Reclaiming narratives
Some of the opening shots of the world wars were fired in Africa. Colonial influence from Europe’s major powers brought the conflict to the continent and set the scene for the two wars which touched every corner of the globe.
In both wars, Africa became a major battleground. More than 1 million Africans served as soldiers, porters and labourers throughout both conflicts. Elsewhere, thousands of Black servicemen and women from the West Indies served in the armed forces.
Learn more about the contributions of Black servicemen and women throughout the two world wars and join us in honouring their sacrifice this Black History Month.
Join us for Black History Month events
9 October – Seaford Cemetery – 10:00 (arrive by 9:45)
Join us at Seaford Cemetery for an act of remembrance and tour of the cemetery, where 275 Commonwealth casualties are commemorated, including 19 soldiers of the British West Indies Regiment.
Discover more about the history of the site and discover some of the stories of those buried here, as well as taking part in the traditional wreath laying.
13 October – Tower Hill – 12:00
Join us at Tower Hill Memorial where we commemorate the men and women of the Merchant Navy and Fishing Fleets who died during the world wars and who have no known grave.
The tours of the memorial will uncover the history of the men and women who gave their lives during the world wars, highlighting the incredible contributions made by Black communities worldwide.
Tours are free, but booking is required to avoid disappointment.
Book a ticket
16 October – Runnymede Memorial – 14:00
Join us for a tour of Runnymede Air Forces Memorial, where we commemorate more than 20,000 men and women of the air forces who have no known graves.
Led by students of Royal Holloway, University of London, the tour will explore the stories of airmen and crew from across the Commonwealth who fought in the air across all theatres of war.
Tours are free, but booking is required to avoid disappointment.
Book a ticket
23 October – Hollybrook Memorial – 14:00
Hollybrook Memorial commemorates nearly 1900 Commonwealth war dead who died during the world wars and who have no known grave. Among them are a large number of officers and men of the South African Native Labour Corps who died in the sinking of the SS Mendi in 1917.
We’ll be holding an act of remembrance at the site alongside the British Army, and then visitors are welcome to join a tour of the site. Join us to remember their stories and pay tribute to the sacrifice they made.
Discover Black History month casualty stories
Throughout Black History Month, we'll be releasing a series of blogs about some of the Black war dead we commemorate as we mark the contribution they made in both world wars.
Many of the stories of Black and African servicemen and women who served during the world wars are yet to be told. Today, our Non-Commemoration team are helping the descendants of these casualties reclaim their narrative. Discover more about this work, our community engagement projects and the construction of a new memorial in South Africa.
Black History Month learning resources
Want to discover more? Use our free educational resources to find out more about the men and women of the world wars or begin your own research project.
One day in a world war
Download our classroom resource kit ‘One day in a world war’ which explores the extent to which the world wars were truly ‘global’. Discover personal stories of casualties from across the globe and learn more about the contributions that came from all corners of the Commonwealth.
Begin your own World War research
Our ‘How to research…’ guides will set you on your journey of discovery, equipping you with everything you need to start researching a casualty of the world wars.
Split up between different nationalities and services, these are the perfect way to get to grips with our records, and to discover more about where and how you can find out more.
Don’t forget, when you’ve completed your research project, we’d love to hear all about your chosen casualty on our stories portal: For Evermore - Stories of the Fallen.
Read our how to research guides