Service at Southampton memorial in honour of Black History Month

A tour and service took place at the Hollybrook Memorial, Southampton today (Wednesday 23rd October), in honour of Black History Month.

Working alongside the British Army’s Multicultural Network, the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) highlighted stories of those who served with the British West Indies Regiment, Indian Army and the South African Native Labour Corps that are commemorated on the Hollybrook Memorial.

Simon Bendry, Director of Education and Engagement at the CWGC, said: 

“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 included 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.

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.

This year’s Black History Month theme, “Reclaiming Narratives,” marks a significant shift towards recognising and correcting the narratives of Black history and culture. 

As part of Black History Month, CWGC’s Public Engagement team, who will be holding events in partnership with Black Poppy Rose and the British Army’s & RAF’s Ethnic Minority Networks, share the stories of some of the black service personnel they’ll be highlighting.

People can also view and add their own stories of the casualties we commemorate on our story-sharing platform, For Evermore: Stories of the Fallen.

All photos by Lewis Brown.