First Battle of Vailele

The First Battle of Vailele occurred on 18 December 1888 at the German plantation of Vailele as part of the First Samoan Civil War. Sixteen German marines were ambushed and killed by forces loyal to Mata'afa Iosefo.
A memorial for the Germans killed at the battle was erected in a ceremony presided over by the commander of the unprotected cruiser .