German Victory over Portuguese Army at Negomano
November 25th, 1917
November 25th, 1917

How Long Ago?
107 years, 3 months, 18 days ago
Location
Negomano, Mozambique-Tanzania border
Category
Military & Warfare
War/Conflict
World War I
People
- Paul von Lettow-Vorbeck
Links & References
Tags
German Victory over Portuguese Army at Negomano
German forces decisively defeated a Portuguese army of about 1,200 troops at Negomano, located on the border of present-day Mozambique and Tanzania. The conflict unfolded as part of the larger struggle for control in East Africa during World War I. The Germans tactically outmaneuvered the Portuguese, leading to a significant victory that showcased their military prowess in colonial engagements.
German forces effectively executed a surprise attack.
The engagement highlighted logistical challenges for Portugal.
Von Lettow-Vorbeck showcased superior military strategy.
This battle was part of wider East African hostilities.
What Happened?
The battle at Negomano in 1917 represented a critical moment in the East African Campaign of World War I, where German colonial forces clashed with Portuguese troops on the borders of modern-day Mozambique and Tanzania. The German forces, under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Paul von Lettow-Vorbeck, were engaged in guerrilla warfare targeting British and Portuguese colonial troops. The Portuguese contingent, numbering around 1,200 soldiers, faced logistical challenges and lacked sufficient support to sustain the lengthy engagement. On November 25, German forces launched a surprise attack that leveraged their intimate knowledge of the local terrain and superior tactical formations, leading to a notable defeat for the Portuguese army.The battle's outcome was pivotal, as it illustrated the effectiveness of the German forces in East Africa despite their diminishing resources. The German victory at Negomano further demoralized Portuguese forces and marked a turning point in colonial military conflicts on the African continent during the war. The skirmish not only showcased the strategic brilliance of von Lettow-Vorbeck but also highlighted the broader implications of colonial power struggles during World War I. The engagement at Negomano was part of a series of skirmishes that characterized the East African front, where battles often featured small units and relied heavily on mobility and local knowledge.
Why Does it Matter?
The defeat of the Portuguese at Negomano is significant as it underlines the dynamics of colonial warfare and the shifting balances of power between European empires in Africa. This battle exemplified how German forces managed to conduct effective military operations far from their homeland. It also set the stage for the eventual withdrawal and re-evaluation of Portuguese military strategies in Africa, influencing post-war colonial policies across the continent. This was part of a larger narrative of World War I, illustrating how even minor engagements could have substantial implications for colonial governance and territorial control.
Discover More Historic Events from November 25th
Massive Flooding Strikes Jeddah During Hajj
In Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, torrential rains caused severe flooding during the Hajj pilgrimage. Thousands of cars were swept away, resulting in significant damage and loss of life, with reports indicating that 122 people were confirmed dead and around 350 others went missing. The city was caught off guard, facing an infrastructure collapse that hampered rescue and relief efforts as heavy rains overwhelmed the drainage systems.
Continue ReadingCyclone Nisha Hits Northern Sri Lanka
Cyclone Nisha brought unprecedented rainfall to northern Sri Lanka, leading to the deaths of 15 individuals and displacing approximately 90,000 residents. This weather phenomenon, classified as one of the most severe in the region in nearly nine decades, caused widespread flooding and damage to infrastructure. Relief efforts were initiated to assist those affected and assess the resulting damages, highlighting the need for better disaster preparedness in vulnerable areas.
Continue ReadingStrongest Earthquake in Baku in 158 Years
A powerful earthquake with a Richter magnitude of 7.0 struck Baku, Azerbaijan, causing extensive damage and claiming the lives of 26 people. This event marked a significant geological occurrence, as it was the strongest earthquake in the region in over a century and a half. The tremors were felt across a wide area, impacting buildings, infrastructure, and the daily lives of residents. The local community faced challenges in both immediate rescue efforts and long-term recovery.
Continue ReadingElián González Rescued at Sea
Elián González, a five-year-old Cuban boy, was discovered by fishermen floating in an inner tube off the coast of Florida. He had survived a perilous journey from Cuba to the United States, attempting to seek refuge in a new land. The fishermen brought him ashore, where he was later taken into protective custody, igniting a fierce custody battle between his relatives in Miami and his father in Cuba. The circumstances surrounding his rescue highlighted the broader issues of immigration and family separation, making Elián a symbol of these contentious debates.
Continue ReadingCzechoslovakia votes for peaceful division
The Federal Assembly of Czechoslovakia voted to split the country into the Czech Republic and Slovakia, effective January 1, 1993. This decision followed a turbulent period of political negotiations and reflected the desires of both Czech and Slovak leaders. Prime Minister Václav Klaus and Slovak Prime Minister Vladimír Mečiar were key figures in advocating for this division, which was seen as a means to address growing national identities and administrative differences between the two regions. The split was largely peaceful and was executed through legislation by the assembly.
Continue ReadingTyphoon Nina Devastates the Philippines
Typhoon Nina struck the Philippines with catastrophic force, characterized by winds reaching 265 km/h (165 mph) and massive storm surges that obliterated entire villages. The intense storm, which developed in the Pacific Ocean, made landfall, causing extensive flooding and infrastructural damage across several islands. The aftermath witnessed widespread destruction and a humanitarian crisis, with a significant death toll reported at over a thousand lives lost and many others displaced.
Continue Reading