The Lesson of
Jassini
Lettow-Vorbeck
prepared for his offensive against Jassini. Early in January, Lettow-Vorbeck
scouted ahead with one of his captains. He created as accurate sketch as
possible of the terrain and enemy dispositions. The most notable feature of
Jassini was its large coconut plantation. The fort at Jassini itself was only
manned by a small advance force, with the bulk of the British force miles to
the north (now under the command of General Richard Wapshare). In Jassini’s
rear was a small river, the Sigi. The commander of Jassini’s garrison was an
Indian Colonel, Raghbir Singh. Under him were Indians and elements of the KAR.
If Lettow-Vorbeck hit it swiftly enough, he could overwhelm the small garrison
and remove the northern threat to Tanga. He hastened back to his army and
brought it up. He was careful and secretive in organizing his men, hoping for
the element of surprise. Contingents went ahead, going north around the town to
straddle the roads north. They hoped to block and delay any relief efforts for
the garrison.
The
battle began on January 18. The surprise attack was looking to be a success,
but internal dissensions prevented it. Among the Askaris were Arabs, and they
were very angry with their commander. Lettow-Vorbeck wanted few impediments to
his force’s mobility, and had ordered the Arabs to leave their boys behind.
These young males helped the Askaris carry their gear, and performed certain
other services for the Arabs. Stripped of their youthful companions, the Arabs
waited until they were close to enemy lines and then fired their guns into the
air, alerting Singh’s Indians. They ran to the rear, satisfied that they had
gained their revenge. However, the African Askaris were furious and turned their guns on the Arabs, mowing them down. Having dealt with this treachery, the Schutztruppe
now found itself embroiled in a furious battle.
