In Africa there were campaigns in East, Southwest, West, and North Africa. As the Allies attempted to capture the German colonies. German colonies in Africa had been acquired in the 1880s and were not well defended. They were enclosed by territories controlled by Britain, France, Belgium and Portugal. Colonial military forces in Africa were relatively small, poorly equipped and had been created to maintain internal order, rather than conduct military operations against other colonial forces
East Africa:
The British Empire fought a protracted guerrilla campaign against a small German force led by Paul von Lettow-Vorbeck. This campaign took place in German East Africa (modern-day Tanzania) and surrounding areas. The fighting involved British Empire troops, local African soldiers (like the King’s African Rifles), and German Schutztruppe, with the Germans skillfully employing guerrilla tactics. The campaign lasted for over four years and involved battles across a vast, challenging landscape, including swamps, mountains, and dense forests.
South-West Africa:
The South African Union, under Prime Minister Louis Botha, launched an offensive against the German Schutztruppe in South-West Africa. The campaign involved a landing at Swakopmund and a multi-pronged attack by South African mounted units. The Germans, though outnumbered, offered strong resistance, using tactics like mines and poisoned wells, but ultimately were overwhelmed by the Allied forces.
Kamerun (Cameroon):
The British and French launched campaigns against the German colony of Kamerun, encompassing modern-day Cameroon and parts of neighbouring countries. Allied forces, including West African troops, initially engaged in a series of battles, but the campaign eventually involved a wider range of forces from different Allied colonies. The Germans, despite being outnumbered, resisted fiercely, utilizing guerrilla tactics and exploiting local resources.
Togoland:
The British and French quickly captured Togoland (modern-day Togo), the German colony, after the outbreak of war. The campaign involved a small British force attacking the German Schutztruppe and local police, leading to a swift Allied victory. The first shot fired by the British army in the war took place in Togoland.