The African Queen - True WW1 Story Behind The Film

[@toddcoteeagle8493]

The African aspect of the global conflict of the first world war has been largely ignored. Thank you for venturing into its many interesting and quirky facets. Looking forward to seeing more of this.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video, glad you enjoyed it.

[@philhawley1219]

The East African campaign was a minor sideshow compared to the land war in Europe. My grandfather's brother served somewhere out there in a very remote area. They didn't hear about the Armistice until February 1919. On a lighter note somewhere else in Africa he convinced some African soldiers he was a witch doctor. They had a petrol engined lorry , which of course these Africans had never seen such a thing before. With the engine running he lined up these poor unsuspecting soldiers and made them hold hands. He then held hands with the first man in the line and touched a spark plug with his other hand and sent a great kick of electricity down the whole line. It sounds like a cruel trick but in the early years of motor vehicles in Britain at least and probably elsewhere it was often employed to startle children, women and dull witted country bumpkins such as myself. A fine rendition of the Tankanyika story Chris, thank you.

[@chriscann7627]

I've known this story for a few years and always thought what a superb film it would make- Spicer-Simpson was an extraordinary eccentric, who often wore a skirt (not a sarong, not a kilt, but a SKIRT) and was prone to extraordinary flights of fancy. Interestingly if you read Forester's book The African Queen, Rose and Charlie do not sink the German gunboat Luise, they actually witness the battle on the lake between the British launches and the german ship.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video & your feedback.

[@xltrt]

The gun boat collides with the half sunk African Queen that sets off the torpedoes that were on it sinking the gun boat.

[@peterflitcroft9756]

There is a National Geographic documentary about it available.

[@billythedog-309]

@@xltrt ln the film, not the book.

[@chriscann7627]

@@xltrt that is what happens in the film, but not in the book! In the book the Germans hand Rose and Allnut over to the British, whose commander, presumably Spicer-Simpson, rather high-handedly advises them to leave the area and for Allnut to enlist, before going out to fight the Luise, which Rose and Charlie watch from the shore. In my very humble opinion, one of those rare occasions when the film improves the somewhat anti-climactic novel.

[@tscully1504]

Loved the Bogart Hepburn film but agree this story is just as fantastic but amazingly really did happen. That Geoffrey Spicer-Simpson could find his victorious place in history perhaps most surprizing of all.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video & your feedback.

[@charlieross-BRM]

I had the Ballantine Series book #20 about this WWI theatre from the German perspective, "Tanganyikan Guerilla." Decades later an older man I met on dog walks and myself talked about all kinds of things. We were proposing we cross share our history books and when I mentioned this "unheard of" campaign and my book he said happily with his noticeable German accent, "That's where my father served in WWI." Made my day.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video & for sharing your interesting story.

[@harryshriver6223]

😂 I was almost in stitches laughing at the names of the British ships, the HMS Fifi, Mimi, and Tutu. It almost sounds like a British comedy film, I can just imagine Monty Python's Flying Circus renamed Spicer Simpsons Circus of the Immaculate Commander. Well done, amigo 👏 👍 I truky enjoyed the story of the battle of Lake Tanganika. I had no idea that there was naval fighting outside of the oceans.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for the comments.

[@HonarySpock]

The MV Liemba was actually featured in an episode of Michael Palin's adventure series Pole to Pole. Palin was using it as a ferry across the length of the lake

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video & your feedback.

[@GordonDonaldson-v1c]

Fairly recently (like, some time this century) a German company refurbished the Liemba at great expense.

[@HonarySpock]

@@GordonDonaldson-v1c Wow that is good to know.. Glad the ship has been given a few more years of life😀😀

[@brownwrench]

That was a great series

[@PrivatPrivat-x2e]

Really nice story. The commander is certainly a character. Thank you for sharing

[@TheHistoryChap]

He also took to wearing a khaki skirt whilst in Africa.

[@CodyHomes]

It sounds cooler than wearing hot trousers.

