Black History Month events at CWGC sites

This month, our Outreach Teams have been proud to host a series of events for Black History Month at cemeteries and memorials in the south of England and in Belgium, in partnership with the Armed Forces networks, schools and the local community.

Seaford Cemetery

Earlier this month, two events took place at Seaford and Hollybrook Cemetery in Southampton. At Seaford Cemetery, we highlighted the stories of the 19 soldiers of the British West Indies Regiment commemorated there. Local school children, as well as representatives from the local community attended a tour of the cemetery, followed by an act of Remembrance and wreath laying. The children took part in activities which allowed them to engage with the information on the headstones and take rubbings of the badges.

Hollybrook Cemetery

At Hollybrook Cemetery, the event was run in partnership with the British Army’s Multi Cultural Network and the Royal British Legion. Stories were shared as well as personal experiences of sacrifice. It was supported by members of the British West Indies Regiment Heritage Trust, as well as Second World War veteran, Mr Neil Flanigan MBE. Mr Flanigan spoke powerfully about the importance of sharing the stories of those we commemorate.

Anthony Metcalfe from the Royal British Legion remarked: ‘What a reflective, inspiring, and informative day. So good to see so many partners working side by side to ensure that hidden stories of service and sacrifice are shared and highlighted.’

Captain Keva Hackshaw from the British Army, highlighted the importance of these events: ‘As an educator, I was pleased to see that everyone left there with much greater knowledge of the Commonwealth contribution to World War I. Those fallen soldiers who were sadly forgotten by the younger generation of commonwealth soldiers were truly remembered.’

Runnymede Air Forces Memorial

On Wednesday 18 October, in partnership with RAF Ethnic Minorities Network, an event was held at Runnymede Air Forces Memorial. RAF personnel had a tour of the memorial which highlighted the diversity of the stories of those commemorated on the memorial. For many it was a first but incredibly important visit.

Lijssenthoek Cemetery

In Belgium, members of the CWGC Outreach team supported a moving ceremony at Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery. This event was held in cooperation with the British West India Regiments Heritage Trust. It was held to commemorate the 21 soldiers of West Indian Heritage who we care for at Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery.

Still to come…

Tours of Tower Hill Memorial in partnership with Black Poppy Rose and Goldsmiths University.

These tours will take place on Thursday 26 October from 11-12, and Thursday 2 November from 11-12. You can reserve your free place on Eventbrite, or join us on the day: