German East Africa: First World War Trench Art for the Battle of Bukoba on 1911-J Rupie
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Form:
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Circular
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By:
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Emil Weigand (obv) / Otto Schultz (rev) |
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Date:
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1915 |
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Ref:
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Laidlaw: 1144;
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Variations:
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| Size | Metal | Mass | Value |
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| 30,5 mm | Silver | 11.7 gm | $35 |
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Edge:
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Upright reeded.
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Obverse:
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Obverse of a German East Africa Rupie showing Kaiser Wilhelm II. Crudely engraved upwards on the left: "BUKOBA" and on the right: "22/6/15".
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Reverse:
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Reverse of a German East Africa Rupie dated 1911-J.
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Notes:
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The Battle Bukoba took place 21-23 June 1915 between British and German forces in German East Africa. This little known engagement was first British victory in the German East Africa campaign. An amphibious assault across Lake Victoria led to the capture and destruction of the German fortified town of Bukoba. The attack on the town was led by an irregular unit known as the 25th Frontiersmen commanded by Colonel Daniel Driscoll (of Boer War Driscoll's Scouts). His lieutenant was the legendary Frederick Courteney Selous, then aged 64. After the capture of Bukoba the Frontiersmen, being irregulars, were given permission to loot the town, The looting turned into a sacking which was embarrassing to the high command and the victory was consequently downplayed.
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