[@paulweber8954]

T. E. Lawrence, Lawrence of Arabia, was eccentric too. Must be a British thing as they say.

[@rjmun580]

What an interesting story. At 8:11 the illustration of a boat being winched up a mountain reminds me of Werner Hertzog's movie Fitzcarraldo.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video

[@peetsnort]

I remember watching that in cape town in 1984or 5

[@davidberlanny3308]

Hi Chris what a great story that was. Seeing the motoboats being hauled over the African jungle reminded me of the Yavari, a British built boat made for the Peruvian Navy to be sailed on Lake Titicaca, some 12,500' high up in the Andes. Apparently also saw action in a war between Peru and Chile. When we were there 15 years ago it was grounded and being restored and from what I understand has now been recommisioned there was involvement with a group of youngsters from the East End in her second maiden voyage. Maybe theres a story there for you? All the best!!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching, & also your feedback.

[@andreweden9405]

I didn't realize how substantial a lake Tanganyika is: it's 45 miles (72 km) across at its widest point, and 4,823 ft. deep, making it the second deepest lake in the world!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video & your feedback.

[@kenattwood8060]

Thanks for this one, Chris, and yes - I am looking forward to your video about the campaign in German East Arica.

[@TheHistoryChap]

glad you enjoyed it.

[@JJ-of1ir]

What a truly amazing story you tell in this video. Both the Germans and the British were heroic in the way they got the vessels to Lake Tanganyika. Thank you for relating this fascinating piece of history.

[@TheHistoryChap]

What is interesting is that the Germans were depicted as human in the novel (written in the 1930's) but far more dastardly in the film (made shortly after WW2)

[@ronaldmartin7892]

I loved the film. "You can call me Rosie, Charlie." But your real story is just as interesting and exciting. Thankyou.

[@TheHistoryChap]

thanks for watching, glad you enjoyed my video.

[@neilmckay8649]

Mimi and Toutou reminds me of us naming our cat Ming Ming, which is Tagalog for 'cat'. He earned his sea legs sailing from the Falkland Islands to the UK.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video & for your feedback.

[@shermangriffin4668]

Believe it or not, but I love this film. My grandmother raised me and we watched it often. I didn't know this had true bases. Thank you for covering it.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video glad you enjoyed it.

[@DavidHoshor]

"The African Queen" is one of my favorite movies, but I had no idea of the historical details that surrounded the movie. The background information you provided gives context to the movie. Thank you. The information that the German warship is still plying the lake is very cool.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video, glad you enjoyed it.

[@stevehales4259]

Great story. The African queen ( not the one from the film) is moored at the Tilapia hotel on Lake victoria, now a floating part of the hotel on Lake victoria in Mwanza Tanzania, still, a fantastic story, keep up the stories.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed my video, thanks for watching.

[@A861967]

One of my favourite movies😊and now love it even more thanks to this historical outlook thank you and cheers from Australia ❤🇦🇺

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video, glad you enjoyed it.

[@richardkinne9230]

A great story well told.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed my video, thanks for watching.

[@ric6383]

Thanks, and not surprised a 100 year old ship is still being used in Africa.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video.

[@DrPangloss]

Back in the 1990's there were a couple of ships of a similar age on lake Malawi, not sure if they're still in use. I hope so.

[@mikebach]

Thanks Chris. The "Spicer Simson" name immediately sounded familiar to me. A quick search of my family records confirms one of my great grandmothers was a sister to Geoffrey. Thanks for resurrecting this bit of family history 😃

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video & for sharing your family story.

[@curtite]

Read the book in an English class for credit in high school to graduate. My teacher suggest this book and I saw the movie before. Since then I've taken more interest in reading and history. Thank you for fleshing out the British story. I have read the African Kaiser w/German perspective. Amazing that one of the original vessels still sail 😃

[@TheHistoryChap]

It says a lot about the engineering of that period doesn't it?

[@curtite]

@@TheHistoryChap Most definitely 🙂

[@reet-ko9lg]

Just watched this movie for free on yt. It was cool. I like boats, rivers, and the east African frontier. Glad I subscribed to your channel.)

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for your support & for watching my channel

[@cruisepaige]

I've just discovered you. This was my beloved Uncle Wayne's favorite film. He had a lot of pain in his life, but he appreciated art and all the wonders in the world. He loved his nieces and nephews to bits. ❤❤❤❤ this deeper dive into this film and the history upon which it was based, makes me feel like I learned something new about him, even though he's been gone for about 5 years now.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video, glad you enjoyed it.

