In the lead-up to the First World War the NVR was placed on a more military footing, with a regular officer appointed as adjutant. The Volunteer Ordinance was amended in 1914 and the racial origin requirement removed. Attempts were made to provide training to NVR members in modern military weapons, reconnaissance and communications. A Khaki uniform was also introduced. Upon the outbreak of war the unit grew rapidly from 143 men to around 200. Members of the unit participated in the 13 August 1914 attack on the German steamship "Hermann von Wissmann" at Sphinx Hafen, the first naval action of the war. The unit also fought in the 9 September Battle of Karonga defeating a German force sent into northern Nyasaland. The NVR and the King's African Rifles (KAR) were involved in the suppression of the January 1915 Chilembwe uprising against British rule in Nyasaland. The NVR participated in recriminatory attacks and the summary execution of suspected rebels.