Paul von Lettow-Vorbeck

Lettow-Vorbeck led a smaller German force to defeat a larger British-Indian amphibious landing at Tanga, German East Africa. The victory preserved his command and established his reputation for unconventional warfare.

Lettow-Vorbeck's forces fought a major engagement against a larger British and Nigerian force at Mahiwa. Although a tactical German victory, the battle cost heavy casualties and forced him to withdraw further south.

Lettow-Vorbeck led his remaining forces into Portuguese East Africa (Mozambique) to evade the British and capture supplies. The campaign involved guerrilla warfare and forced marches through difficult terrain.

Lettow-Vorbeck surrendered his undefeated force to the British at Abercorn, Northern Rhodesia, three days after the Armistice in Europe. He was the only German commander to invade British territory during the war and never lost a major battle.