Schutztruppe Deutsch-Ostafrika in Egypt

Discussions on all aspects of the German Colonies and Overseas Expeditions. Hosted by Chris Dale.
Post Reply
stevebecker
Member
Posts: 1468
Joined: 01 Jul 2006, 04:04
Location: Australia

Schutztruppe Deutsch-Ostafrika in Egypt

#1

Post by stevebecker » 10 Apr 2023, 00:06

Mates,
Came across these dead in Egypt from PoW camps and wondered if there was any more details on them?

Augustin Erich Sgt Schutztr.Kp.S. - Schutztruppe Deutsch-Ostafrika 1917-18 (1869 at Rampitz Oder DoD 19-11-18) buried Cairo (deutscher Friedhof Alt-Kairo) Cemetery Egypt

Blohm Martin Emil Ldstm Schutztruppe Deutsch-Ostafrika 1917-18 (1872 at Hagenow DoD 18-5-18) Gehirnthrombose (cerebral thrombosis) buried Cairo (deutscher Friedhof Alt-Kairo) Cemetery Egypt

Dietl Otto Pte Bt.2.Sch.Kp.4 - Schutztruppe Deutsch-Ostafrika 1917-18 (Born ? at Rimbeck Siegen DoD 19-9-18) Gefang Nr. Cai 19475. Reihe 1. 29 Jahre. Beerd.20.09.1918. Ruhr. Familie in Siegen, Koblenzerstr. 9/11. buried Cairo (deutscher Friedhof Alt-Kairo) Cemetery Egypt

Drößler Otto Wilhelm Unteroffizier Schutztruppe Deutsch-Ostafrika 1917-18 (1882 at Berlin DoD 22-2-18) Beerd.23.02.1918. Lungenentzündung buried Cairo (deutscher Friedhof Alt-Kairo) Cemetery Egypt

Eggers Karl Zivilist Ostafrika-Gesells - Deutsch-Ostafrika 1917- (1890 at Hamburg DoD 22-7-17) Keine Diagnose angegeben. August EGGERS Hamburg I Heerenstr. 7/1. buried Cairo (deutscher Friedhof Alt-Kairo) Cemetery Egypt

Garbe Friedrich Oswald Gefreiter Schutztrp.Etappe - Schutztruppe Deutsch-Ostafrika 1917-18 (1872 at Leubsdorf DoD 11-2-18) buried Cairo (deutscher Friedhof Alt-Kairo) Cemetery Egypt

Gerlach Ernst Obermaat Marine Schutztruppe Deutsch-Ostafrika 1917-18 (1883 at Berkenheim DoD 4-10-18) Lungenentzündung buried Cairo (deutscher Friedhof Alt-Kairo) Cemetery Egypt

Hartwig Max Schütze Sch.kp.3. Schutztruppe Deutsch-Ostafrika 1917 (born at Chemnitz DoD 26-9-17) Lungentuberkulose (pulmonary tuberculosis) buried Cairo (deutscher Friedhof Alt-Kairo) Cemetery Egypt

Hörnig Frederik Robert Zivilist/Kapitän Deutsche Ostafrika Linie 1917 (born ? DoD 15-7-17) Deutsche Ostafrika Linie. 23 Jahre buried Cairo (deutscher Friedhof Alt-Kairo) Cemetery Egypt

Kirstein Botho Erich Vizefw./Maat Marine Feldkp 7 SMS Möwe Deutsch-Ostafrika 1917 (born at Königsberg DoD 21-8-17) Ruhr. 26 Jahre buried Cairo (deutscher Friedhof Alt-Kairo) Cemetery Egypt

Meuschke Max Arno Zivilist Uo.d.R. Daressalem Deutsch-Ostafrika 1917-18 (1889 at Rochlitz DoD 31-10-18) Pneumonia buried Cairo (deutscher Friedhof Alt-Kairo) Cemetery Egypt

Nijakowski Ludwig Landsturm Fint-Abteilung Deutsch-Ostafrika 1917-18 (1875 at Raschkow DoD 21-5-18) buried Cairo (deutscher Friedhof Alt-Kairo) Cemetery Egypt

