by Olivier Palardy on 10 Jun 2003 04:09
Amerikansk Wiking,
If we look a each german african colonies, we can see that african indigenous troops were not used the same way everywhere.
Togoland
There was no standing army in this tiny colony. Some police detachments consituted the only armed forces. They were officered by few german professional soldiers. The bulk of the troops were composed of local africans. I think the training was different that the one provided in the army. However, those units were not only designed for internal security but also to protect the colony from external agression.
Kamerun
There was a Schutztruppe (protective force) in this colony made of german officers and local african soldiers (askaris). If I remember well, the training standards were the same as the ones in Germany.
Deutsch-Sũdwestafrika (German South West Africa)
This was a particular case. There was no blacks in the Schutztruppe. All troops were german. This was due to fact that the Germans had many problems with the biggest tribe (Herero people) facing many revolts crushed with great brutality.
Deutsch-Ostafrika (German East Africa)
In this big colony, the Schutztruppe was composed of german officers and local african troops (askaris). The training standards were the same as the ones in Germany. They were indeed excellent troops fighting until the end under the famous Paul von Lettow-Vorbeck.
As for the Kaiserliche Marine, I have never heard of any africans serving on big units designed for the high see. However, certainly some sailors or servants were pressed into service in the interior lakes or river patrol boats.
Hope this helps
Olivier
Last edited by Olivier Palardy on 16 Jun 2003 07:19, edited 1 time in total.
