9 replies to this topic

[bushfighter]

 Sudi Bay P1130170 (2).JPG   66.18K   1 downloads

Sudi Bay is an inlet on the German East African coast between Mikindani and Lindi
(See Sketch 53a on page 386 of the Official History)

[bushfighter]

 Sudi Bay P1130170 (6).JPG   73K   0 downloads

It takes about 45 minutes to drive here from the main road.
The sandy track passes through continuous groves of cashew trees.

[bushfighter]

 Sudi Bay P1130170 (17).JPG   75.09K   0 downloads

The bay was defended by Schutztruppe observation posts and artillery positions.

On 15 March 1916 the Marie (formerly the Sperrbrecher 15) evaded the Royal Navy blockade and slipped into the bay, where she unloaded a vital cargo that included artillery and artillery men.

[bushfighter]

 Sudi Bay P1130170 (21).JPG   69.2K   0 downloads

The crew of the Marie enjoyed a few nights ashore in Sudi village.

Meanwhile the Royal Navy pounded the area with gunfire and holed the Marie, but the damage was repairable.

German efficiency and discipline mobilised 100,000 porters to carry and pull the Marie's cargo to Dar Es Salaam - a long haul.

Then the Marie slipped out of the bay, evaded the Royal Navy again, and reached Batavia in neutral Dutch Java.

[bushfighter]

 Sudi Bay P1130170 (19).JPG   76.65K   0 downloads

Little has changed in Sudi since 1916.

Architecture, building construction, clothing styles and food preparation methods are as they were.

But the landing at Sudi re-invigorated the Schutztruppe and increased Colonel Paul von Lettow-Vorbeck's firepower and military ability, whilst the distribution of medals that had been part of the Marie's cargo raised the morale of German soldiers and seamen.

This was the second blockade runner that had evaded the Royal Navy.

[Story]

Thanks for the photos, that does look unchanged for the last 100 years.

I had to look up the Marie.

http://de.wikipedia....ki/Marie_(1906)
http://de.wikipedia....e_(hilfsschiff)

[Story]

Thanks for the photos, that does look unchanged for the last 100 years.

I had to look up the Marie.

http://de.wikipedia....ki/Marie_(1906)
http://de.wikipedia....e_(hilfsschiff)

[Tanzania]

Harry,

  Nice photos. Long time ago when I have been for myself in Sudi Bay.

  Nice and very very quiet place. It has been a little difficult to find transportation from the main street to the bay.

  

  Here is an old map with the location between Lindi and Mikindani.

Attached Files

•  Map.JPG   93.24K   0 downloads

[Tanzania]

. . .  and two old pictures from Captain Christian Sörensen of the "MARIE"

Attached Files

•  Sudi_1.jpg   92.94K   0 downloads

[Tanzania]

Here is the second.

Attached Files

•  Sudi_2.jpg   96.04K   0 downloads