[@rfdjoe]

Fabulous. I have always liked the movie but knew nothing of its history.

[@cynthiaalver]

Very much enjoyed the video. The African Queen is a fun, adventurous film and a favorite of mine. Thanks for the back story! I always look forward to your videos, Chris. Interesting, thought provoking and makes learning fun. Thank you.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video & for your comments.

[@roberthouseman3200]

So interesting, Chris, I had no idea. This is another first from you and the reason why I am addicted to watching your fabulous videos. Thank you

[@TheHistoryChap]

That's very kind of you. Thank you for watching and for your support.

[@66marshallandrew]

Thank you Chris for yet another fabulous video. You really bring history to life. 🤩

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks.

[@jonthinks6238]

Looking forward to your series on the Germans in Africa.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching, glad you enjoyed my video.

[@jbarry5886]

I enjoyed this story very much! Well done!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching, glad you enjoyed by video

[@JoeRitchie-e5l]

This was such an interesting piece of history that no one ever talks about

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for watching my video.

[@ak9989]

my son read a huge ww1 Marshall Cavendish series on ww1. It was 5 volumes and made in the 70s. And LettowVorbecks story😮

[@TheHistoryChap]

Have you read "Tip and Run"? All about the German East Africa campaign.

[@karlsenula9495]

Love the Hornblower series even today

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video.

[@QALibrary]

I know about this story from two other KZbin channels but THC put so much more information and details into the story making it much more informative

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for your comment, glad you enjoyed my video.

[@jlmfoy365]

Excellent story Chris, thank you.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching, glad you enjoyed it,

[@Socrates3001]

@TheHistoryChap Just for the record, the African Queen in the Florida Keys is in Key Largo. I visited the location several times when I lived there. The boat is on a lift to keep it out of the water when it is not being chartered. When I was last there, the boat was owned by the same person or persons who own the Holiday Inn that was the location of the movie . He also owns the rowboat from the movie . He is a huge Bogart and Hepburn fan.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching and your feedback.

[@ricksadler797]

Great story, thanks ❤

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for watching.

[@andrewsteele7663]

Thanks again Chris, you really tell a cracking story. I will have to dig out my African Queen DVD & some snacks, Cheers

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@petegarnett7731]

I trvelled from Kigoma to Mpulungu on the Liembe in the 1980's. The loos and showers on the lower decks were permanentl awash, and lots of other amenities did not work, but the basic ship was sound. A tribute to German Engineering.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video & your feedback.

[@larrykraft2743]

Your enthusiasm is engaging. Well done! I have subscribed and I look forward to your next video!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks very much for your support.

[@thegreatvincenzo8159]

Brilliant. I learn something every time I dive into one of your videos and this was no exception. 👍👍👍

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for watching.

[@the5thmusketeer215]

Love your channel, Chris… ❤️ NOBODY tells a tale as engrossingly & enthusiastically as you do. 😊👍

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for the comment & for watching my video

[@scottlewisparsons9551]

Thank you for the video. I saw this film, probably in the late 1950s in New Zealand at Brent’s hotel in Rotorua of all places. I must have been eight or nine years old and was allowed to watch the film in the lounge after dinner. I loved it! I also enjoyed staying at this hotel when we drove from Wellington to Auckland and back during the school holidays. All the best from Sydney Australia 🇦🇺

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed my video & thanks for your childhood memory.

[@scottlewisparsons9551]

@@TheHistoryChap thank you for the reply. I have not watched the film since but still remember it quite well. When I look back they were luxury holidays, dad combined business with visiting my grandmother in Auckland. We always took two days or sometimes three if he was buying timber. We traveled in a Mk1 or Mk2 Jaguar and he or mum often talked about local history along the route and stayed at very good hotels. Very spoiled I was! I enjoyed your ww1 story very much. Great story, you can’t make it up, much better than fiction!

[@charleshite7944]

Just think of how many similar situations have played out over the last few centuries just like this. Mainly remembered locally but important in the long run.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for your feedback.

