German East Africa: WWI Trench Art on a 1911-J Rupie - Battle of Bukoba

From German East Africa, a Silver Rupie of Wilhelm II dated 1911-J. Crudely engraved on the obverse: "BUKOBA" and "22/6/15". This is an interesting example of WWI trench art and a souvenir of the Battle of Bukoba.

This little known battle, 23-24 June 1915, was the first British victory in the German East Africa campaign. An amphibious assault across Lake Victoria led to the capture and destruction of the German defended town of Bukoba. The attack on the town was led by an irregular unit known as the 25th Frontiersmen commanded by Colonel Daniel Driscoll (of Boer War Driscoll's Scouts). His lieutenant was the legendary Frederick Courteney Selous, then aged 64. After the capture of Bukoba the Frontiersmen, being irregulars, were given permission to loot the town, The looting turned into a sacking which was embarrassing to the high command and the victory was consequently downplayed.