Jean Balamba
Jean Balamba (6 June 1893 — 1979) was a Congolese-born, later Belgian, soldier for the Belgian Army during the First World War and guard at the Museum of the Congo in Tervuren.
Early life
Balamba was born in Kipako near Kisantu, in the Bas-Congo region in the Congo Free State on 6 June 1893. He arrived in Belgium as a sailor.
First World War
On 5 August 1914, a Congolese Volunteers' Corps for the Belgian Army was founded. Some Congolese volunteers, including Paul Panda Farnana and Joseph Adipanga, enrolled. Balamba became a carabineer. His willingness to participate in the First World War might have stemmed from the desire to improve his material situation. He distinguished himself at the Battle of the Yser and the Battle of the Escaut. In 1931, Balamba became a naturalised Belgian citizen.
Early life
Balamba was born in Kipako near Kisantu, in the Bas-Congo region in the Congo Free State on 6 June 1893. He arrived in Belgium as a sailor.
First World War
On 5 August 1914, a Congolese Volunteers' Corps for the Belgian Army was founded. Some Congolese volunteers, including Paul Panda Farnana and Joseph Adipanga, enrolled. Balamba became a carabineer. His willingness to participate in the First World War might have stemmed from the desire to improve his material situation. He distinguished himself at the Battle of the Yser and the Battle of the Escaut. In 1931, Balamba became a naturalised Belgian citizen.
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