Jonathan D'Hooghe

In World War I, German South West Africa (Today Namibia) was captured by troops of the Union of South Africa. This victory was achieved after a campaign that began with the mobilization of South African troops in August 1914 and culminated in the German surrender on July 9, 1915. The campaign was primarily aimed at preventing German naval forces from using the colony’s ports and radio transmitters. 

• Initial Mobilization:South African forces were mobilized along the border of German South West Africa in August 1914. 
• Occupation of Lüderitz:The port of Lüderitz was quickly occupied by South African troops on September 18, 1914. 
• Rebellion: An initial attack was halted in September 1914 due to a rebellion by some South African troops who defected to the German side. 
• Crushing the Rebellion:The rebellion was suppressed, and General Louis Botha led loyal South African troops to victory. 
• German Surrender:On July 9, 1915, German forces in South West Africa surrendered to the Allies. 
• Unconditional Surrender:General Botha secured an unconditional surrender from the German governor, Dr. Seitz, despite the latter’s hopes for a conditional surrender pending the outcome in Europe. 
• Strategic Importance:The campaign was strategically important as it denied the German navy access to the colony’s ports and radio transmitters, which could have been used to direct attacks on British shipping. 
• Territorial Gains:German South West Africa was the largest of Germany’s colonies and its capture was a significant victory for the Allies, particularly the Union of South Africa. 
• Post-War Status:Following the war, German South West Africa became a League of Nations Mandate territory under the administration of the Union of South Africa.  [Text aided by AI overview]