Beer and Troop Life During World War II: A Case Study of Consumption in Nairobi, Kenya (1939-1945)

Abstract

This study investigates the role of beer consumption among military troops stationed in Nairobi, Kenya, during World War II (1939-1945), exploring how alcohol influenced both the social and psychological lives of soldiers and the local population. While much of the historical research on alcohol during wartime focuses on Western military contexts, this study provides a unique lens through which to view the intersection of alcohol, colonialism, and military culture in East Africa. During the war, Nairobi became a central hub for British and Allied troops in Africa, and beer, as a widely consumed beverage, played an important role in the daily routines of soldiers. This paper uses a combination of archival sources, including military reports, local publications, and oral histories, to explore how beer was incorporated into the lives of soldiers in Nairobi, examining its availability, regulation, and consumption patterns.

The study finds that beer was not merely a recreational beverage but served as a tool for maintaining troop morale, fostering camaraderie, and providing a temporary escape from the stresses of military life. Troops, particularly from the British and colonial African regiments, were often stationed in Nairobi for training or awaiting deployment, and beer became a key element of their social activities. The British military regulated the distribution of beer through military bars and canteens, while local establishments also catered to the needs of soldiers. The social impact of beer consumption extended beyond the military, with local Kenyans working in breweries, taverns, and canteens, creating a complex social dynamic between colonial military personnel and civilians.

Moreover, the psychological effects of beer consumption during the war were twofold. On the one hand, it provided soldiers with an outlet for stress relief, offering them moments of relaxation and camaraderie. On the other hand, the excessive consumption of alcohol at times led to disciplinary issues and conflicts. The study also touches on the gendered nature of beer consumption, noting the involvement of women as barmaids and workers in social spaces where beer was consumed, and the broader implications of their roles within this wartime environment.

By examining the consumption of beer in Nairobi during World War II, this paper highlights its significance as a cultural and social phenomenon that reflects the complexities of colonialism, race, and gender. The findings contribute to a broader understanding of how alcohol functioned in wartime settings, particularly in colonial contexts, and how it influenced the interactions between soldiers, civilians, and the colonial system. This research also offers valuable insights into the ways in which beer consumption was intertwined with daily life and psychological coping mechanisms during one of the most challenging periods in world history.

Keywords

Beer, World War II, troop morale