Belo Akure stands among the most notable Nigerian soldiers of the First World War, a man whose courage earned him distinction in battle and recognition across the British Empire. Though his name is not widely known today, the surviving record presents a soldier of exceptional discipline, bravery, and leadership. His journey, from the ranks of the Nigeria Regiment to public representation at Wembley in 1924, reflects both personal achievement and the wider experience of African soldiers in colonial armies.
Akure served in the Nigeria Regiment of the West African Frontier Force, a military system created by Britain to secure and defend its territories in West Africa. These forces were commanded by British officers but relied heavily on African soldiers, whose training, endurance, and battlefield performance made them essential to imperial campaigns. Within this structure, Belo Akure rose through the ranks and distinguished himself as a leader.
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A Soldier Rising Through the Nigeria Regiment
By the outbreak of the First World War in 1914, Belo Akure had already attained the rank of Company Sergeant Major, a position that reflected both experience and trust. His early service is associated with operations in southern Nigeria, where British forces conducted campaigns to establish and maintain control over various regions. During this period, he earned recognition for gallantry and became associated with the Distinguished Conduct Medal, one of the highest honours available to African soldiers of his rank.
The award of the Distinguished Conduct Medal marked Akure as an exceptional figure within the Nigeria Regiment. It placed him among a small group of African soldiers whose conduct under fire was formally acknowledged at a high level. His reputation for bravery and steadiness would continue to grow during the war.
Kamerun and a Reputation for Bravery
With the outbreak of war, Nigerian troops were deployed against German forces in Kamerun. The campaign was marked by dense terrain, river crossings, and prolonged engagements under difficult conditions. It was in this environment that Belo Akure’s leadership and courage became widely recognised.
Accounts from wartime narratives describe him playing a critical role in holding off enemy forces while his men crossed a river to safety. After ensuring their withdrawal, he reportedly swam across himself under fire. Such actions reinforced his reputation as a soldier who remained composed and effective even in moments of extreme danger.
His conduct during the Kamerun campaign further strengthened his standing within the regiment and added to the recognition he had already received earlier in his career.
German East Africa and the Military Medal
Akure later took part in the East African campaign, where Nigerian troops joined operations against German colonial forces and African askaris in German East Africa. This theatre of war was demanding and unforgiving, requiring long marches through harsh terrain, often with limited supplies.
In March 1917, Belo Akure’s actions during patrol operations brought him further distinction. He and a small group of soldiers encountered a larger opposing force. Demonstrating calm leadership, he directed his men to hold their fire until the right moment, then engaged the enemy and helped organise their withdrawal. In a separate encounter shortly afterward, he assisted in securing a wounded German officer under dangerous conditions.
For his gallantry, he was awarded the Military Medal, with the award officially recorded in the London Gazette. This honour added to his growing reputation as one of the most capable and courageous soldiers in the Nigeria Regiment.
A Decorated African Soldier at Wembley
In 1924, Belo Akure appeared at the British Empire Exhibition at Wembley as Regimental Sergeant Major, accompanied by his wife Obiyi. The exhibition was designed to showcase the reach and diversity of the British Empire, and Akure’s presence reflected his status as a decorated soldier.
Dressed in uniform and wearing his medals, he represented Nigeria before large crowds of visitors. His appearance at Wembley demonstrated how African soldiers were presented within the imperial narrative, as disciplined, loyal, and accomplished members of the colonial military system.
This moment also marked a transition in his life, from active military service to a more public role connected to imperial representation.
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Life After the War
After his appearance at Wembley, Belo Akure’s life continued within the structures of colonial society. Records indicate that in the years following the exhibition, he worked as an orderly in the Forestry Department in western Nigeria. This transition from military service to civil employment was common among former soldiers, whose discipline and experience made them valuable in administrative roles.
Although the details of his later life are limited, this phase reflects a broader pattern among African veterans of the colonial army, moving from the battlefield into government service.
Why Belo Akure Still Matters
Belo Akure’s story remains significant because it highlights the role of African soldiers in the First World War, a role that is often overlooked. His service demonstrates the courage and skill that Nigerian soldiers brought to campaigns beyond their homeland, contributing to the wider history of the war.
He stands as an example of how individuals could achieve distinction within the constraints of colonial systems. His decorations, leadership, and public recognition at Wembley all point to a life shaped by service and marked by achievement.
Remembering Belo Akure is not only about honouring one soldier, it is also about recognising the many African men whose contributions formed an essential part of the war’s history.
Author’s Note
Belo Akure’s life tells a powerful story of courage, service, and quiet legacy. From the demanding campaigns of Kamerun and German East Africa to his public appearance at Wembley, his journey reflects both personal achievement and the broader experience of African soldiers in colonial service. His story reminds us that history is not only shaped by famous names, but also by those whose actions spoke loudly in their time and continue to echo through the records that remain.
References
Philip Grant, Belo Akure, A Nigerian First World War Hero at Wembley
W. D. Downes, With the Nigerians in German East Africa
The London Gazette, 28 July 1917, Military Medal award listing
National Army Museum, West African Frontier Force Distinguished Conduct Medal
Timothy Stapleton, West African Soldiers in Britain’s Colonial Army, 1860 to 1960
