Battle of Dedza

[Borys]

The Battle of Dedza on 27 June 1901 was the first great German military victory in Africa. The conflict, between Brandenburgian "advisors" and native army of Chief Philip Gomani against the forces of the usurper chief Cimtunga, was also infamous as the event that alerted the Zulus to the enroaching "threat" to their north.

The battle began in the early morning, as members of the southern tribes loyal to Cimunga began occasional harrasment of the column of German and Malawian troops advancing southwards along the main track through the western part of the country. By noon, it was apparent that these were also acting as scouts for an approacing force, so Colonel Schultz of the 4th Afrika Divison (Desert), ordered his men to dig in, as their native contingent fanned out into a skirmish line.

It was not long before Cimtunga's army arrived and fell upon them en masse. Although outnumbering the defenders, they suffered from a lack of modern armaments, and therefore the relativly even battle raged throughout the afternoon.

As the artillery batallion attached to the expedition had fallen behind, it was not until 3:30 in the afternoon that they were able to set up and begin shelling of the enemy's flanks. This proved to have a greatly demoralising effect, and Colonel Schultz personally led a counterattack out of the hastily improvised defenses, the retreat of Cimtunga's forces being rapidly turned into a rout.

By the end of the day, over half of the enemy's forces had been killed, captured or dispersed. Two days later, a lone tribesman approached, and through an interepreter was able to convey that the usurper, Cimtunga, had been mortally wounded during the battle and was now dead. Deprived of their leader, the southern tribes no longer wished to fight, and would agree to unite under the rule of Philip Gomani.

On 4 July, a ceremony was held in the village of Lilongwe, the largest settlement in the country, in which Philip Gomani was crowned as the first monarch of the Kingdom of Malawi, and a "perpetual friendship, trade and protection agreement" was signed between the nacent state and the Deutsches Kaiserreich Brandenburg.

However some of the tattered remants of Cimtunga's men, not desiring the peace of their fellows, sifted through the hinterlands of Portugese Mozambique until they reached the country of the Zulus, carrying word of the "mighty white enemy of the North"...
   
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Maddox    
Posted: Feb 5 2006, 08:40 PM


Hegemon
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France congratulates the DKB in its efforts to bring peace and welfare to the dark continents interiour.

And recognizes King Gomani as souvereign of Malawi.

A delegation will be send, if the King is willing to meet our diplomats.
   
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swamphen    
Posted: Feb 5 2006, 08:49 PM


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"The Kingdom of Malawi desires peace among all mankind, and any nation that wishes to open diplomatic relations will not be turned away."
   
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Ithekro    
Posted: Feb 5 2006, 08:52 PM


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Osgiliath University Press

July 9, 1901

Students in Rohan's Osgiliath University finds the European trend of "civilizing" people that are not like them disturbing. Having been on the receiving end of this sort of treatment, Rohan does not care for the actions in Africa against the dark skinned peoples in the interior.
   
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Maddox    
Posted: Feb 5 2006, 08:53 PM


Hegemon
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France will send Ambassador Rimauld.
He's currently a guest of the wonderfull Orange Republic, together with his travelcompanions, the sailors of the NS cruiser Phoenix..
   
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swamphen    
Posted: Feb 5 2006, 09:00 PM


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"While the Reich can understand the concerns of the Rohirrim students given their nation's history, it should be understood that all peoples of the Reich are citizens, and have the right to be treated equally under German law. While the Kingdom of Malawi is an independent state, we would not desire to assist or to become so close to a nation that does not share these values."


(ooc)

While the above is true, the 'degree of independence' of Malawi could, indeed, be questioned...

(/ooc)

   
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The Rock Doctor    
Posted: Feb 5 2006, 09:59 PM


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Over in Wesworld, I'd give you an earful about ruthless colonialism - but in Navalism, the response is different:

"They've gone and gained themselves a colony", President Alizandro remarked. "Maybe not in name, but in fact." He pondered that for a moment. "A hallmark of great nations would seem to be a colonial empire. Perhaps I should direct my officials to acquire an empire..."

   
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swamphen    
Posted: Feb 5 2006, 10:39 PM


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Uh oh, I think I may have created a monster. wink.gif


(Techincally speaking...the DKB already had colonies (Kuwait, etc. - suppose Ost Africa could be considered one despite offically being a "province"). But this is a little different...more of a "satellite state".)
   
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Ithekro    
  Posted: Feb 5 2006, 11:07 PM


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El Presidente better not be looking northward.
   
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JLDOGG    
Posted: Feb 6 2006, 10:59 AM


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The Netherlands congradulate the DKB on its great success in Africa. and since the Congo shares a boder with the Kingdom of Malawi will be despatching a delegate to King Philip Gomani.



OOC
QUOTE
El Presidente better not be looking northward.


or eastward GULP unsure.gif
   
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swamphen    
Posted: Feb 6 2006, 11:25 AM


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QUOTE (JLDOGG @ Feb 6 2006, 10:59 AM)
the Congo shares a boder with the Kingdom of Malawi

Er...actually it doesn't. unsure.gif
   
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Ithekro    
Posted: Feb 6 2006, 01:08 PM


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Yes, that particular nation is surrounded by DKB and Portugese colonies only. The larger uncharted territory that the Zulus are in borders more nations.
   
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JLDOGG    
Posted: Feb 6 2006, 03:37 PM


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ohmy.gif
oops didn't have the updated map
please disregard the boon biggrin.gif


the delegate is still on the way provided the DKB will allow his passage
   
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swamphen    
Posted: Feb 6 2006, 06:51 PM


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Passage allowed.

(And even if we didn't, you could always go through Portugese Mozambique. tongue.gif )