Oertel Georg Landsturm Fint-Abteilung Deutsch-Ostafrika 1917-18 (1874 at Wulfershausen DoD 3-2-19) Malaria und Bronchiti buried Cairo (deutscher Friedhof Alt-Kairo) Cemetery Egypt

Rutenberg Karl Heinrich Gefr Schutztruppe Deutsch-Ostafrika 1917-18 (1893 at Hastedt Bremen DoD 23-11-18) Lungenentzündung buried Cairo (deutscher Friedhof Alt-Kairo) Cemetery Egypt

Schalkowski Friedrich Richard Ldstm. Schutztruppe 29 Deutsch-Ostafrika 1917-18 (1876 at Kiel DoD 14-3-18) buried Cairo (deutscher Friedhof Alt-Kairo) Cemetery Egypt

Schurz Georg Unteroffiiz. Schutztruppe Deutsch-Ostafrika 1917-18 (1882 at Schnaitheim DoD 3-2-18) buried Cairo (deutscher Friedhof Alt-Kairo) Cemetery Egypt

Stawicki Joseph Oberheizer SMS Königsberg Deutsch-Ostafrika 1917-18 (1892 at Duisburg DoD 12-3-18) buried Cairo (deutscher Friedhof Alt-Kairo) Cemetery Egypt

Wagner Hugo Gefreiter Schutztruppe Deutsch-Ostafrika 1917-18 (1884 at Reborn DoD 31-12-18) Ruhr buried Cairo (deutscher Friedhof Alt-Kairo) Cemetery Egypt

Wenzel Georg W Gefreiter Schutztruppe Deutsch-Ostafrika 1917-18 (1878 at Breslau DoD 7-4-18) buried Cairo (deutscher Friedhof Alt-Kairo) Cemetery Egypt

Wolff Gustav Adolf Rud Stabsvizefw Schutztruppe Deutsch-Ostafrika 1917-18 (1885 DoD 5-2-18) Schwarzwasserfieber buried Cairo (deutscher Friedhof Alt-Kairo) Cemetery Egypt

Pflüger Hans Oberheizer Marine SMS Königsberg Deutsch-Ostafrika 1917-18 (1893 at Ulm DoD 10-2-19) 24 Jahre alt. Gefangen in Dar-es-Salam, Deutsch-Ostafrika died illness Buried El Alamein Cemetery

Sporer or Sporrer Alfred Soldat Schutztruppe Deutsch-Ostafrika 1917-18 (1887 DoD 8-2-19) died illness buried El Alamein Cemetery Egypt

Visser Gert Soldat Schutztruppen 31 Deutsch-Ostafrika 1917-18 (born at Leidenberg DoD 7-6-19) died illness buried El Alamein Cemetery Egypt

S.B

stevebecker
Member
Posts: 1468
Joined: 01 Jul 2006, 04:04
Location: Australia

Re: Schutztruppe Deutsch-Ostafrika in Egypt

#2

Post by stevebecker » 10 Apr 2023, 00:39

PS,
I did wonder if this man was also a member?

Rynski or Rynsky Johann Ldstm Kp v.Bock Schutz 1917-18 (born at Odenbach DoD 16-7-18) 42 Jahre buried Cairo (deutscher Friedhof Alt-Kairo) Cemetery Egypt

Was there a Schutztruppe Kp called "Von Bock" ?
S.B


User avatar
Tanzania
Member
Posts: 928
Joined: 04 Jun 2009, 14:59
Location: Benghazi / Libya

Re: Schutztruppe Deutsch-Ostafrika in Egypt

#3

Post by Tanzania » 21 Apr 2023, 15:20

stevebecker wrote:
10 Apr 2023, 00:39
PS, I did wonder if this man was also a member?
Johann Rynsky.png
Online Source, also for the other names:
http://www.denkmalprojekt.org/2014/brem ... frika.html


