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War

The Fastest War in history, 500 killed or wounded in 38 minutes

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The fastest war in history kicked off at 9.02am on the morning of August the 27th, 1896. It ended with 500 people (including civilians) dead or wounded just 38 minutes later at 9.40am.

The Anglo-Zanzibar War

The war began after the sudden death of pro-British Sultan Hamad bin Thuwaini. In accordance with a treaty signed in 1886, a new Sultan could not be appointed without the permission of the British consul.

The British authorities preferred Hamud bin Muhammed to take over the sultanate, due to his pro-British stances. However, Khalid bin Barghash was appointed Sultan without British permission, resulting in the British sending an ultimatum to Khalid, demanding he stepped down.

This ultimatum expired at 9.00am on the 27th of August. But Khalid had no intention of stepping down. He barricaded himself in his palace with 2800 soldiers, servants and slaves protecting him.

The British had been preparing too. Three cruisers, two gunboats. 150 marines and sailors plus 900 Zanzibaris had gathered in the harbour area.

Bombardment of the Palace

At 9.02am the bombardment of the palace began. It immediately set fire to the building and disabled any defending artillery. The wreckage can be seen below.

By Richard Dorsey Mohun (1865-1915) – from zh wp(删除该图像的所有修订版本) (当前) 23:13 2005年5月12日 . . Captmjc (Talk) . . 574×425 (94376字节), Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=662260

Meanwhile, a small skirmish occurred between the British and the Zanzibari Royal yacht HHS Glasgow and two smaller vessels. They were quickly sunk by the overwhelming might of the British forces.

HHS Glasgow By Unknown photographer. Digital touch-up performed by Dan Taylor. – Provided by Dan Taylor from the photograph collection of the late Alexander Dennis Taylor, of Taylor Smith Group, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=16515987

The British advanced, taking only very ineffectual fire as they approached the palace. The palace flag was shot down, the Sultans troops surrender and a cease fire is called at 09.46.

38 minutes had elapsed. The Sultans forces suffered around 500 casualties, but only one British sailor was injured.

The deposed Sultan had fled, seeking asylum in the German consulate before escaping to German East Africa (present day Tanzania).

Khalid was immediately replaced by the British choice for Sultan. And so ended the shortest war in history.

Sources:

The Shortest War in History (historic-uk.com)

Anglo-Zanzibar War (wikipedia.com)

Header Image (pixabay.com)

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