The National Centre for Arts and Culture (NCAC) in conjunction with Commonwealth War Graves, have partnered to jointly research Gambian casualties of the First and Second World Wars, and finding new unique historical records across the Gambia will sit at the heart of the partnership, and the work will contribute to the Commission’s wider commitment to ensure all dead of the two world wars are commemorated equally – its most important piece of commemorations work in 80 years.
According to a press statement obtained from the partners by this medium read on the “The Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC), the global organisation responsible for commemorating more than 1.7 million casualties of the First and Second World Wars, and the National Centre for Arts and Culture (NCAC), custodians of The Gambia National Museums and Archives, today (7th September 2024) announce the signing of a joint Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
The agreement highlights shared research into the burial locations of Gambian casualties, promoting awareness of the lesser-known Gambian contribution to the Two World Wars, enhancing educational materials and promoting heritage tourism at key historical sites, including the Fajara War Cemetery and the Gambia War Memorial.
During the Second World War, The Gambia, along with the other West African territories, played a critical role in the war effort, serving as a base for recruiting and training military personnel. In Banjul, the CWCG maintains Fajara War Cemetery, honouring the contribution of more than 200 Commonwealth soldiers, including four unidentified soldiers, and 33 Gambian soldiers with unknown or unmaintainable graves.”
The statement noted further that the First World War Gambia Memorial, located at The Maccarthy Square, Banjul is maintained by the Banjul City Council as a point of commemoration to honour all Gambians who lost their lives in the 1914-1918 conflict. The newly signed MOU will pave the way for future collaboration to support this significant heritage site.
It concluded that “As the World Wars fade from living memory, this partnership ensures the contribution of Gambian soldiers will continue to be honoured, highlighting their integral contribution to global history.”
About CWGC
The Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) is a global leader in commemoration, with a mission to ensure that those who died in service, or because of conflict, are commemorated so that the human cost of war is remembered forever. Founded by Royal Charter in 1917, we work on behalf of the Governments of Australia, Canada, India, New Zealand, South Africa, and the United Kingdom to commemorate the 1.7 million men and women from the Commonwealth who lost their lives in the two World Wars. The cemeteries, memorials, graves, landscapes, and records in our care can be found at 23,000 locations and in more than 150 countries and territories. | www.cwgc.org |media@cwgc.org
About NCAC
The National Centre for Arts and Culture (NCAC) is a key institution in the Gambia, responsible for the preservation, promotion and development of the nation’s cultural heritage. As the custodian of the Gambia National Museums and Archives, NCAC is responsible for maintaining records, artefacts and monuments that reflect The Gambia’s rich and diverse history.