| Accession Number | H12479 |
|---|---|
| Collection type | Photograph |
| Object type | Black & white - Print silver gelatin |
| Maker |
Deutsche Reichsarchiv |
| Date made | c 1915 |
| Conflict |
First World War, 1914-1918 |
| Copyright |
Item copyright: Copyright expired - public domain
|
German East Africa. c. 1915. German Army General von Lettow-Vorbeck with other officers and ...
Description
German East Africa. c. 1915. German Army General von Lettow-Vorbeck with other officers and civilians relaxing on a verandah. General von Lettow-Vorbeck was the commanding officer of the military force in German East Africa. The British naval forces had set up blockaded the coastline and had a double duty - to prevent the German Navy cruiser SMS Konigsberg from slipping out of her shelter in the Rufigi River south of Dar es Salaam, and to prevent supplies coming by sea for the military force under the General's command. The Konigsberg had taken shelter in the river in December 1914 and withstood a British blockade until finally destroyed by HMS Severn on 12 July 1915. The Australian cruiser, HMAS Pioneer, also took part in the blockade. This small ship, dating from pre-federation years, saw "more actual fighting and probably fired more rounds in the cause of actual hostilities than any other ship of the Australian Squadron." (Donor Imperial War Museum (Q15681)