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Monument to soldiers and porters from the Congo who lost their lives fighting during the
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Monument to soldiers and porters from the Congo who lost their lives fighting during the
Monument to soldiers and porters from the Congo who lost their lives fighting during the First World War, unveiled in the Congolese Capital Kinshasa in 1927 - sculptor: Marin, Architect: Van Montfort. Date: circa 1927
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Media ID 20250117
© Mary Evans / Grenville Collins Postcard Collection
Architect Belgian Capital Congo Congolese Democratic Died Killed Kinshasa Leopoldville Lives Lost Marin Montfort Porters Sculptor Statues 1927
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This poignant photograph captures the Monument to Soldiers and Porters from the Congo, a tribute to the brave men who lost their lives during the First World War while serving in the Belgian colonial forces. Located in the heart of Kinshasa, the capital city of the Democratic Republic of Congo, the monument was unveiled in 1927 and stands as a significant historical landmark. The monument, designed by architect Van Montfort and sculpted by Marin, features two main statues - a Belgian soldier and a Congolese porter, symbolizing the camaraderie and shared sacrifice between the colonial troops and the local laborers who supported them. The base of the monument is adorned with the names of over 1,000 Congolese porters who perished during the war. The First World War saw the involvement of troops from various African colonies, including the Congo, in the European conflict. Thousands of African porters were recruited to carry supplies and equipment for the Belgian troops, often under harsh conditions and with little regard for their welfare. Many of these porters succumbed to disease, exhaustion, and injury during their service. The Monument to Soldiers and Porters from the Congo serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by these men, who played an essential role in the Belgian war effort but are often overlooked in the historical narrative. The monument stands as a testament to the shared history of Belgium and the Democratic Republic of Congo and the enduring bonds of courage and sacrifice that transcend borders and conflicts.
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