Remembrance

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Remembrance is one of the sombre occasions of the year. Brits of all ages congregate in their town centres, churches, and community centres to remember the sacrifices made by those brave men and women all those years before. As someone who used to be a member of the Royal Air Force Air Cadets and a History student at university, I know all too well how important these events are. 

Commonly, the events of the First and Second World Wars are the focal point of many discussions for the Remembrance events. However, they are not the only ones. Our older generation's experiences- whom we must thank for their sacrifices and continuation in the face of challenge - were remarkable. The ‘keep calm and carry on’ attitude is often attributed to Brits, as seen in the poems, films, and documentaries depicting these conflicts. As a British student, I might even argue that the experiences of these conflicts are so ingrained in our national identity and psyche. This is because, from a young age, we see children exposed to war through our curriculum. I remember as a child sitting in our classroom watching Goodnight Mr Tom - a film that follows the experience of a London-born William Beech on his evacuation from the big city. The loud bangs and the trauma of the war experience from a child's perspective. I also remember us studying the culture of Britain during the wars - getting a sense of the rationing and the collectivity of war in general. Furthermore, as someone who partook in Brownies and later the Air Cadets, participating in remembrance parades was an annual event. This exposure from a young age impacts how young adults like myself perceive the remembrance events. 

It has long since been the case that veterans of wars have been greatly respected. After all - as Sir Winston Churchill said back in 1940 - "never in the field of conflict was so much owed to so few." This idea of a debt of gratitude to these so-called few could be seen as the root cause of such a ceremony. Physical impacts on our landscape are seen from the memory of war - cemeteries, war memorials, and learning centres. These places are culturally significant - a part of the British story. Perhaps it is the presence of veterans sharing their stories of war that ensures these events are commemorated, creating a lasting legacy. The significance of these wars cannot be undermined. Their profound impact ensures we continue to remember. Those who gave their life are commemorated on rolls of honour up and down the country. These rolls are often in churches or memorials in town centres. They are an element of daily life - we see these as constant reminders of the past. 

Organisations like the Commonwealth Graves Commission commemorate 1.7 million individuals across more than 150 countries and territories, ensuring we remember them. The organisation is responsible for ensuring the legacy of servicemen, women, and civilians is discussed and maintained. As a member of the Air Cadets, I had the privilege of conducting a research project on the life of 2nd Lt. K Wastell. He was 19 when he died in 1918 after his aircraft collided with the church spire in St Ives. According to eyewitness accounts of the events before the incident, it was likely that Wastell was on a training exercise. He landed in a nearby meadow and asked for directions towards Wyton Airfield. From here, he collided with the church spire. Wastell was killed instantly and then buried in Priory Road Cemetery in Huntingdon. The death of 2nd Lt. Wastell was not unusual in 1918. Unfortunately, many members of the Royal Flying Corps (the name of the RAF before the 1st of April 1918) died in training exercises - as was the case with Wastell. Work from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission is vital in ensuring those buried far from their families - like Wastell, whose family,  according to the census records, were located in Birmingham - have their graves maintained for perpetuity. 

From a young age, education immerses us in the symbolism of war and remembrance. In primary school, students learn about the impact of war, such as the evacuation of children to the countryside during the Blitz. I vividly remember learning about the harsh realities of wartime Britain and how terrifying it would have been to move to an area away from your family, not knowing when you would see them next. In secondary, schools that study English Literature often have a choice about which poetry anthology they wish to study. At my school, we studied 'power and conflict' poetry and explored themes such as war and the impact of these events on people, countries and objects. Caroline Duffy's "War Photographer" was a particularly emotive poem that I remember studying. Her description of the poem brought to life the suffering of not just the people but also the photographer in viewing these with "spools of suffering laid out in rows." These poems all brought to light the suffering of war. In addition, the works of Wilfred Owen were frequently studied. The voices of those like Owen who fought in the war are crucial for accessing the past. Owen, despite dying in November 1918, did not know that the war was over by the time he was killed. The range of literature studied in schools underscores the significance of war in British culture. Educating younger generations about past conflicts and sacrifices is essential to ensuring we learn from history and carry its lessons forward. Our brave veterans share this message each armistice day and year in schools and their curriculums. 

In conclusion, remembrance is a vital aspect of British identity, honouring the sacrifices made by countless individuals throughout history. Through personal experiences and educational narratives, we reflect on the impact of war and the legacies of veterans. Organizations like the Commonwealth War Graves Commission help preserve these stories, ensuring they are remembered. As we gather to commemorate their courage, we foster gratitude and awareness, recognizing the ongoing significance of their sacrifices in shaping our values and collective memory. Remembrance is not just an annual event; it is an essential part of who we are.

You can read my tips for my Air Cadet project on the CWGC website here: https://www.cwgc.org/our-work/blog/air-cadets-uncover-stories-of-local-world-war-casualties/

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