Guerillas of Tanganyika: WW1 Campaign in German East Africa

Public Lecture

World War I is considered the first global war, fought on multiple continents. In 1914 Germany embarked on a number of battles and guerrilla actions across the territory of German East Africa that would continue for the duration of the war. An often-forgotten campaign, it was fought on limited resources with the aim of diverting troops and materials which would otherwise have been deployed in Europe. This was the only German theatre where the Germans were not beaten and were still fighting at the armistice on 11 November 1918. 

Speaker – Lieutenant Colonel (retd) Rod Cooke 

Rod has an extensive background in leadership and management in the Army, business and the not-for-profit sector including several positions of CEO. Rod is active in the community and has significant not-for-profit and community experience in board and volunteer roles for over 30 years and is currently on eight boards including Sydney Community Services and Rural Futures. His military experience was gained in 16 years in the Regular Army graduating from the Royal Military College and serving in Armoured Corps, with postings at 2 Cavalry Regiment, ¾ Cavalry Regiment and the Armoured Centre. He transferred to the Army Reserve and served a further 21 years including postings at the 1st/15th Royal NSW Lancers, at HQ 5 Bde, HQ 2 DIV, HQ Australian Theatre and HQ JOC. Rod has a long-term interest in military history and hopes to visit all the places Australian troops have served overseas.