Description: Beautiful historical Wilhelm II Bronze 1/2 HELLER from German East Africa, dated 1904 A, Berlin Mint. The coin is identified as KM# 6. A bit of history. These coins were minted and issued by the German colonial government as they were successfully fighting a guerrilla war against overwhelming Allied forces. The German forces were commanded by General Paul Emil von Lettow-Vorbeck (1870-1964), nicknamed affectionately as the Löwe von Afrika (Lion of Africa). For four years, with a force that never exceeded about 14,000 men (3,000 Germans and 11,000 Africans, or Askaris), he held in check a much larger force of British, Belgian, and Portuguese troops under the famous South African military leader General Smuts, who led a force of 300,000 soldiers over the mountain slopes of Mt Kilimanjaro and rugged African bush. A master of guerrilla warfare, General von Lettow-Vorbeck treated his African Askaris no differently from white Germans under his command. His fluency in the Swahili language earned the respect and admiration of his African soldiers; he appointed black officers and said "We are all Africans here.” In one historian’s estimation, “It is probable that no white commander of the era had so keen an appreciation of the African’s worth not only as a fighting man but as a man.” General von Lettow-Vorbeck was never defeated in battle, and only surrendered after learning about the Armistice in November 1918. The British repatriated the white German soldiers but confined the Askaris in squalid camps. General von Lettow-Vorbeck refused to leave until he had won promises of decent treatment and early release for his Askari troops. Returning to Germany as a national hero, von Lettow-Vorbeck became active in politics and tried to establish a conservative opposition to the Nazis. He was able to bring some of his black officers with him to serve in the German Freikorps. When Hitler offered him the ambassadorship to the Court of St. James in 1935, he told Hitler to “go f**k himself.” Although repeatedly harassed by the Nazis, he survived their regime due to his popularity as a genuine German hero. The old general never forgot his Askaris, and he returned to East Africa in 1953 where he was tearfully welcomed by his surviving soldiers. Upon returning to Europe, he campaigned to provide for their welfare. When von Lettow-Vorbeck died at the age of 93 in 1964, the West German government flew in two former Askaris as state guests so that they could attend the funeral of “their” general. A few months later, his fondest wish became reality when the West German Bundestag voted to deliver back pay to the 350 surviving Askaris in Africa.Your coin will be shipped as soon as payment is received. If you have any questions let me know before you bid. Shipping in the US is $2. These rates do not apply to foreign purchasers, the rates depend on the country. You can rest assured I will find the cheapest and safest option, please check before you bid. I combine shipments. Thanks and good luck!
Price: 17.45 USD
Location: Bloomington, Indiana
End Time: 2024-07-31T20:06:49.000Z
Shipping Cost: 2 USD
Product Images
Item Specifics
Return shipping will be paid by: Buyer
All returns accepted: Returns Accepted
Item must be returned within: 30 Days
Refund will be given as: Money Back
Year: 1904
KM Number: 6
Certification: Uncertified
