Emil von Zelewski
(13.03.1854 -17.08.1891)
place of birth:  Bendargau
Königreich Preußen:  Kdr Schutztruppe,  Hauptmann

                            


Emil von Zelewski was the senior commander in charge of Imperial Germany's Schutztruppe, Colonial Forces, engaged in German East Africa at the turn of the century. As a Premier-Lieutenant, Zelewski left Germany in 1886 to serve in the German East African Company (Deutsch-Ostafrikanische Gesellschaft, DOAG) and head up Prussian Governor Hermann von Wissmann's military forces. In April 1891, Zelewski succeeded Wissmann as the first official commander of the Kaiserliche Schutztruppe contingent in Dar es Salaam, with Wissmann's soldiers being integrated into the Schutztruppe.

July of 1891 saw Hauptmann von Zelewski leading three companies into the Hehe tribal region as part of a "punitive expedition" against the indigenous combatants opposed to Germany's presence. The battle at Lula-Rugaro ended up being Commander Zelewski's first and final campaign in East Africa. Over 3,000 Hehe tribal warriors, most without firearms, were able to overwhelm the Schutztruppe side in short order, killing over 500 of the invading force, including their commander Emil von Zelewski.