BATTLE OF TREKOPJE 23 APRIL 1915
We will be celebrating the 100th anniversary of the battle next year. The battle
is pivotal in the flow of events in then German South West Africa, modern day
Namibia .
It was the last offensive action taken by German colonial forces after the battle
they went from the offensive to the defensive and fought a rearguard action
till their eventual surrender at Tsumeb
(Genl Lois Botha accepting the German surrender in the area of Tsumeb)
The battle is known for a few, 1st on the African continent:
1. First time armoured cars were used in combat – in the sense of
Trekkopje the RNAS played a pivotal role in turning the battle.
(Number 1 Squadron Royal Naval Air service armoured car division under command of Lt
Cmdr. W.Whittal)
2. The use of anti - aircraft guns to discourage German air reconnaissance.
(Gun crew of Thin Lizzie)
Order of battle of the Union/Allied forces
Group commander – Col Skinner
2nd Regiment Transvaal Scottish
Kimberly Regiment
Witwatersrand Rifle
1st Rhodesia Regiment
Number 1 Squadron RNAS Armoured Car Division
SA telephone & postal corps
Graves of the fallen after the battle
It’s been a hundred years since this battle started and we, the members of
Escarpment Shellhole, Walvis Bay intends to celebrate this memorable event.
The sole purpose of this event is to pay homage and honour the soldiers that
have died in this battle and also to remind ourselves that these people died for
our future and their death will not be in vain.
Our intention is to rig up a campsite at the battle site on the weekend of Friday
24th April 2015 to Sunday 26th April 2015. All units (Allied and German) that
were involved in this battle and/or their family members, friends and naturally
all Moths are invited to celebrate this occasion. Descendants of this historic
battle are invited to bring any memorabilia and/or photographs that will show
off this event and give us all a better insight to the battle.
Fully equipped tented accommodation will be available on request. Tents to
accommodate 2 people or 4 people or more are included. Refreshments and
meals will be available. Ablution facilities will also be available at the site.
Guest speaker and military historian Dr Andeas Vogt will address the guests
about the battles that occurred in the area. A formal wreath laying ceremony
will take place on the Sunday at the war grave site to end the celebration.
It is against this backdrop that this letter serves as a humble request for any
sponsor or financial assistance to make this endeavour become a reality. Any
contribution or assistance will be highly appreciated. Businesses who wish to
become involved are most welcome to display company banners at the site.
I sincerely hope that this request will meet with your favourable response.
Thanking you in anticipation.
Yours in true comradeship,
Lee Liguma (Old Bill Escarpment Shellhole)
2014/11/14
PS!! RSVP on or before 14th January 2015 to:
lee.tv@afol.com.na
afrikafrank@live.com
sharonr@iway.na
Bank details:
Bank Windhoek
A/c name: Escarpment Shellhole
Branch no: 481872
A/c no:
1045483803
.