General Smuts' Campaign in East Africa: Military Operations Against German Forces, February 1916-January 1917 (Hardcover) (ISBN-13: 9781782826521)

An edition specially enhanced with many photographs and maps

There remains an abiding interest and enthusiasm among many military history students of the First World War for the 'side show theatre' campaigns, including that fought in East Africa. The terrain over which these actions were fought is an evocative one that is now part of the great wild life reserves of the region. The troops engaged included regulars from both sides, together with colourful irregular colonists and highly effective African troops. The German commander, Paul von Lettow-Vorbeck, is fascinating to those interested in these campaigns because he fought imaginatively and ably against the odds, revealing him to be a master of his craft. This book, written by a senior British officer who was present throughout the events described, does not cover the entire East African campaign, though a synopsis of those events is included to add context to the principal narrative. The narrative concentrates instead, specifically on the portion of the campaign that came under the command of Jan Christiaan Smuts, who had proved himself to be a capable Boer commander during the Anglo-Boer War, and as a leader of British forces in the Great War. He also commanded in the Second World War rising to the rank of Field-Marshal. This unique Leonaur edition benefits from the inclusion of many photographs, illustrations and campaign maps which did not appear in the original edition. This is a highly readable account which combines a history with first-hand knowledge and includes details of minor actions in combination with insights into larger command decisions, movements and engagements.

Leonaur editions are newly typeset and are not facsimiles; each title is available in softcover and hardback with dustjacket.