Battle of Kahe facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Kahe
Part of East African Campaign
Date 18 March 1916 Location Kahe, German East Africa Result British victory
Belligerents
German Empire German East Africa	British Empire
Commanders and leaders
Hans Von Kruggenmeyer	General Sheppard
Strength
200	5000
Casualties and losses
66 killed 20 captured	210 killed

The Battle of Kahe was an important fight during World War I. It happened in East Africa on March 18, 1916. This battle was the last major clash between German and Entente forces in the area around Mount Kilimanjaro.

The Battle of Kahe

The Battle of Kahe took place in a region called Kahe, which is in modern-day Tanzania. It was a key moment in the East African Campaign, which was a series of battles fought in Africa during World War I.

What Was the East African Campaign?

During World War I, fighting wasn't just in Europe. It also happened in Africa, where European countries had colonies. The East African Campaign was a fight for control of these colonies. The main groups fighting were the British Empire (which included soldiers from places like South Africa) and the German Empire.

The Fight at Kahe

In March 1916, British and South African forces moved to surround German positions near Kahe. This area was south of the famous Mount Kilimanjaro. The German forces were led by Hans Von Kruggenmeyer, and the British forces were led by General Sheppard.

The British and South African troops had a much larger army. They had about 5,000 soldiers, while the German side had only about 200. This big difference in numbers played a huge role in the battle.

The Outcome

The battle was a clear victory for the British. They caused many losses for the German forces. About 66 German soldiers were killed, and 20 were captured. The British forces had fewer losses, with about 210 soldiers killed.

The British also managed to capture large German artillery pieces. These were big guns used in warfare. After this defeat, the German forces had to retreat. They moved further into the interior parts of their colony in East Africa. This battle marked the end of German control in the Kilimanjaro area during the war.