Around one million people from Britain’s former empire lost their lives during the battles of 1914 to 1918.

On Thursday night a feature, Whose Remembrance? – produced by the Imperial War Museum to look at the experience of colonial troops and labourers – was shown to an audience of students, historians and the public.

A panel featuring Suzanne Bardgett, IWM's Head of Research, Professor Karen Randell of the University, and community leaders, discussed with the audience how communities in the region should be made aware of the enormous sacrifices made by people from former British colonies, who volunteered for service.

As she opened the event, Councillor Jacqui Burnett, of the Limbury ward, said that this history “needs to be shared” with schoolchildren and local communities.

“The documentary was very interesting for me, as it showed that my ancestors actually made a difference. And we can say that we are in this country by right. Prior to seeing this film, I never knew of our influence.”

Professor Karen Randell, Head of Department of Media Arts & Production, added: “There are different histories at play when we discuss war – the historical, the political and the lived experience –which this film engages with and which is so useful to our fuller understanding of the lives of those that served.”

Search ‘Whose Remembrance?’ on www.iwm.org.uk for more information. The documentary is also available to watch on You Tube.

The event, co-hosted by IWM, Luton Culture and the University, was also attended by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF).

To apply for HLF funding for your own World War One project call 01223 224880, or visit www.hlf.org.uk for more information.

• Commenting on Whose Remembrance?, Diane Abbott MP said: “The Whose Remembrance? project has been crucial in filling the gap in history that has overlooked the contribution of colonial troops in both world wars. “I was privileged to hold an over-subscribed screening of the documentary at the House of Commons during Remembrance month. It attracted individuals of all ages and all professions, keen to learn more about this neglected area of history, and to establish ways of sharing this information. “The contribution of BME troops in the world wars are a vital part of community history but also serve in showing the extent to which BME people have played a role in building Britain.” 
• The Whose Remembrance? project was carried out by the IWM Research team in consultation with an advisory group of academics and specialists. Researchers worked on the production of three databases: published works produced by academics and community historians over the last thirty years; exhibitions and resources developed by museums and cultural organisations; and cultural outputs such as films, documentaries, novels and plays.

Photo credit: ©IWM.