The NVR were deployed during the Chilembwe uprising, a rebellion against colonial rule launched by African preacher John Chilembwe. It began with an attack on the Bruce Estates at Magomero on 23 January 1915, apparently in an attempt to seize the NVR arsenal there, during which three European planters were killed. European civilians withdrew to fortified locations in Blantyre, Limbe, Zomba, Cholo, Mlanje and elsewhere while armed parties of the NVR, KAR, colonial police and civilians carried out patrols, some by motorcycle.