Celebrating Black heritage service men and women during Remembrance Month

Throughout November, we will be shining a light on the often overlooked stories of African and Caribbean heritage service men and women who fought for Britain during the First and Second World Wars. Their courage, sacrifice and resilience were vital to the war effort, yet their contributions have too often been marginalised in mainstream history.

110 years since the Battle of Loos

As 2025 marks the 110th anniversary of the Battle of Loos, we are focusing on the remarkable life of George Arthur Roberts, a Trinidad-born soldier who served as a rifleman associated to the Middlesex Regiment. Roberts fought at Loos in 1915 and later became one of London’s first Black firefighters, serving on the Home Front during the Second World War. His life reflects both the heroism and the hardship experienced by many colonial troops who travelled thousands of miles to serve a country that did not always treat them as equals.

The British West Indies Regiment - service and silence

We will also be exploring the history of the British West Indies Regiment, formed of volunteer servicemen from across the Caribbean who served in the First World War. These men played a crucial role in labour and support units, often under harsh and discriminatory conditions. Despite their dedication, their contributions were intentionally sidelined after the war, with broader recognition only beginning to emerge in the 2020s. Their story is one of bravery, injustice and the ongoing struggle for historical acknowledgement.

Learning through books, film and other media

To help deepen understanding, we have compiled a list of recommended books, films and other media that highlight the experiences of Black service men and women in both world wars. These resources offer powerful insights into their lives and help broaden the narrative surrounding Britain’s wartime history.

Marking Remembrance Month with the Black Poppy Rose

Our work this month is guided by the ethos of the Black Poppy Rose, established in 2010 to honour the contributions of African, Black, Caribbean, Pacific Island and Indigenous communities to the war effort. The Black Poppy Rose acknowledges not only those who served in uniform but also the civilians whose labour and sacrifice supported the war in countless ways.

As we mark Remembrance Month, we aim to illuminate these heroic and often unsung stories, ensuring that their legacy is remembered, respected and woven into the wider fabric of British history.