The Africa Ship - by Dominic Etzold (Hardcover)

About the Book

Imperial Germany's desperate attempt to resupply Paul Emil von Lettow-Vorbeck and his stranded army in East Africa via airship.

Book Synopsis

Paul Emil von Lettow-Vorbeck, who commanded Imperial German forces in East Africa during the First World War, is widely regarded as one of the finest military leaders of the war, on either side. He and his men managed not only to evade capture or destruction, but to truly instill fear within their primarily British opposition. This was despite being not only vastly outnumbered but also nearly impossible to resupply from Europe. The Royal Navy smothered East Africa with an incredibly effective blockade, while the Allied forces on the ground controlled all major rail lines.

In late 1917, the German navy devised a desperate plan to resupply von Lettow-Vorbeck's army via airship. The plan called for a lone airship, L 59, to be piloted by Captain Ludwig Bockholt and an all-volunteer crew from Bulgaria directly to the East African colony. There was no consideration of a return journey; L 59 would be disassembled for supplies and her crew would join the fight on the ground. This work details the planning, execution, and eventual failure of this ambitious operation, along with the sad fate of L 59 and her crew.

Review Quotes

"Already an expert on Unterseeboote in North American waters during the Great War, Dominic Etzold proves an even more adept storyteller and researcher on Zeppelins and the obscure fighting in East Africa during that same conflict. A story so fantastic yet true that it will prove impossible to put down."--Alexander van der Biest, Paper Can Reviews

"Etzold's research is impeccable, his storytelling is as epic as the voyage itself and his grasp of the complexities of the various command chains involved, both in Germany and in Africa, is second to none. His use of original source material makes this account truly unique, comprehensive and accurate down to the last detail. This is a highly readable book that every serious aviation historian simply must have."--Alastair Reid, author and historian, UK Airship Association

"You don't need to be an aviator to be swept away by this story. With vivid storytelling and rich historical context, The Africa Ship invites readers into a world where the sky was both battlefield and frontier--and where one crew dared to cross it all."--John Heckman, The Tattooed Historian