Swedish volunteers in Persia

1911–1914

The gendarmes patrolled roughly 1,700 kilometers of road and grew steadily in number. They fought clan members and insurgents, killing a local chieftain and winning many engagements.

The bloodiest battles occurred in Kazerun in 1914, where several gendarmes died under Josef Pousette, who had been injured fighting insurgents in Tehran. Swedish officers conducted expeditions such as the Boroudjerd expedition and the Shiraz expedition. Many joined the gendarmes for better pay and opportunities than in Sweden, despite the serious risks.

1914–1916

At the outbreak of World War I in 1914, the United Kingdom and Russia invaded Persia. The Swedish officers, reflecting pro-German views popular in Sweden, helped the Persians and fought the Allies in the Kermanshah operation, Battle of Qom, British occupation of Bushehr, and Battle of Robat Karim. In 1915 the Russians and British pressured Sweden to recall its officers; Sweden complied, steadily withdrawing them until none remained in 1916.

Hostilities with the Allies did not stop the fight against insurgents. Several Swedes and Persians died in the Battle of Bouin and the Battle of Qazvin, where gendarmes captured 8,000 sheep. The gendarmes also persecuted and captured all clan members of Abba Khan, who was shot by Boris Möller.

Did You Know?

• Persia's unstable roads in the early 1900s were frequently raided by insurgents, prompting the Persian government to seek a neutral power for help.
• After Sweden recalled its officers, five Swedes stayed as volunteers under German leadership, and the Persian Gendarmerie retained Swedish leadership until 1921.