Johann Rynsky, born: ca. 1875 in Grylewo /Posen, From Odenbach at the Glade river / Pfalz,
Railway manager at the northern Railway,
Militia member (1916 – 1918),
Detachment Grundmann (August 1916) Company v. Bock
18. Field Company (September 1916, April 1917)
Named in battle reports:
1. and 3 August 1916 at Plantation Cheretani near Sadani
4. September 1916 at Dinhimka
21. April 1917 at Mpanganya in British captivity
16. May 1917 in Tanga
24. May 1917 on the way to Cairo
1918 in Maadi at Cairo
16. July 1918 † in Cairo by cancer
Source: https://www.lehmanns.de/shop/sachbuch-r ... weltkriegs



stevebecker wrote:
10 Apr 2023, 00:39
Rynski or Rynsky Johann Ldstm Kp v.Bock Schutz 1917-18 (born at Odenbach DoD 16-7-18) 42 Jahre buried Cairo (deutscher Friedhof Alt-Kairo) Cemetery Egypt ,,Was there a Schutztruppe Kp called "Von Bock" ? S.B
Detachment Rombo” / “Detachment v. Bock” / “Company v. Bock”: 3. August 1914 - 21. August 1916.
(Rombo = Train station on the Northern Railway) Original raised only with Europeans, later supplemented with local Recruits.
Detachment Rombo - Detachment von Bock.png
Source: Ludwig Boell, unpublished documents

Remnants moved to “Detachment Lieutenant Kämpfe”: August 22, 1916 – November 5, 1917
Remnants moved to “2. Rifle-Company”: 6. November 1917 – 28. November 1917; - dissolved.
(Capitulation of Western units under Captain Theodor Tafel at the Bangala estuary in the Rovuma.)

Cheers Holger
“Day by day and almost minute by minute the past was brought up to date. . . . All History was a
palimpsest, scraped clean and reinscribed exactly as often as was necessary” – G. ORWELL 1984

stevebecker
Member
Posts: 1468
Joined: 01 Jul 2006, 04:04
Location: Australia

Re: Schutztruppe Deutsch-Ostafrika in Egypt

#4

Post by stevebecker » 22 Apr 2023, 03:20

Holger,

Cheers
It looks like the British moved most of these men out of East Africa to Egypt as POW's
I like the spread of soldiers and the Sailors who died from
SMS Möwe and Königsberg

Is there another unit called
"Fint-Abteilung"

S.B

User avatar
Tanzania
Member
Posts: 928
Joined: 04 Jun 2009, 14:59
Location: Benghazi / Libya

Re: Schutztruppe Deutsch-Ostafrika in Egypt

#5

Post by Tanzania » 22 Apr 2023, 13:32

stevebecker wrote:
22 Apr 2023, 03:20
It looks like the British moved most of these men out of East Africa to Egypt as POW's
I like the spread of soldiers and the Sailors who died from SMS Möwe and Königsberg
Hi Steve,
Below links about the sailors from “SMS Königsberg“ and “SMS Möve“
http://www.denkmalprojekt.org/2016/kais ... 1905).html
https://www.traditionsverband.de/magazin/moewe.html




stevebecker wrote:
22 Apr 2023, 03:20

Is there another unit called "Fint-Abteilung"
Fint = Feldintendantur = Military administrative authority
(German: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intendantur)

There exists two Fint-Abteilungen = Military administrative authority Detachments,
One in Lindi and one in Massassi. Both cities in the South-East of GEA, near the coast.

Fint-Abteilungen = Military administrative authority Detachments.png

Cheers Holger
“Day by day and almost minute by minute the past was brought up to date. . . . All History was a
palimpsest, scraped clean and reinscribed exactly as often as was necessary” – G. ORWELL 1984

stevebecker
Member
Posts: 1468
Joined: 01 Jul 2006, 04:04
Location: Australia

Re: Schutztruppe Deutsch-Ostafrika in Egypt

#6

Post by stevebecker » 23 Apr 2023, 03:11

Holger
Danke

I notice that this man was not on either list, is he naval possibly SMS Königsberg or some other

Gerlach Ernst Obermaat Marine?

