MY REMINISCENCES OF EAST AFRICA

A classic war memoir by one of the great guerrilla leaders of military history. Paul von Lettow-Vorbeck had just been appointed military Commander of German East Africa (today’s Tanzania) when the Great War began. With a small staff of dedicated officers, and his devoted native African troops – the famous Askaris – the resourceful Prussian general fought a brilliant defensive campaign throughout the entire war. His tiny army tied down thousands of British, Indian and South African troops sent to trap him. Again and again Lettow evaded his pursuers. He used all the tricks in the guerilla book to lead the dogged allied chase a merry dance across the harsh east African jungle, river and mountain terrain, and along the region’s rivers and railways. Forced by superior numbers into neighbouring Kenya, Mozambique and Rhodesia – Lettow inflicted severe losses on the enemy along the way. His opponent for much of the campaign was an equally famous name in the annals of guerilla warfare – Jan Christaan Smuts – but Lettow proved more than a match for his Boer opposite number. Living off the land, resourcefully using such windfalls as the guns of the stricken German cruiser ‘Konigsberg’, and even extracting fat from hippos and elephants, the 1918 Armistice found his depleted force still in the field and undefeated. In four years his exploits had become a legend. Understandably proudly written, this book is a ‘must have’ for anyone interested in the Great War, Africa, guerilla warfare, the German army or who admires human courage and ingenuity. Illustrated with 22 maps and 13 beautiful and unusual drawings executed by Lettow-Vorbeck’s talented adjutant.