Gondwana launches ‘The First World War in Namibia’

‘THE First World War in Namibia’ by Gordon McGregor and Mannfred Goldbeck marks the 100th anniversary of World War I. A hundred years have passed since the outbreak of the First World War in August 1914.

The hope that the German colonies, and thus German South West Africa, would not be drawn into the hostilities proved fruitless. By 13 September the war spread to present-day Namibia when a mounted South African regiment attacked the German police station at Ramansdrift on the border.

The first battle between troops of the Union Defence Force and the Schutztruppe for German South West Africa took place on 26 September 1914 at the Sandfontein watering hole between the Orange River and Warmbad.

The Great War, as it later became known, continues to cast an immense shadow on us today, its course and effects having played a large part in shaping the world as we know it.

As one of the countries outside of Europe that was drawn into the war, inadvertently embroiled in the unique situation that was transpiring in the Union of South Africa, Namibia’s history warrants inclusion in the worldwide WWI centenary commemorations.

An easily readable account of the war in German South West Africa, ‘The First World War in Namibia’ adds interesting detail and aspects of the period not generally dealt with in classic history books.

This includes the role of the indigenous population in the campaign, the plight of the animals and the various medals awarded.

It complements Gondwana’s History Series and is a noteworthy addition to the texts documenting Namibia’s rich history.

The book is available as of today at the Gondwana offices in Klein Windhoek (42 Nelson Mandela Avenue, access from Gevers Street) as well as at the lodges at the cost of N$195.00.