Schutztruppe Deutsch-Ostafrika 1917-18 (1883 at Berkenheim DoD 4-10-18) Krankheit (illness) Lungenentzündung buried Cairo (deutscher Friedhof Alt-Kairo) Cemetery Egypt

Cheers
S.B

User avatar
Tanzania
Member
Posts: 928
Joined: 04 Jun 2009, 14:59
Location: Benghazi / Libya

Re: Schutztruppe Deutsch-Ostafrika in Egypt

#7

Post by Tanzania » 23 Apr 2023, 07:37

Good morning Steve
Below, what was mentioned about Gerlach Ernst:

Gerlach, Ernst
Born ca. 1882 in Frankfurt at (river) Main,
Hessen-Nassau or in Bockenheim near Frankfurt a.M. from Frankfort, registered Frankfurt a.M.
(1916-1917) NCO der Seewehr II (Sea defence?)
(1917) Sergeant der Seewehr II (Sea defence?)
(1917) Ober Artillery (?) Maat der Seewehr II (Sea defence?)
(1917 - 1918) Ober Maat der Seewehr II (Sea defence?)
(9.1916, 1.,6.,8., 10.,11.1917) 3. Field-Company
Named in battle reports:
19.9.1916 at Kiderengwa
1.1.1917 Mgeta Position - Kiderengwa
24.1.1917 at Mkembe
30.6.1917 at Lutende
18.8.1917 at Narunju
10.10.1917 at Nengedi-West (badly wounded)
18.11.1917 at Njambindinga wounded in British captivity (Left shoulder, wrist and leg)
(Njambindinga = Hospital of the Schutztruppe on the Makonde plateau in the South-West of GEA)
3.12.1917 to Daressalam
27.12.1917 - 9.1.1918 in Daressalam hospital (Malaria)
23.1.1918 in Bombay in Victoria War Hospital (Dysentery)
5.2.1918 in Ahmednagar / India
Later (when?) in Cairo / Egypt
4.10.1918 in Cairo (Lung infection)

Source: https://www.lehmanns.de/shop/sachbuch-r ... weltkriegs

• There are certain difficulties with the translations of the German naval ranks into English.
• Unusual that someone have been transferred from Daressalam first to India and then to Cairo

Cheers Holger
“Day by day and almost minute by minute the past was brought up to date. . . . All History was a
palimpsest, scraped clean and reinscribed exactly as often as was necessary” – G. ORWELL 1984

User avatar
Tanzania
Member
Posts: 928
Joined: 04 Jun 2009, 14:59
Location: Benghazi / Libya

Re: Schutztruppe Deutsch-Ostafrika in Egypt

#8

Post by Tanzania » 23 Apr 2023, 08:11

PS.

Ernst Gerlach's grave is still in the Cairo Cemetery. Prisoner No. Cai 37895. Row 7.
http://www.denkmalprojekt.org/2020/kair ... ypten.html

https://www.tracesofwar.com/sights/4582 ... -Kairo.htm

The German war cemetery is located in a quiet section of Old Cairo,
not far from the Commonwealth War Cemetery. In contrast to the
generous Allied cemetery, this one is hard to find. Not a single sign
is indicating the way nor is a sign at the entrance. . . . .
” ( – typical f.G.G. – )
Source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/39631091@ ... otostream/

Cheers Holger
“Day by day and almost minute by minute the past was brought up to date. . . . All History was a
palimpsest, scraped clean and reinscribed exactly as often as was necessary” – G. ORWELL 1984

stevebecker
Member
Posts: 1468
Joined: 01 Jul 2006, 04:04
Location: Australia

Re: Schutztruppe Deutsch-Ostafrika in Egypt

#9

Post by stevebecker » 24 Apr 2023, 03:44

Holger,
Do you much about the fight that he was wounded at Nengedi-West

I read the operation by Beves along the Nengedi River during Oct, and later that month.
The British claim the Germans had some six to nine Companies around the Nengedi and Mtama.
His capture while wounded I take it he was with the 300 Germans and 700 Askaris left behind at Njambindinga there by Lettow 17 Nov 1917
Thanks, always interesting
S.B

