Octave Leon Ferdinand DE BOIS

[KONDOA]

Todays "remembered today" soldier acts as a reminder of Belgium's contribution in the East African Campaign.

Tombeur the Belgian commander and a sizable force advanced from what was then the Belgian Congo into the West of German East Africa eventually capturing Tabora and the section of the Central Railway towards the lakes.

The involvement of the Belgians along with Northeys column from Nyasaland allowed Smuts, the theatre commander, to concentrate his force on the enemy in the East and Central part of the German colony without his flank coming under threat. The Belgian force later played a part in pursuing Naumans incursion back into the colony.

Further insight can be found here:-

http://www.1914-1918.net/smuts_second_despatch.htm

Roop