The Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) has launched a new memorial in Freetown to honour the Sierra Leone Carrier Corps, who perished during the First World War. This unveiling took place just days before Remembrance Day.
The nine-metre tall monument comprises four glass blades inscribed with the names of 946 members of the Carrier Corps, who had gone unnamed for over 90 years. Traditionally, these soldiers were assigned numbers in lieu of names, and after the Second World War, even these were removed from the original memorial, which was designed by British architect Edwin Lutyens and dedicated in 1931.
The new design by Lagos-based Oshinowo Studio rectifies this oversight, featuring a glass pyramid that stands above the restored stone memorial from 1931. It is the first CWGC site to incorporate a beacon, with its light extending up to 5km as a symbol of remembrance.
Tosin Oshinowo, the designer, is notable for being the first woman and West African architect to create a memorial for the CWGC.
Vice President Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh represented President Julius Maada Bio at the Remembrance Day ceremony, where he laid a wreath to honour those who died in the World Wars and other national conflicts. He remarked, “Today, we honour their sacrifice and service, and reaffirm our commitment to preserving their legacy for future generations.”
This initiative is part of the CWGC’s Non-Commemoration Programme, which seeks to recognise thousands of unremembered personnel from Africa and Asia.
The new memorial aligns with Sierra Leone’s Remembrance Day commemorations, honouring all who have died in wars and in national service. Chief Minister David Sengeh urged citizens to overcome their differences and unite, stating, “The reality is that we are more united than they preach.”
The Freetown Memorial will now serve as the central site for World War and national commemorations in Sierra Leone.
