German Empire 1915 1916 1917 1918 The Battle of Mlali was fought during the East African Campaign of World War I.

In mid-August 1916, the British General Jan Christiaan Smuts led three divisions from Kenya south into the Imperial German colony of Tanganyika to seize and disrupt their vital railway.

The German commander Paul von Lettow-Vorbeck was informed by his scouts of the British movement and sent Captain Otto to investigate.

Despite several skirmishes, the British never succeeded in drawing out the main body of the German force to face their superior numbers.

Captain William Bloomfield of the 2nd South African Mounted Brigade received the Victoria Cross for rescuing a wounded corporal during the battle at great personal risk.