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South West Africa
Tag
(15)
1914
August
21
Germans cross the border of the Union of South Africa
In August 1914 a detachment from German South West Africa took up positions on the South African side of the border, near Nakob.
September
19
South African troops occupy Lüderitzbucht
On 19 September 1914 troops of the Union of South Africa landed unopposed at Lüderitzbucht. The invasion of German South West Africa had begun.
October
26
Germans attack Angola
In late October 1914 the Germans in South West Africa resolved to avenge the Naulila incident and struck at Portuguese posts in Angola.
December
04
Portuguese reinforcements sail for Angola
In early December 1914 more Portuguese units sailed from Lisbon to Angola to strengthen the colony's defence against a German attack from the south.
28
End of the Boer rebellion
A British chronology records the end of the organised rebellion in South Africa on 28 December 1914. The last rebels laid down their arms in February 1915.
1915
January
14
Capture of Swakopmund
In mid-January 1915 Union of South Africa forces took Swakopmund, the main port of German South West Africa, without a fight.
23
Defence of Upington
On 24 January 1915 the rebels of Maritz and Kemp, backed by German artillery, attacked Upington. Government troops beat them off after hours of fighting.
February
22
Northern Force advances on Windhoek
In late February 1915 Botha's troops moved out of Swakopmund up the Swakop valley. The march across the Namib on the colonial capital, Windhoek, began.
March
20
Skirmish at Jakalswater
On 20 March 1915 Botha's troops attacked the Germans at Riet, Pforte and Jakalswater. They took key wells on the edge of the Namib and over 200 prisoners.
30
South Africans occupy Aus
At the end of March 1915 the Germans abandoned fortified Aus without a fight. General McKenzie's Central Force opened its way into the south of the colony.
April
25
Clash at Gibeon
In late April 1915 General McKenzie's mounted troops caught the retreating Germans at Gibeon. A night ambush failed, but in the morning the Germans were routed.
May
13
South Africans occupy Windhoek
On 12 May 1915 Botha rode into Windhoek, surrendered without a fight by the town authorities. The capital of German South West Africa passed to the Union.
June
19
South Africans advance on Otavifontein
On 18–19 June 1915 Botha led the Union forces north from around Karibib towards the last Germans at Otavi. On 19 June Brits took Omaruru.
July
01
South Africans take Otavifontein
On 1 July 1915 Manie Botha's mounted brigade surprised the Germans near Otavi after a night march and took Otavifontein, the last good water before their line.
09
Surrender of German South West Africa
On 9 July 1915 at Khorab Governor Seitz and Lt-Col. Franke signed the surrender to Gen. Botha. Germany lost the colony and its troops laid down their arms.