MY REMINISCENCES OF EAST AFRICA

The extraordinary war memoirs of Paul von Lettow-Vorbeck, the brilliant German guerilla commander who kept Jan Smuts and thousands of allied troops at bay in East Africa throughout the Great War. A classic war memoir by one of the great guerrillas leaders of military history. Paul von Lettow-Vorbeck had just been appointed military commander of German East Africa (today's Tanzania) when the Great War began. With a small staff of dedicated officers, and his devoted native African troops - the famous Askaris - the resourceful Prussian general fought a brilliant defensive campaign throughout the entire war. His tiny army tied down thousands of British, Indian and South African troops sent to trap him. Again and again Lettow-Vorbeck evaded his pursuers. He used all the tricks in the guerrilla book to lead the dogged allied chase a merry dance across the harsh east African jungle, river and mountain terrain, and along the region's rivers and railways. Forced by superior numbers into neighbouring Kenya, Mozambique and Rhodesia, Lettow-Vorbeck inflicted severe losses on the enemy along the way. His opponent for much of the campaign was an equally famous name in the annals of guerrilla warfare - Jan Christian Smuts - but Lettow proved than a match for his Boer opposite number. Living off the land, resourcefully using such windfalls as the guns of the stricken German cruiser "Konigsberg", the 1918 Armistice found his depleted force still in the field and undefeated. In four years his exploits had become a legend. Understandably proudly written, this book is a "must have" for anyone interested in the Great War, Africa, guerrilla warfare, the German army or who admires human courage and ingenuity. Illustrated with 22 maps and thirteen beautiful and unusual drawings executed by Lettow's talented adjutant. Reprint of the original edition.