Many parts of the world saw fighting during the First World War. Which made the more important contribution to the Allied war effort in Africa: Indian or South African troops? Explain your answer.

Level 5: Explains both sides and supports a valid judgement on 'how far'. 10 marks

One explanation or more on each side.
- Although they both made important contributions, the South African troops mainly fought in southern Africa where they were used to the conditions. This meant they were able to defeat the Germans in South West Africa by themselves, which was important for the Allies because no British troops had to be sent there. This campaign has been called one of the most successful in the war. The Indian troops fought in many different parts of the world and sometimes in conditions they found difficult, as in Europe. However, they were important in the fighting against the Turks.

Level 4: Explains both sides. 7-9 marks
For candidates to be awarded this level they must have one explanation on each side.

Seven marks for one explanation on each side; one additional mark for each additional explanation on either side.

Level 3: Explains one side. 4-6 marks
One Level 3 mark for each explanation.
- The Indian troops made an important contribution in several theatres of war, including in Africa. They fought alongside South African forces in German East Africa under the leadership of Jan Smuts who was tasked with attacking Lettow-Vorbeck's German forces. This was largely successful, and by September 1916 the Indian forces had helped to capture about three quarters of German East Africa.
OR
- South African troops did an important job in South West Africa. First, they defeated attacks on South Africa by German forces and then they advanced into South West Africa. In 1915 they defeated the German forces which surrendered. The fact that the South African forces could do all this by themselves meant that no British troops were tied up there.
Level 2: Identifies or describes valid points; addresses the question but does not explain. 2-3 marks

One Level 2 mark for each identification/description.
- Indian forces were sent to capture the port of Tanga.
- Indian soldiers were involved in the Battle of Kilimanjaro.
- Indian forces fought alongside South African troops in German East Africa.
- South African forces stopped the German attack at the Orange River.
- The South African forces defended South Africa so British troops could be sent to Europe.
- South Africans defeated the Germans in South West Africa.

Level 1: Writes about the topic but does not address the question. 1 mark
- They both made important contributions and helped the Allies defeat the Germans and win the war. They both made contributions outside their own countries.

Accept all valid responses.
Level 0: No creditable response. 0 marks