Imperial German Colonial and Overseas Troops 1885–1918
Author: Alejandro de Quesada
Illustrator: Stephen Walsh
This 48 page paperback book is number 490 in the Men-at-Arms series of books available from Osprey Publishing.
This book tells and illustrates the little-known story of Germany’s 30-year episode as a colonial power in Africa and the Pacific, and her enclave in China. Under the ambitious young Kaiser Wilhelm II, rivalry with the old colonial powers saw the protectorates originally established by trading companies transformed into crown colonies, garrisoned by the newly raised Schutztruppe with emergency support from the Imperial Navy’s Sea Battalions. This book explains their organization and operations, including the horrific 1904-07 Herero campaign in Southwest Africa. It is illustrated with rare photos, and with color plates detailing a wide variety of the uniforms of German and native troops alike.
The contents of this book are;
- Germany’s Emergence as a Colonial Power
- African Colonies
- The “German Caribbean”
- The German Presence in China
- The Sea Battalions
- World War I Overseas
- Aftermath
- Select Bibliography
- Plate commentaries
- Index
This short book would be of special interest to the historian, wargamer or figure painter because of the succinct historical information and 8 pages of excellent color plates illustrating uniforms and badges from this period.
