The Waterbury Democrat., 1943-08-20

These Negro soldiers, commadeC the heart of the jungle 4,000 miles Nations masSed on the North Afric
 A young captain from Ostend who had fought in the battle of Flanders and then escaped to the Congo led this unique convoy, which has no parallel in the records of trans-African military eXpedi- tions. Less than five per cent of the equipment was lost. The officers in their jeeps went ahead to scout, and through darting about kept the vehicles together over some of the worst country imaginable.
 Jeep is No. Desert Car
 During the eight weeks journey the jeep once more proved to be desert car No. l.
 The Seventeen Cliffs of the Devil" steep rugged ridges in the Sudanese desert, are considered impossible even by the natives. None of them would accept tempt ing offers to act as guide for the convoy. Nevertheless the officers decided to push ahead. Driving through dense clouds of choking sand-dust, progress was reduced to a mere walking pace. The heat to- wards noon became so terrific that any movement was unbearable. The fine sand penetrated everywhere and only an ingenious system of running repairs kept the vehicles on the move. The Belgian officers, un- accustomed to such conditions, un- derwent a severe strain. They kept their heads up and set a fine ex- ample of discipline and grit to the native troops. Every one of the Seventeen Cliffs of the Devil, seemed worse than the preceding one.
 Men Driven Frantic
 The exertion and the heat drove the men frantic. Many were suf- fering from eye trouble. But they did not give up.
 What was considered impossible was accomplished. The convoy got through and reached the green val- ley of the Nile.
 It was hard to believe that the spick and span lorries with their bright camoufage and gay Belgian cockade, perfectly lined up in a Middle Eastern camp, had accom- plished such a hellish desert voyage.
 The Congo is playing a leading part in the considerable Belgian war effort on the side of the United Nations. Eighty times the size of the occupied mother-country, it has put its immense economic re- sources at the disposal of the Allies.
 Its military contribution in Africa has also been important. The Force Publique" as the Congo Army Is called, helped to clear the Italians out of the territories below the Blue Nile and thus free western Ethiopia. The bag included 15,0OO Italian soldiers with nine generals.
 The Belgian Colonial forces then underwent period of reorganiza- tion. British and American weapons and transports were purchased out of the Congo EXchequer.
 A mechanical brigade of this modernized army is now in the Middle East undergoing intensive and tough training, in preparation for further battles.
 Soldiers Are Tall
 Arriving at the camp gates over which the Belgian tricolor flew, we were gretted by the smart present. arms, of one of the tall ebony-black soldiers. Dressed in olive colored blouseS and shorts, they are all over six feet tall, and the high khaki fez adorned with the Belgian lion badge makes them look even taller. These Negroes are fine looking men. They come from solid stock, are unusually healthy and strong, hon. est, clean, devoted and loyal to their officers.
 They are rather disappointed at having to pause in the Middle East, having thought that they were heading straight for Belgium to de- liver the "big white king" and his subjects.
 More than half of the Belgian Congo officers took part in the rt-lived campaign of May 194O, and then escapjed from Belgium and Francis. They made their way to the Congo, often at great risk and without any funds, to rejoin the fight against the Axis.
 The troops and N. c. O.'s are all native Congolese, who are no less eager than their white compatriots to ocme to grips with the enemy The commanding officer, Colonel Haas, has long colonial experience and is not only an able soldier but 8 fine administrator.
 Want to Prove Worth
 The higher military authorities were at first skeptical as to the value of these native soldiers under modern warfare conditions. It was thought best at first to use them as occupation and guard units, but the Belgian Congo brigade had not come all this distance to take on 'janitor" job. and they set out with determination to prove their worth.
 The brigade major. dapper en- ergetic man with contagious dynamic driving power, who is put ting them through their battle paces. soon obtained results which leave no further doubt as to the eX- cellence Of these colonial troops,
 OfIicers Set Example
 The officers set high example