Battle of Tepe facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Tepe
Part of the Kamerun campaign in World War I
Date 25 August 1914 Location Tepe, German Kamerun Result British victory
Belligerents
British Empire British Nigeria	Germany German Kamerun
Commanders and leaders
Col. MacLear	O.Lt. Milbrat  †
Units involved
West African Frontier Force	Schutztruppe
Strength
unknown	unknown
Casualties and losses
2 officers	5 officers

The Battle of Tepe (sometimes called Tebe) happened on August 25, 1914. It was the very first fight between German and British forces during the Kamerun campaign in World War I. This battle took place right on the border between British Nigeria and German Kamerun. The British won, and the German soldiers had to leave the area.

How the Battle Started

On August 4, 1914, Britain declared war on the German Empire. This was the start of World War I. A few days later, on August 8, a group of soldiers on horseback from the West African Frontier Force left Kano. Kano is a city in northern British Nigeria. Their goal was to move towards the German colony called Kamerun. These first British soldiers crossed into German territory on August 25, 1914.

The Battle of Tepe

On August 25, British cavalry (soldiers on horseback) met German forces. This happened at a border station called Tepe, located on the Benue River. After some intense fighting, the German soldiers decided to retreat. The British then took control of the station. Not many soldiers were hurt or killed in this battle.

Taking over the Tepe station allowed the British to move further east. They wanted to reach a strong German fort at Garua. However, the British were defeated there just a few days after the Tepe battle. This later fight was known as the First Battle of Garua.