
The wreath-laying ceremony also reflected India’s continued commitment to preserving the memory of its military history and honouring the contributions of soldiers who served far beyond the country’s borders.
General Subramani’s tribute highlighted the enduring legacy of courage, duty and sacrifice associated with the armed forces and the importance of remembering those who gave their lives in the service of their nations.
