Africa General Service Medal 1902

This medal was awarded to Aircraftman Second Class H. Taylor for his part in ending an uprising in Somalia which began in 1899. This is an early example of RAF aerial policing.

In 1919 the RAF were tasked with conducting operations against the Dervishes in the Anglo-Somlai War. With a small force of aircraft, ground forces and a naval contingent the uprising was put down within 23 days. The Dervishes were extremely demoralised by the use of aircraft. The cost of the operation was £70,000 as opposed to an estimated £6,000,00 if only ground forces had been used. This operation was important for the continuing survival of the RAF following the end of the First world War when it was at risk of disbandment.