march hundreds of miles through difficult terrain, cutting their way through dense bush, suffered greatly from malaria and a shortage of rations. On 19 June, the 5th South African Infantry, under the command of Colonel J.J. Byron, was sent in pursuit of German forces, to occupy Kangata, 8 miles south of Pongwe. They found the Germans entrenched in a concealed position in dense bush. During the firefight that ensued, Byron's forces took heavy losses, but sustained the attack until night, when the Germans retreated. Thompson was killed in action the following day, 20 June 1916, after a bullet pierced his neck. Thompson is buried at Dar es Salaam War Cemetery (Grave 8. A. 3.). His grave lies near that of his fellow countryman and teammate, Jacky Morkel, who died on 15 May 1916 in East Africa. See also List of international rugby union players killed in action during the First World War Notes References Bibliography Further reading White South African people South African people of British descent Rugby union centres South African rugby union players South Africa international rugby union players South African military personnel killed in World War I South African military personnel of World War I 1886 births 1916 deaths Western Province (rugby union) players