Hector Boyes commanded the gunboat HMS Thistle in the East African campaign in 1915. He received seven mentions in despatches along with British and Portuguese honours. Those decorations point to sustained service across the campaign rather than one celebrated action. The record preceded the attaché and intelligence work that later made him valuable after retirement. It helps explain why the Navy trusted him with sensitive assignments far beyond conventional fleet command.
Chapter · 25:43-26:28
Hector Boyes first proved himself in East Africa
Boyes commanded the gunboat HMS Thistle in the East African campaign, earning seven mentions in despatches and British and Portuguese honours.