Arthur Aitken

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Arthur Edward Aitken (1861 – 1924) was a British military commander.

He led the first notable incursion into German East Africa at the head of Indian Expeditionary Force B, and was defeated at the Battle of Tanga in early November 1914.

The battle is often known as the "battle of the bees" for the swarms of bees that repeatedly interrupted fighting, with both sides fleeing for cover. Aitken had been overconfident and not attempted any reconnaissance work in the area.

The German defence forces were led by Paul von Lettow-Vorbeck, who never suffered a defeat during the war.

Aitken's troops were routed and retreated. The details were hushed up in Britain for several months.