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Paul von Lettow-Vorbeck: Biography, Facts and Career

Who is Paul von Lettow-Vorbeck? An evergreen, sourced profile: biography, key facts and career.

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Paul von Lettow-Vorbeck
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Paul Emil von Lettow-Vorbeck (popularly known as the Lion of Africa (German: Löwe von Afrika; 20 March 1870 – 9 March 1964), was a general in the Imperial German Army and the commander of its forces in the German East Africa campaign. For four years, with a force of about 14,000 (3,000 Germans and 11,000 Africans), he held in check a much larger force of 300,000 British, Indian, Belgian, and Portuguese troops. He is known for never being defeated or captured in battle. Lettow-Vorbeck was the only German commander to successfully invade a part of the British Empire during the First World War. His exploits in the campaign have been described by historian Edwin Palmer Hoyt as "the greatest single guerrilla operation in history, and the most successful".

Quick facts about Paul von Lettow-Vorbeck

  • Full name: Paul von Lettow-Vorbeck
  • Born: 1870-03-20
  • Nationality: Germany
  • Known as: Author
  • Wikidata ID: Q57203

Profile compiled from public Wikipedia and Wikidata data. Details can change over time.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Paul von Lettow-Vorbeck?

Paul Emil von Lettow-Vorbeck (popularly known as the Lion of Africa (German: Löwe von Afrika; 20 March 1870 – 9 March 1964), was a general in the Imperial German Army and the commander of its forces in the German East Africa campaign.

What nationality is Paul von Lettow-Vorbeck?

Paul von Lettow-Vorbeck is Germany.

When was Paul von Lettow-Vorbeck born?

Paul von Lettow-Vorbeck was born on 1870-03-20.

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