Paul Vettow-Vorbeck

Birthplace

Mar 20, 1870

Paul was born in Saarlouis, Germany. Growing up, his father wanted him to be in the military. He was the commissary and lieutenant.

Military Career

Jan 1, 1900

Paul went to China as a member to the international alliance forces. He didn't like to fight against guerrillas. In 1901 he came back as a member is general.

Hottentot and Herero Rebellion

Jan 1, 1904

He was wounded during Hottentot and Herero Rebellion, and sent to africa. He was sent to Africa to recuperate.

Boxer Rebellion

Jan 1, 1908

Paul has been doing service during the Boxer Rebellion. He also did the service in Germany and Africa. This happened from the war.

War Break Out

Jan 1, 1914

Lieutenant-Colonel - was given command of Germany's forces in East Africa, which included twelve companies of Askari troops. The war began in August by attacking the British railway in Kenya.

Africa War

Aug 5, 1914

The East Africa started with a bombing of the wireless station. Military action was delayed, German general planned to cause a lot of trouble.

Boer War

Jan 1, 1916

Jan Smuts an enemy during the british, but now serving with them, is dealing with Lettow-Vorbeck, and in doing so launched an attack from South Africa with a force of 45,000 men.

Allies Attacked

Jan 1, 1917

Allies turned up the heat on Lettow-Vorbeck, with attacks launched. The allies hit Kenya, Rhodesia, Congo and Mozambique.

Raids

Jan 1, 1918

Lettow-Vorbeck launched fresh raids against Rhodesian forts. Everyone was tackling each other.

Armistice Day

Nov 11, 1918

Lettow-Vorbeck was in the midst of planning further large raids when news of the 11 November Armistice reached him. He was reached by a British prisoner.

Mbaala, Zambia

Nov 25, 1918

Lettow-Vorbeck decided to surrender to the British with 3,000 men available to him.

Army

Jan 1, 1920

Lettow-Vorbeck was however obliged to resign from the army having declared his support for the right-wing Kapp Putsch.

Publishes Memories

Jan 1, 1920

Lettow-Vorbeck memories and adventures during wartime were published to a book and read. It was translated to english as My Reminiscences of East Africa.

Reichstag

May 1, 1930

he served as a deputy in the Reichstag, later unsuccessfully trying to establish a conservative opposition to Hitler.

Pauls Life

Mar 9, 1964

Paul was remarkable among the military commanders of WW1 which he served for an entire period without a suffered defeat. He was a master of guerrilla warfare.