Wahala in Haho, Plateaux, Togo — West Africa

The Battle of Chra

Memorial de Wahala

Photographed by J. Makali Bruton, July 20, 2023

1. The Battle of Chra Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

The Battle of Chra
From August 21st 1914 to early morning 23rd, in Chra, commonly called Wahala, the bloodiest battle of the first World War in Togo, opposing Anglo-French troops to German forces takes place. The French and the British have one goal: take rapid possession of the Kamina radio station located 60 km up north. The British Army scouts have found out that the Germans are solidly entrenched in Chra. Chra is a strategic choice since it is a site situated on a slightly hilly area bordered by large swampy valleys in the midst of thick bush making all access and sight extremely difficult. The Germans can count on 500 well-armed soldiers and three machine-guns. On the other hand, 150 French soldiers and 300 British soldiers armed with 3 cannons make up the Allied forces.

On Saturday August 22nd, upon their arrival, the Anglo-French troops attack the German positions from the south along the railroad but this attack is rapidly halted by German fire. The Allies then set up a strategy to circle the Germans but the latter have already started to retreat in their trenches and hence to fortify their position between

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the village and the river. At 11, the British attack from the East, but they are quickly stopped by the intense enemy fire. The Germans will resist the attacks all day long. On that night, gunshots can be heard from inside the German entrenched camp. Order has been given to shoot at any deserter who may abandon their position by taking advantage of the darkness. In the morning the Allies discover empty trenches: the German have left the place. On the leaving, they have destroyed the road and railway bridges on the Amou and Amoutchou rivers so as to make sure they were covered.

This battle will have led to the death of 21 African infantrymen, of German infantryman Klempp, of British lieutenant Thomson and and French sublieutenant Guillemard, as well as 49 casualties. On August 27th, the very last day of military operations in Togo, at 8 a.m., the forces led by Bryant - who have entered by the west - and those led by Mariox - coming from the east – meet in the middle of the entrenched camp of Kamina. This marks the end of the war in Togo.

French and German text not transcribed

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these

Photographed by J. Makali Bruton, July 20, 2023

2. The Battle of Chra Marker

The marker is near other related markers and directly behind this memorial to African soldiers that died while fighting for the French.

topic lists: Colonial Era • War, World I. A significant historical date for this entry is August 21, 1914.

Location. 7° 10.466′ N, 1° 10.028′ E. Marker is in Wahala, Plateaux, in Haho. It can be reached from N1, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Touch for directions.

Regionally, it is in Africa,

Sub-Saharan Africa,

and specifically West Africa.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once a French colony

and also a British Mandate.

Other nearby markers. At least 3 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Consequences of the War in Togo (here, next to this marker); Togo in 1914 (here, next to this marker); Wahala World War I Cemetery (a few steps from this marker).

Photographed by J. Makali Bruton, July 20, 2023

3. The Battle of Chra Marker

The marker is under the roofed area to the right of the cemetery.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 16, 2024. It was originally submitted on February 16, 2024, by J. Makali Bruton of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 307 times since then and 58 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 16, 2024, by J. Makali Bruton of Washington, District of Columbia.