Seebatallion in africa

[Hun1918]

Hi
Out of interest did the Seebatallion ever take part in any of the campaigns in africa such as the Herero rebellion.
Best Regards James

[lettow4beck]

Yes, the Seebataillon was first deployed to Africa in 1893 after the Dahomey police askari revolted in German Cameroon. They saw no action, just maintained the peace for a while before going home. Next companies from the I. and II. Seebataillone saw action during the early phase of the Herero War forming the Marineexpeditionskorps under Major von Glasenapp. This group was broken up and assigned peicemeal to bolster the ranks of the Schutztruppe and took part in a number of important battles of the war. It had to be recalled after nine weeks due to high casualties (almost equal numbers from enemy fire and disease). A small contingent of Seesoldaten also saw action in Deutsch Ostafrika during the Maji-Maji Rebellion, mostly holding towns along the coast so that askari could persue the natives inland. One group was transported to Lake Victoria and deployed around Muansa. The Seebataillone also saw major action in China during the Boxer Rebellion. Hope this helps.

[Hun1918]

Where any Seebataillon based in africa during the great war

[CharlesRollinsWare]

The answer to this would be no. The supposed 100 Seebataillon that arrived in Ostafrika by sea were actually the former crew of the survey ship Planet (having been replaced in mass) enroute home when the war started. The mention or 100 "marines" was misconstrued by an author to be "marine soldiers" as opposed to the German word for sailors!

Mark E. Horan