George Tobias A Life of Service From Stretcher-bearer in World War 1 to Bishop of Namibia

This book tells the story of the life of Bishop George Wolfe Robert Tobias, M.C., M.A. (1882-1974). The first chapter of the book describes briefly his first 32 years. Drawing extensively on family letters, the following eight chapters tell the story of his time as stretcher-bearer, priest & chaplain to the forces in the 1st World War. Several remarkable personal accounts are provided. These include detailed day-by-day — and occasional hour-by-hour — descriptions of the Battle of the Somme in July 1916, and the final days and hours of the war in October & November 1918.

The next part of the book tells the story of George’s remarkable work in founding the Anglican Church in northern Namibia. It sheds light on aspects of the history of the Kwanyama people and of missionary endeavours in the period from 1924 to 1939. It also illuminates some of the tensions between the various churches and between the churches and the government. The final part of the book consists of three chapters. Chapter 16 tells the story of George’s life as diocesan bishop in the Anglican Church in Namibia during and immediately after the Second World War (1939-49), and the final two chapters describe his later years as parish priest in the Cape and as a strong supporter, consultant and adviser to the church in Namibia.