Arthur Aitken
Arthur Edward Aitken (born May 25, 1861 in Rochford , Essex , England , † March 29, 1924 in Rome , Italy ) was a British military commander.
In the rank of brigadier general at the head of the Indian Expeditionary Forces B, he led the first notable incursion into German East Africa and was defeated at the beginning of November 1914 at the Battle of Tanga .
The battle is often referred to as the " Battle of the Bees " because swarms of bees on both sides of the front repeatedly interrupted the fight. Aitken was overly confident and did not undertake any reconnaissance of the area.
The German defenders were led by Paul von Lettow-Vorbeck , who suffered no defeat in the course of the clashes. Aitken's troops were dispersed and pursued. The details were obscured in England for several months.
After the Battle of Tanga, General Aitken was recalled to England, demoted to Colonel and retired on half pay .
Web link
- Aitken on firstworldwar.com (Engl.)
| personal data | |
|---|---|
| SURNAME | Aitken, Arthur |
| ALTERNATIVE NAMES | Aitken, Arthur Edward (full name) |
| BRIEF DESCRIPTION | British military commander |
| DATE OF BIRTH | May 25, 1861 |
| PLACE OF BIRTH | Rochford , Essex , England |
| DATE OF DEATH | March 29, 1924 |
| Place of death | Rome , Italy |