User avatar
Tanzania
Member
Posts: 928
Joined: 04 Jun 2009, 14:59
Location: Benghazi / Libya

Re: Schutztruppe Deutsch-Ostafrika in Egypt

#10

Post by Tanzania » 03 May 2023, 07:04

stevebecker wrote:
24 Apr 2023, 03:44
Holger,
Do you much about the fight that he was wounded at Nengedi-West
I read the operation by Beves along the Nengedi River during Oct, and later that month.
The British claim the Germans had some six to nine Companies around the Nengedi and Mtama.
Hello Steve,
To get straight to the point: The number mentioned about the German companies is correct.
I need some time to summarize the details from different sources. Below a rough summary of the events:




I. – The days before the Battle of Mahiwa
The clash on 10. October 1917, in which First Mate Ernst Gerlach was seriously wounded, was
one of the several combats leading up to the well-known Battle of Mahiwa (15.-18. October 1917).
Distribution of German, British and Belgian forces in the South of GEA during starting of October 1917
01_Distribution of German, British and Belgian forces in the South of GEA during starting of October 1917.png

In the first week of October 1917, 9 companies of the Schutztruppe were positioned on both sides of the
Lukuledi River between Lindi and Mahiwa under the command of Major General z.D. Kurt Wahle. On the
evening before the combat, on 9. October 1917, this "DETACHMENT WAHLE" was structured as follows:

"DETACHEMNT METHNER"
3rd Rifle-Company (1st Lt. d.L. Wilhelm Methner)
20th Field-Company (2nd Lt. d.R. Hans Tietgen)

"DETACHMENT KRÜGER"
19th Field-Company (Capt. Franz Krüger)
O-Company (Capt. Wilhelm Vorberg)

"DETACHEMNT VON LIEBERMANN" (Capt. Eberhard von Liebermann)
3rd Field-Company (2nd Lt. d.R. Artur Ott)
14th Reserve-Company (1st Lt. z.S. Ernst Wunderlich)
S-Company (2nd Lt. d.L. Konstantin Thiel)

"STAFF DETACHEMNT WAHLE"
9th Field-Company (Capt. Udo von Chappius)
10.5-cm field howitzer L/16 M. 98/08 (Capt. Roland von Kaltenborn-Stachau)

Company Tanga (Capt. d.R. Wilhelm Rothe)
10.5-cm KG-SK-L/30 C 88 (2nd Lt. z.S. Richard Wenig)

The combat strength of the Detachment Wahle was 79 Europeans and 686 Askari with 18 MG and 2 AG.


II. – Geographic Background Details
The knowledge of the terrain is one of the most important prerequisite for the bush fights; – then and now.
For example, unaware of the terrain, the Nigeria Brigade, advancing from the north, was almost two weeks
to late before engaging in the fights at the Lukuledi-River. The extremely difficult terrain conditions through
the Rondo-Plateau forced several, detours lasting days. The British supply columns could not keep up, so
that the Nigerians had to feed for themselves through the country for the first time in GEA, which did not
work. What was even more serious was the lack of water. At the beginning of October, towards the end of
the drought, there was an absolute lack of water in East Africa. Even some of larger rivers ran out of water.

This several-day delay of the Nigeria Brigade on the 16. October 1917 ultimately influenced the outcome
of Battle of Mahiwa and ultimately even had with this strategic importance for the campaign in East Africa.

Nengedi-Stream – This stream rises on the south-eastern edge of the Rondo Plateau and, coming 30
kilometres from the north, flows into the middle reaches of the Lukuledi-River, which ends in Lindi-Bay.
View from southwest near the settlement of Lukuledi to the northeast across the battlefield at Mahiwa.
02_View from southwest near the settlement of Lukuledi to the northeast across the battlefield at Mahiwa..png

The Nengedi-Stream is also the namesake of the village that exists still today, north of the Lukuledi-River.
https://www.google.de/maps/place/Nyenge ... 11q2s3z6kv

The photo on this link below of the southern slopes of the Rondo Plateau gives an overview and a very
good impression of the tactical starting situation on the upper reaches of the Nengedi-Creek.
https://www.worldlandtrust.org/wp-conte ... G_3511.jpg

Nengedi West – This term in the records of the Schutztruppe refers to a geographical position. In the
course of the fights, German units moved into a defensive position east of the Nengedi-River until 7.
October 1917. On 10. October 1917, the position changed several times during the fights of the day,
including to the western side of the creek. For this reason the designation: Nengedi-West and -East.

