The leader of this force was a one time British naval lieutenant who for some years now had be seconded to the Zanzibar government. He had by this point risen to the rank of General of the Sultans army. His name was Lloyd Mathews.
Kiongozi wa jeshi hili alikuwa ni mmojawapo wa aliyewahi kuwa afisa wa jeshi la majini la uiengereza ambaye kwa miaka kadhaa sasa amekuwa msaidizi katika serikali ya Zanzibar. Hadi kipindi hicho alikuwa amepandishwa cheo cha Ujenerali wa Jeshi la Sultan. Jina lake lilikuwa Lloyd Mathews.