Togo Reservists

Chris Dale · Post by **Chris Dale** » 07 Dec 2006 00:37

In the British Official History of the Great War in Togoland and the Cameroons (published by Battery Press), it says that some German reservists in Togo tried to sail back to Germany when the First World War broke out to serve in the regualr army there. It then says their ship was diverted and they ended up in Cameroon.

Has anyone else heard of this and do any German sources back up this claim? I doubt it slightly as one thing the book seems to show is how little the British knew at the time of German forces in Togo (or of French forces either for that matter).

I'd also be extremely curious to see photos of any of the 200 or so German reservists who did serve in Togo during 1914.... has anyone ever seen any?

Cheers
Chris

Karstenh83 · Post by **Karstenh83** » 07 Dec 2006 22:52

Hello Chris Dale,

I have only a military pass of a reservist, who took part on the war in Togo. If you are interest, I can post some pictures of this pass. Unfortunately there are not any comments on which battles he took part.

But on the 27th august 1914 he came into french captivity.

All the best

Karsten

Chris Dale · Post by **Chris Dale** » 07 Dec 2006 23:29

Hi Karsten,
Thanks very much for your quick response. As there is so little information on these troops anything is very welcome, yes please post a picture of the man's pass.
All the best,
Cheers
Chris

Karstenh83 · Post by **Karstenh83** » 09 Dec 2006 16:45

Hello,

here are the pictures of the man´s pass. Unfortunately I couldn´t post it earlier because I wasn´t home.

Karstenh83 · Post by **Karstenh83** » 09 Dec 2006 16:47

Very interest that he served in China too.

Karstenh83 · Post by **Karstenh83** » 09 Dec 2006 16:49

He served two years in China. He reached China with the steamer "Silvia" and left China with the steamer "Borussia".

Karstenh83 · Post by **Karstenh83** » 09 Dec 2006 16:54

Unfortunately there are no more comments of his "Togo-adventure".

Could someone identify the signature?

All the best

Karsten

Chris Dale · Post by **Chris Dale** » 11 Dec 2006 03:07

Hi Karsten,
Thank you for posting those pictures. That's a great historical document. As you say very interesting that he also served in China. I do find that old German handwriting very hard to read though. Do you know know what his name was? I'd also be very curious if anyone can read that last page about his Togo service?
Cheers
Chris

Karstenh83 · Post by **Karstenh83** » 21 Dec 2006 11:25

Hello Chris,

unfortunately I couldn´t answer earlier because my computer didn´t work.

His name was Fritz Paul Zwintscher. He was born on the 3rd May 1887 in Berlin. He had an instruction as a locksmith. On the 1st Octobre 1903 he joined the Navy. He served for three years in the "Matrosenartillerie Kiautschou". There he served in the 1st company. His departure to China, with the steamer "Silvia", was on the 3rd March 1904. In China he served from the 20. April 1904 until 19th April 1906. On the 8th March 1906 occured his departure to Germany, with the steamer "Borussia". On the 31st May 1906 he left the Navy.

Now to the "Togo-page":

On the 02nd August 1914 he had to join to the national defence troop of Togo.
Campaign 1914 in Togo.
From the 27th August 1914 until 02nd September 1918 in french captivity
On the 3rd September.1918 he arrived "Konstanz".
Conduct: nothing well known
Punishment: nothing well known
On the 31st December 1918 his dismissal to the "BezKdo. VI Berlin".

With help of the "Traditionsverband" I know also that he was transported in 1917 from North Africa to "Carpiagne" France.

All the best

Karsten

Chris Dale · Post by **Chris Dale** » 21 Dec 2006 12:37

Thanks Karsten,
That builds up a good picture of this man's service record.
Cheers
Chris

HFK · Post by **HFK** » 21 Dec 2006 21:59

Karsten, The signature is von Heineccius. Regards, Harry