By KLTV Newsdesk – 

Annual remembrance ceremony highlights sacrifice, injustice and the lasting impact of wartime trauma

An annual Shot at Dawn Remembrance Service took place at the National Memorial Arboretum on Sunday 20 September , bringing together visitors from across the country to remember soldiers executed during the First World War.

Organised by Donald Campbell, Founder and CEO of The Forgotten Generations CIC, the service paid particular tribute to seven African and Caribbean servicemen whose stories reflect both the sacrifices and injustices experienced during wartime.

The ceremony, held on Sunday 20 September 2026, also highlighted the impact of shell shock – now recognised as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) – and the importance of remembrance, reconciliation and understanding.

Remembering those executed during the First World War

More than 300 British and Commonwealth soldiers were executed during the First World War for offences including desertion and cowardice.

Many are now believed to have been suffering from shell shock and other forms of psychological trauma which were poorly understood at the time.

During the service, attendees heard how the Shot at Dawn Memorial came to be created. Sculptor Andy DeComyn, who designed and created the memorial, shared its history and also played the bagpipes as part of the remembrance ceremony.

In 2006, the UK Government granted posthumous pardons to 306 of the soldiers, recognising what the service described as failings in military justice and the limited understanding of mental health during the conflict.

Seven African and Caribbean servicemen remembered

A central part of the ceremony was a roll call commemorating seven African and Caribbean servicemen.

Their names were read by Treyvan Campbell, grandson of event organiser Donald Campbell.

Those remembered were:

• Private Herbert Morris – British West Indies Regiment
• Private Hubert Clark – West India Regiment
• Private Samuel Sabongidda – 3rd Battalion, Nigerian Regiment
• Labourer Mahmoud Ahmed – Egyptian Labour Corps
• Private Azaberi Fatoma – West African Regiment
• Private Asibiri Frafra – Gold Coast Regiment
• Lance Corporal Allasan Mamprusi – Gold Coast Regiment

The service provided an opportunity to recognise their individual stories alongside the wider group of soldiers commemorated by the Shot at Dawn Memorial.

Wreaths laid in remembrance

The ceremony included the Last Post, a salutation by standard bearers and a wreath-laying ceremony.

Two wreaths were laid during the service. The first was laid by Professor Liz Barnes CBE and Prince Albert Jacob, a 101-year-old Second World War RAF veteran. The second was laid by Treyvan Campbell and Sofia-Mae LaTauche-Gregory.

The service also featured contributions from His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Staffordshire and Professor Elizabeth Barnes CBE, alongside addresses from Andy DeComyn and Donald Campbell.

A message of reconciliation and hope

Visitors travelled from across the country to attend the service, which concluded with reflections on the experiences of those who suffered not only on the battlefield, but also through misunderstanding, trauma and injustice.

Attendees were encouraged to remember the continuing relevance of their stories, with a message centred on compassion, reconciliation and supporting people affected by conflict and mental trauma.

The event also included an opportunity for some attendees to tour the grounds of the National Memorial Arboretum with Paul, a volunteer at the site.

The Forgotten Generations CIC would like to thank the National Memorial Arboretum, as well as the speakers, participants, volunteers, supporters, descendants and families represented at the service.