New photographic evidence of the "Great Patio" War .

I've posted before on my fascination of that little know conflict - "The Great Patio War" (Tin Soldiering On: Mr Kipling Under Fire. (tonystoysoldiers.blogspot.com) and I'm very pleased to announce that three new startling photographs have come into my possession passed onto me by a collector who wishes to remain anonymous due to the heated controversy this subject always causes . As you know "The Great Patio War" has been little studied (probably due to the total incompetence of both sides in the conflict and the lack of documentation ) , it has been thought that 'Blue Army' used Colonial troops during this conflict and these photos show I believe photographic evidence of their presence . The above post shows a patrol of colonial Askaris with two European officers/NCO's moving through some heavy vegetation which is know to have bordered the Patio , there seems to be an ancient ruin or temple in the background which would fit with archaeological find for the area.

The photos are in a lamentable state and I have done my best to improve them, although a lot of staining remains . Here we see the same patrol (?) with an Askari reporting to an European Officer, a European NCO is I believe just behind them armed with a rifle. There is no evidence that the Askaris where used in the few field actions but their ability to patrol and scout the heavily vegetated  borders would have been a great advantage .

Although of the poorest quality this photo is of the greatest interest I believe it shows the 'Blue Army' Commanding Officer General Mouters , the Officer half turned to us on the right of the photo . If this is the case it would be conclusive evidence to the use of these troops during the war . The back of this photo has some writing in Prussian which is almost undecipherable , but the signature of a Capt. Blocke who was Mouter Aide can be made out .

This photo see - Tin Soldiering On: Black Army On Parade. (tonystoysoldiers.blogspot.com) shows General Mouters on the left and a comparison the the new photo shows conclusively it is the same man , which I believe is hard evidence of the authenticity of these photos . Unfortunately Die grose deutsche Archiv   is STILL not available on the internet so further research is hampered . Mr Kipling is his book 'Dispatches from the Patio' does mention the use of these Colonial troops but sadly this hard to find publication has fallen from favour with serious students of the period . I must thank my wargaming colleague 'A' for trying to help with the deciphering of the German text on the back of the photo . I will report back on any further development to this very interesting mystery .