The stories of Black British, African and Caribbean peoples who were involved in protecting the British Empire in both world wars, as well as the African American soldiers stationed in Wiltshire, have not been told and are largely unknown.
We would like to put this right by celebrating the voices and stories of those who came and stayed so that there is a comprehensive appreciation of all of those who played a vital role in protecting our country during WW1 and WW2.
So many people from the British Empire may have served or lived here during the wars 1914 – 1945 or moved to Wiltshire after the end of the wars. It is important to us that these local connective stories are remembered and preserved. Enriching the historical evidence of what took place right here in Wiltshire in the past, allowing us to set the examples of how to document our present day and achievements as a wider community. The interconnectivity of all our stories is a lot closer than you might think.
We have located a few stories and are appealing to anyone who has memories, connections, photographs, or objects that tell the story of African, Caribbean or African Americans who worked or were stationed in Wiltshire, not only armed forces but also in farming, transport, industrial, administrative, medical sectors etc to bring some of these stories to life.
This November we are staging an exhibition to highlight the contributions made by the local communities previously unheard stories. We would love to engage with as many of you as possible to enrich us all with any stories or memories you are comfortable sharing with us, in whatever way suits you. You may want to chat about it, write it, record it, or show a photo, a piece of clothing or any other object that evokes these experiences.
To enable you to do this there are two ways to get involved.
You can email us at lestweforget@wiltshiremuseum.org.uk or you can come along to one of the gatherings we have arranged where we will start by explaining more about the stories we have uncovered to date and about the exhibition at the Wiltshire Museum, Devizes.
You will have an opportunity at that event to share your memories, stories, or reflections and to show any of your photographs or objects. As a community we can do so much more together, and we are hoping that you will be able to join us on one of the dates below.
Free events taking place at:
9th May 7pm-9pm at The Friary Community Centre, 112 Carmelite Way, SALISBURY, SP1 2HW.
11th May 1pm-3pm at Lydiard House, LYDIARD TREGOZE, SWINDON, SN5 3PA.
13th May 10:30am-12:30pm at Broadgreen Community Centre, SALISBURY STREET, SWINDON, SN1 2AN.
14th May 1pm-3pm at Nursteed Community Centre, Nursteed Road, DEVIZES, SN10 3AF.
Pre-booking not required, just come along to whichever event is convenient to you – or email lestweforget@wiltshiremuseum.org.uk
Run with the support of the Wiltshire Racial Equality Council
“Lest We Forget: The Black Contribution to the World Wars in Wiltshire” is made possible with AIM, The National Lottery Heritage Fund and National Lottery Players.