General Paul Von Lettow-Vorbeck: The Lion of Africa and the Great War in Africa, 1914-1918

General Paul Von Lettow-Vorbeck was a brilliant German military commander who led the German Schutztruppe in Africa during the First World War. He was known as the 'Lion of Africa' for his skill in guerrilla warfare and his ability to outmaneuver the British forces in East Africa. Von Lettow-Vorbeck's campaign in Africa was one of the most successful of the war, and he remains a respected military figure today.

Early Life and Career

Paul Von Lettow-Vorbeck was born in Saarlouis, Germany, on March 20, 1870. He joined the German army in 1890 and served in various campaigns in Africa, including the Boxer Rebellion in China. In 1914, he was appointed commander of the Schutztruppe in German East Africa.

The Great War in Africa

When the First World War broke out in 1914, Von Lettow-Vorbeck was determined to defend German East Africa against the British forces. He knew that he was outnumbered and outgunned, but he used his skill in guerrilla warfare to great effect. He divided his forces into small units that could move quickly and strike the British from unexpected directions.

African Kaiser: General Paul von Lettow-Vorbeck and the Great War in Africa, 1914-1918

by Robert Gaudi

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	10258 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	445 pages

FREE

Von Lettow-Vorbeck's forces also used the terrain to their advantage. They fought in the dense jungles and mountains of East Africa, where the British forces were unfamiliar with the conditions. Von Lettow-Vorbeck also had the support of the local population, who were hostile to the British.

The British Campaign in East Africa

The British forces in East Africa were led by General Jan Smuts. Smuts was a brilliant commander, but he was unable to defeat Von Lettow-Vorbeck. The British forces were too slow and too inflexible to match the German guerrilla tactics. They also suffered from a lack of supplies and disease.

Von Lettow-Vorbeck's Success

Von Lettow-Vorbeck's campaign in Africa was a remarkable success. He kept his forces in the field for four years, and he inflicted heavy casualties on the British. He also managed to capture and hold key British positions, such as the port of Tanga.

Von Lettow-Vorbeck's success was due to his skill in guerrilla warfare, his knowledge of the terrain, and the support of the local population. He was also a brilliant strategist who was able to outmaneuver the British forces on several occasions.

The End of the War

In November 1918, the First World War ended with the armistice between Germany and the Allied Powers. Von Lettow-Vorbeck was the last German commander to surrender his forces. He returned to Germany a hero, and he was awarded the Iron Cross for his service.

Legacy

General Paul Von Lettow-Vorbeck is considered one of the greatest military commanders of the First World War. His campaign in Africa was a masterpiece of guerrilla warfare, and he remains a respected figure in military history.

Von Lettow-Vorbeck's legacy is also important for the history of Africa. His campaign helped to inspire the African independence movements of the 20th century. He showed that Africans could defeat European armies, and he helped to foster a sense of African nationalism.

General Paul Von Lettow-Vorbeck was a brilliant military commander who played a major role in the First World War in Africa. His campaign was a masterpiece of guerrilla warfare, and he remains a respected figure in military history. Von Lettow-Vorbeck's legacy is also important for the history of Africa, as he helped to inspire the African independence movements of the 20th century.

African Kaiser: General Paul von Lettow-Vorbeck and the Great War in Africa, 1914-1918

by Robert Gaudi

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	10258 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	445 pages

FREE