A MEMORIAL service took place to remember hundreds of fallen soldiers from commonwealth countries who fought for Britain and died.

The service, which took place on Tuesday, remembered those who had died during wars in the past and included soldiers from the West Indies, Canada, Ireland, Wales, Scotland and America.

The ceremony took place at the commonwealth war graves in Seaford Cemetery, Cradle Hill Road in Seaford.

Linda Wallraven, Conservative councillor for Seaford West, organised the ceremony the last couple of years, stating how important it was to remember Seaford’s wartime history.

She said: “I personally think that because this is a big part of Seaford’s history, it shouldn’t drift away and not be recognised.

“The West Indians come down from Clapham in London each year for this service. They call it their pilgrimage.

“The Canadians and West Indians who were laid to rest here. They were billeted in Seaford in the north and south camps during the First World War.”

The Argus: Some of the group in attendance at Seaford CemeterySome of the group in attendance at Seaford Cemetery

Seaford was used as a training camp for men from the West Indies in preparation for fighting in Europe. In total 16,000 soldiers were recruited in Sussex, plus some 4,500 volunteers, who arrived in special contingents. 19 West Indian soldiers died at their camp in Seaford.

Cllr Wallraven added: “A lot of them died of Influenza, they probably survived the fighting part but died of Influenza in Seaford.

“It’s one of the largest graves in Southern England, we have got 273 war graves. 253 of them are from World War One.

“The graves are from English, Scottish, Irish, Welsh, Canadian, West Indian and American soldiers.”

The Argus: The wreaths which were laidThe wreaths which were laid

The ceremony had around 50 people in attendance, including deputy lord lieutenant of East Sussex, Sara Stoner, commander Turetski, who represented the Canadian High Commission, as well as Sarah Nathaniel, who is part of the Commonwealth War Commission. It was led by Reverend James Hollingsworth from St Leonards Church.

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