[@AxelPoliti]

Even much better than the film, Spicer-Simpson is an absolutely incredible character, exemplifying the oxymoron of Military Intelligence and the infinite bureaucratic wisdom of the Admiralty... Thank you very much

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video, glad you enjoyed it.

[@allanburt5250]

Great one Chris and what a brilliant film, true classic 👌

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video, glad you enjoyed it.

[@darryldyke1264]

I wish my Dad was still with us. He'd have loved this. Great video😎

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed my video, thanks for watching

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed my video, thanks for watching.

[@ludwigderzanker9767]

Bravo!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed my video, thanks for watching.

[@GB007-g6u]

The Africa Queen is one of my favourite films, so thank you for this. How about something similar for another favourite film, Casablanca?!!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching, glad you enjoyed my video.

[@herberar]

Beautiful video! Great pictures and maps. Thanks a lot!!!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed my video, thanks for watching.

[@Hibbys_cheap_watches]

Great story, thanks for sharing!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed my video.

[@scottp9048]

Superb as ever Chris ! I had no idea about these events, thank you.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed it.

[@BMW7series251]

What a fantastic story! Thank you, John.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching, glad you enjoyed my video.

[@docholiday2076]

Brilliant!! A superb video!!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for watching.

[@Peter_Schiavo]

An excellent telling of the war in German East Africa is the book Battle for the Bundu. Charles Miller, the author, recounts the ground war, the British effort to run down the German cruiser Konigsberg, and the war on Lake Tanganyika. Interesting fact, the German army in German East Africa was the first integrated army in African history with German officers and Germans + Africans as NCOs and enlisted.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video & your interesting feedback.

[@vanLoon61]

Great story! Thank you for posting!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@uncleheavy6819]

Hey Chris, would you consider making an episode around the film "Shout at the Devil"? The film starred Roger Moore and Lee Marvin. The film was based on the book by Wilbur Smith, and that was loosley based on actions taken against the SMS Konigsberg in WW1.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video. Thanks for your suggestion, will keep that one in mind.

[@andytyrrell5153]

Perhaps also, if you have not covered already, the Calcutta Light Brigade (I think? Not sure) it was a film too regarding retired soldiers fighting in Goa and sinking or disabling German ships & spy network? Had Gregory Peck & Roger Moore among a host of others. Sorry forget film name.

[@Howard1776]

@@andytyrrell5153The Sea Wolves. Calcutta Light Horse. Operation Creek.

[@hombreenojado]

This one was fun! Thank you for another great episode!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for watching.

[@SanoyNimbus]

Interesting! I love that movie, one of my favorites. Even though it is not a true story. And yes it is truly an achievements to record that movie on location at that time! :) Thanks for yet an interesting history story! I grew up in Burundi as a missionary kid ... so both the movie and this history is close to my heart. My young brother once took a trip on the Liemba from Mpulungu to Bujumbura. ...

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed my video & thanks for the feedback.

[@AlbertComelles1970]

Thank you very much, brilliantly explained as usual!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for watching my video

[@marcosney4116]

One of my favourite film. Thank you for this amazing extra information. The Sympson Circus deserves really its own film!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching, glad you enjoyed my video.

[@BootsontheTable]

Great story again Chris. Rumour has it that the infestation of parakeets in the south east of England to this day were originally birds used filming the African Queen film at Shepperton Studios

[@TheHistoryChap]

I have heard that too. Thanks for watching, glad you enjoyed my video.

[@andyblyth923]

Another gem of a video 5*

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video, glad you enjoyed it.

[@paulapridy6804]

Always learn from and enjoy your content❤

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for our comment.

[@simonnoble7589]

Hi Chris , i loved hearing your story . thank you ... A few parts of the was filmed along the coast and inland in Turkey ... Take care my friend

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed my video & thanks for the feedback.

[@freewater_dave]

Thank you so much for your wonderful work and enthusiasm. It’s very refreshing (and important) in this time of fake news, half-true ‘documentaries’ and AI.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed my video.

[@philipwilson3454]

Ripping yarn. Love your work.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for watching.

[@gregedunham1]

This was fun. Thanks!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for watching.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for watching my video.