Although the Nengedi-Stream does not carry water in the dry season, the erosion effect in rainy season
can be clearly understood in the illustration below. The height difference between the Rondo-Plateau and
the Lukuledi-River is more than 500 meters and thus clearly shows the difficult conditions for fighting forces.
03_The valley of the Nengedi stream between the Rondo plateau and the Lukuledi River - Kopie.png

III. – The Situation around Lindi
Since 8. October 1917 the Detachment Wahle, with front to the east, had been counting on a northern and
southern encirclement by opponents in Nahungo, stated by POW and overheard enemy radio messages.

Own patrols from the northern enemy had reported that the Nigeria Brigade with the 1., 2., and 4. Battalion
(13 companies) had been slowly advancing from the northeast, starting from Nahungo via Mputwa, against
the Nengedi positions since 1. October 1917. General van Deventer probably already decided at this point
to permanently subordinate the Nigeria Brigade to Linforce at Lindi, since Brigadier General Beves, despite
his superiority, could not advance more faster against the Detachment Wahle without further reinforcements.

Of the Hanforce troops also advancing from northern Nahungo, there was also a risk of being outflanked by
Colonel Ridgeway's 2. Column with 5 1/2 battalions (17 companies). At this time, Wahle was not yet aware
of the 1. Column under Colonel Orr (18 companies) advancing from the north-west direction over Nangano.

However, on the 10. October 1917 the main opponents were the units of Linforce advancing from the East-
North East under Brigade General Beves. Ever since Raeta and Narungombe, Beves had been well known
for the Schutztruppe for his ruthless frontal attacks, regardless of own casualties.

Beve's units were also divided into two columns and further reserves:

The 3rd Column under Brigade General O'Grady (1,320 rifles, without machine guns and artillery)
3./ II. K.A.R. (4 companies), 1./ II. K.A.R. (4 companies), Bharatpur Infantry (2 companies)

The 4th Column under Colonel Tyler (1,550 rifles, without machine guns and artillery)
3./ II. K.A.R. (4 companies), 25. Royal Fusiliers (4 companies),
3./ Nigeria Brigade (3 companies), 30. Punjabi Infantry (3 companies)

Also, other units as army reserve in Lindi (950 rifles, without machine guns and artillery)
61. Indian Pioneers, 5. Light Infantry, 2./ II. West Indian Regiment, 4./ VIII. South African Infantry

Wahle's Detachment with 850 rifles faced the Linforce's 3,820 rifles under Beves. The Germans
found these detailed proof of strength and position maps of the British units by Lieutenant Colonel
Hurne
(Burne?), west of Narunju on 29. September 1917 who was killed in action during the attack.


IV. – The Combat on 10. October 1917 at the Nengedi position
Ross Anderson mentioned the following about combats at the Nengedi, but without an exact date:

A patrol soon located the new positions along the line of the Nengedi Stream and Beves ordered his
Troops to close in on the enemy. Advancing up the thickly vegetated Chirumaka-Hill and along the main
road, No 3 Column ran into a number of strong positions and counter-attacks. By nightfall, the whole
Column was committed as was the lead battalion of No 4. Casualties were relatively heavy, but the
ridge was cleared and a final counter-attack was successfully beaten off.

