The Second World War Memorial in Zambia

Following the cessation of hostilities in Europe in 1945, a debate ensued in colonial Zambia on what was the best tribute to dedicate to its servicemen who had lost their lives in the Second World War. On the one hand, the colonial government advocated for conventional forms of a war memorial such as statues, obelisks, and triumphal arches. On the other side, African servicemen supported the idea of ‘living memorials’ in form of useful projects such as educational institutions, clinics or community centres. In the end, proponents of traditional memorials won this contest—eventually leading to the erection of a cenotaph in the heart of the seat of government. Using data from the National Archives of Zambia, this article argues that the erection of a cenotaph, was another blow to African servicemen who felt cheated by colonial authorities in the way they were to forever honour their dear departed compatriots.