Robert Valentine Dolbey

The Bush War Doctor: The Experiences of a British Army Doctor During the East African Campaign of the First World War Robert Valentine Dolbey

The East African Campaign through a British Army Doctor's eyes The author of this book-a practicing doctor in the British Army-had already served on the Western Front in the early months of the Great War and had actually become a P. O. W. at the hands of the German enemy. Now in the East African Campaign he explains-in writings originally intended for his own family-every aspect of war in this little reported theatre. We learn about the movements of troops and battle actions, but also of the character of troops from many countries and of the African tribes who fought for each side. We hear of the trials of the motor transport men-dodging ambush and wild animals equally-and of the adventures of the "behind the lines" intelligence gatherers living thrilling and dangerous lives in the bush. Finally we are shown the difficulties of keeping men healthy and the problems of saving lives under the most arduous conditions. This is an unusual and interesting perspective on war from a medical man in Africa.