[@AZ-bp5zo]

Great story! Keep coming up with these long ago forgotten events!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for watching my video

[@bevfitzsimmonds3382]

This would have to be one of my favourite films, so l was intigued to know the background story! Thankyou for an excellent video. I have subscribed... 😊👍

[@TheHistoryChap]

Many thanks for your support.

[@xltrt]

Wonderful story. Have seen the movie many times, and it's so interesting to learn how different the real events, compared to the film, are not anything like it.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video.

[@peterbennett6219]

Brilliant story Chris, and fascinating to learn the real story behind my late mother's favourite film. I will now watch it again with renewed interest. Many thanks.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for watching.

[@christopping5876]

Another wonderful story, very well told. Thank you Chris.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@timbrelane]

Most excellent story...Thank you!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed my video.

[@neilmorrison7356]

Interesting piece of history.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video.

[@johnedreslin]

Another great story. I visited the African Queen when it was tied up in Key Largo (which was also named after a Bogart movie, not the other way around). Loved the C.S. Forester book. Thanks Chris.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video & for your feedback.

[@philipvecchio3292]

This is one of my favorite films. My father quotes this all the time.

[@joshuajackson472]

Such a great story, whether talking about the historical event, Forrester book, or Bogart and Hepburn film

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video

[@Digmen1]

Wow. I read about this when I was very young, and my parents saw African Queen about 5 times. You told the story very well. Amazing that some of those vessels are still afloat!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video, glad you enjoyed it.

[@jeningle8288]

Great fun, and also very interesting. Loved the film, but didn't know it was based on a true story. Thank you Chris, another great video.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for watching my video.

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

Fantastic bit of history. Thanks.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed my video. Thanks for watching.

[@andrewparrott7260]

Mmm, very interesting and quite informative. 🤔 👍 have seen the film the African Queen on telly quite a few times and have enjoyed it immensely.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching & yor feedback.

[@hankbirmingham6662]

Great job on the video!😎😊

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@Salam_Damai431]

Another wonderful story from history well researched and equally well told. Thank you from a subscriber in Indonesia.

[@TheHistoryChap]

thanks for your support, glad you enjoyed my video.

[@MikkellTheImmortal]

By the description of your channel alone, I was enticed to hit the subscribe button and the bell because I am absolutely enamored with bizarre and untold history.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video

[@detroitredneckdetroitredne6674]

I am a new subscriber. I can't wait to watch all of your videos. I am a fan of history and you did do. The African Queen justice Hello, from romulus, michigan USA

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for your support & thanks for watching my video

[@Chris-ut6eq]

Great story! always good to hear the real history vs a movie.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching, glad you enjoyed it.

[@rickbaca9248]

that was very cool story... Chapeau to bowwow and meow meow

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video

[@welshprepper8566]

Great story, looking forward to the next

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@free_at_last8141]

It's always a treat to see a new video by your channel. I really enjoy your content, please keep up the great work.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for watching.

[@raygun6271]

Very entertaining video!! Didn't know this true story & found it fascinating!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching, glad you enjoyed my video.

[@MichaelDebalski-mk6bt]

Awesome story thank you for the history presentation !

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed my video, thanks for watching.

[@krtt750]

Great stuff! Thank you!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching, glad you enjoyed my video

[@FranciscoPreira]

Another fantastic story, thank you for sharing.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching, glad you enjoyed my video.

[@ruthebear312]

Keep up the good work sir. Really enjoy your vids

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed my video.

[@chrispurzer9461]

Thank you for this. Amazing content.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad hyou enjoyed my video, thanks for watching.

[@dirkl9689]

Another „What a story“ - perfectly researched and told 😊

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video, glad you enjoyed it.

[@generoush3823]

That was a great movie and very interesting back story, thanks

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you e joyed it , thanks for watching.

[@SMichaelDeHart]

Loved the African Queen, but already knew that the Royal Navy had been the aggressors that destroyed the German Navy on the lake. Excellent video!!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching, glad you enjoyed my video

[@johnhudghton3535]

I was brought up on this film, ( amongst others of the era ) one of my late Dad's favourites. However, your "unearthing" of the real story is fascinatung and even more entertaining. You have told it well. It would make an excellent film in its own right.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching, glad you enjoyed my video