Lake Tanganyika is the longest freshwater lake in the world, and a natural wonder but one of the strangest
battles of WWI took place on its placid waters. The Military History Society of NSW will be hosting Battlefield Guide Dennis Weatherall who will explore the fascinating history of Lake Tanganyika.
Lake Tanganyika sits between Tanzania (then German East Africa) and the Democratic Republic of Congo (then Belgian Congo). The Allies wanted to capture German East Africa, but they needed to control the lake to do so. The Germans, however, dominated the lake due to their ship the SMS Graf von Goetzen. British troops were able to push into German territory from the sea and coast, but the great lake severely hampered their inland movements. German control of the lake meant they were able to move troops along it and redeploy behind British lines, thwarting any invasion.
The battle for control of the lake is a fascinating and little known story involving some of the most eccentric personalities and surprising feats of endurance encountered in modern warfare.
When: Saturday 3 March 2018, 2:00-3:00pm
Where: Level 1, Sydney Mechanics School of Arts
280 Pitt Street, Sydney NSW
Cost: Free, RSVP is essential
RSVP: 0418 671 582 or rsvp@militaryhistorynsw.com.au