General Jan Smuts and His First World War in Africa, 1914-1917

Jan Smuts seized the chance to create a Greater South Africa by targeting the German colonies of South-West Africa and East Africa. He also looked at Portuguese and Belgian African possessions. Smuts was a soldier who led his men into battle and learned his craft under General Koos De la Rey and General Louis Botha. His daring and epic invasion of the Cape was legendary. Smuts commanded the Southern Forces in the second phase of the German South West African campaign and led Allied forces in East Africa against Paul von Lettow-Vorbeck. He used his penchant for Boer manoeuvre warfare and mounted infantry to free the vast German territory from Lettow-Vorbeck's grip.

Format: Hardback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 21 April 2022
Publisher: Casemate Publishers

World War I marked the resurgence of a fierce competition for African territories. At the forefront of this endeavor was Jan Smuts, who seized the chance to fulfill his vision of a Greater South Africa. His sights were set on the vast German colonies of South-West Africa and East Africa, which he believed would be crucial in dismantling the Kaiser's ambitious plans for Mittelafrika. As part of his strategy to shift South Africa's borders northward, Smuts even considered the Portuguese and Belgian African possessions. Despite being often criticized by his contemporaries and later modern historians for his military abilities, Smuts was a true soldier. He donned a uniform and led his men into battle, honing his skills under the tutelage of General Koos De la Rey and General Louis Botha during the South African War of 1899-1902. His daring and epic invasion of the Cape during that conflict remains a legendary feat. The first phase of the German South West African campaign and the Afrikaner Rebellion in 1914 showcased Smuts' strategic prowess and bold operational planning. In 1916, he was appointed to command the Southern Forces in the second phase of the German South West African campaign. Leading a mixed force of South Africans and Imperial troops, Smuts faced the formidable Paul von Lettow-Vorbeck and his Shutztruppe in East Africa. Utilizing his expertise in Boer manoeuvre warfare and mounted infantry, he successfully liberated vast German territory from Lettow-Vorbeck's grip. Smuts' leadership and strategic vision played a significant role in this historic victory.

Dimension: 228 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781636240176