All Battles

Battle of Salaita Hill

1916 • Taita-Taveta
British 4-inch naval guns on improvised carriages in position above Njoro Drift during the two day bombardment of German positions at Salaita, 8 March 1916.

British 4-inch naval guns on improvised carriages in position above Njoro Drift during the two day bombardment of German positions at Salaita, 8 March 1916.

Author: Unknown authorUnknown authorLicense:PD
Source

Historical Overview

The Battle of Salaita Hill was the first large-scale engagement of the East African Campaign of the First World War to involve British, Indian, Rhodesian, and South African troops. The battle took place on February 12, 1916, as part of the three-pronged offensive into German East Africa launched by General Jan Smuts, who had been given overall command of the Allied forces in the region.

Quick Facts

Outcome:German victory.

Schutztruppe

  • Commander: Georg Kraut
  • Strength: ca. 1.300
  • Casualties: ca. 170

British India

  • Commander: Michael Tighe
  • Strength: ca. 6.000
  • Casualties: ca. 600

Strategic Context

British attempt to invade German East Africa from Kenya.

Read more on Wikipedia

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