Marking Black History Month at Hollybrook Cemetery and Memorial

Representatives from the Army and Royal Navy were joined by local school children for a poignant ceremony at Hollybrook Cemetery and Memorial in Southampton, to mark Black History Month.

More than 30 serving members of the Armed Forces Multi Cultural Networks attended, including Lt Gen Matthew Jones OBE, alongside students from The Gregg School in Southampton, for the annual ceremony on Wednesday October 1. Students paired up with service personnel to explore the cemetery and memorial, as well as listening to stories shared by our colleagues working on site.

Those commemorated at Hollybrook include those who served with the British West Indies Regiment, Indian Army and the South African Native Labour Corps are commemorated on Hollybrook Memorial.

The CWGC co-hosted the event with the British Army’s Multi-Cultural Networks and the Royal British Legion.

Cdr Robert Jaffier RD VR FCMI CIWFM RN, Deputy Race Advocate at the Royal Navy, said: “We were very happy to be present at Hollybrook during Black History Month, in recognition of those who served and for their contributions during the First and Second World War.

“They set the foundations for the rest of us, allowing us to stand on their shoulders, because they made the ultimate sacrifice. When the Motherland called, members from across the Commonwealth answered.”

Simon Bendry, Director of Education, Engagement and Volunteering at the CWGC, said: 
“We want to thank all those involved for organising and for coming together at Hollybrook for this poignant event to mark Black History Month.

“Our cemeteries and memorials, both in the UK and around the world, tell a powerful story of the global impact of the World Wars. Every community is represented among those we commemorate, and we warmly welcome all to explore the legacies of the Commonwealth men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice.”

This month’s events also include tours of the Runnymede Air Forces Memorial in Surrey, and of the graves of British West Indies Regiment casualties at Seaford Cemetery.

October is Black History Month across the UK. In cemeteries and on memorials right across the UK, you can discover the stories of those from the black community who served in both World Wars.

Visit here to find out more about what the CWGC is doing for Black History Month.