Following the invasion of Kamerun after the outbreak of war between Germany and the Allies, the main military objective of France and Britain was to seize control of the colony's coast to ensure that additional men and supplies could not reach the German forces there.

By mid-September 1914, British and French naval vessels had effectively blockaded the Wouri estuary and the main port of Douala.

The small force, under the command of Colonel Miquelard, landed on the beach but encountered fire from German units who had entrenched themselves on higher ground.

The German force that had once occupied Ukoko retreated to Mbini in the neutral Spanish colony of Río Muni to the north.

[3] The action at Ukoko, along with the landings that took place at Duala secured the coast of Kamerun for the Allies and greatly restricted the movements of German forces.