In the first week of October, a large number of patrols had been sent out to locate the enemy positions.
By 7 October, O'Grady had gained a foothold on the far bank of the Nengedi-River, launching a reinforced
battalion onto the high ground overlooking the river. Supported by artillery fire, the infantry reached their
objective, but were hit by a strong counter-attack. Sensing the situation's importance, another unit was
pushed forward. This was hit by a strong German counter-attack and the high ground was lost. Fighting
stabilised with the arrival of further British reinforcements and the bridgehead on the western side of the
Nengedi River was retained. This was followed by a resumption of the advance on Mtama, the next day.
While O'Grady's troops continued to progress, the resistance was increasingly stiff and it was becoming
clear that the Germans intended to fight hard and cause delay.


Ludwig Boell's files give a somewhat detailed overview. Here is an example of an excerpt from a page
about the report of the fights near the Nengedi: Ludwig Boell_File N14/32_Chapter 28_Page 2609/107
04_Ludwig Boell_Akte N14-32_Kapitel 28_Seite 2609-107.JPG

Apart from a few patrols, the days between the 1. and 6. October passed relatively quietly and were only
interrupted by British artillery shelling the positions of the Wahle´s Detachment, which regularly took place
at the same time every morning. On 7. October the patrol activities intensified on both sides in the east of
the Nengedi valley, both to the north and to the south of the Mahiwa-Lindi link road. On this day also the 3.
Field-Company were placed from the Commando under the Detachment Wahle.

Beves had scheduled the offensive to resume on October 8 from the north, north-east and east. The 3.
Column would advance on and south of the Mahiwa-Lindi link road from the east, while the 4. Column
would advance north of the Lukuledi-River, and the 3. Nigeria-Battalion would advance from the north.
From the Linforce 7 battalions with 2,900 rifles had lined up for the attack. The Nigeria Brigade remained
north-east of the Nengedi position at Naikumbi throughout the whole 9. October. On the same day, this
unit was also officially subordinated to General Beves Linforce.

On 10. October, while 1st Lt. d.L. Methner with the 20. Field Company and 4. Rifle Company facing north,
north-east against the 3. Nigeria-Battalion were turned away, the advance of two more battalions of the 3.
and 4. Columns, up the Lukuledi by the 3. Field Company and 14. Reserve Company of the Detachment
Liebermann, facing east, were brought to a standstill.

The 3. F.-C. and 14. R.-C. fought that day with the front to the east against the 1./II. K.A.R and 3./II. K.A.R.

German losses: 3. F.-K.: Dead: 2 Askari, 1 MG-Carrier. Wounded: 2 Europeans, 14 Askari
(Vizefeldwebel Carl Bune? died in the hospital 11. October. Obermaat Ernst Gerlach, also
badly wounded, was taken prisoner by the British on 18. November and died on 4. October 1918.)
14. R.-C.: Dead 1 Askari, 1 MG-Carrier. Wounded: 4 Askari, 1 MG-Carrier.
British data are not available for this battle. The strength was around 800 rifles.

The first fights at the Nengedi East Position took place on 1. October. The Nengedi magazine was located
1,200 meters west of Nengedi village, on the main road towards Mtama. On the 11. October, 1917, the 3.
Field-Company and 14. Reserve-Company were the last to leave the Nengedi-West position. The British
units occupied the position the next day, 12. October, without resistance.

General Beves therefore decided to confine himself to the Detachment Wahle, keeping them occupied and
waiting for the general reorganization of British forces to be completed before proceeding with the southern
bypass. Three days later, the actual Battle of Mahiwa began (15. – 18. October 1917)
05_Battle of Mahiwa_16.October 1917.png
Source: https://www.allworldwars.com/My-Reminis ... rbeck.html

https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schlacht_bei_Mahiwahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Mahiwa
“Day by day and almost minute by minute the past was brought up to date. . . . All History was a
palimpsest, scraped clean and reinscribed exactly as often as was necessary” – G. ORWELL 1984

stevebecker
Member
Posts: 1468
Joined: 01 Jul 2006, 04:04
Location: Australia

Re: Schutztruppe Deutsch-Ostafrika in Egypt

#11

Post by stevebecker » 05 May 2023, 00:11

Cheers Holger
Always interesting
S.B

Post Reply

Return to “German Colonies and Overseas Expeditions”