Kurt Wahle

Summary

Kurt Wahle (26 December 1855 – 19 June 1928) was a Saxon general who travelled to German East Africa in 1914 to visit his son. Being in the colony at the outbreak of World War I, he volunteered to serve under Paul von Lettow-Vorbeck, despite outranking him, and became one of his front commanders. He was involved in the fighting during the East African Campaign until October 1918. During the campaign he was awarded the Iron Cross (Second and First Class) and commanded the German forces at the Battle of Tabora. He also was recommended for the order Pour le Mérite by von Lettow-Vorbeck, however the recommendation did not reach Germany before the war ended and thus was never approved or awarded.

Kurt Wahle
Birth nameKurt Wahle
Born(1855-12-26)December 26, 1855
Bad Düben, Saxony
DiedJune 19, 1928(1928-06-19) (aged 72)
AllegianceSaxony
German Empire
Service/branchRoyal Saxon Army
German Imperial Army
RankGeneralmajor
Char. Generalleutnant
Battles/warsWorld War I
AwardsIron Cross (First Class)
Military Order of St. Henry (Commander 2nd Class)
Civil Order of Saxony (Commander 2nd Class)

References edit

  • Paice, Edward Tip and Run: The Untold Tragedy of the Great War in Africa Weidenfeld & Nicolson, 2007, ISBN 0-297-84709-0. (see page 384)

External links edit

  • [1] My reminiscences of East Africa by General von Lettow-Vorbeck