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Looking back: 23 powerful remembrance images across the Black Country and Staffordshire, and their lasting impact on communities

Here we explore a selection of historic photographs of local memorials and parades ahead of Armistice Day.

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By Tania Taylor
Published

Through these images we forge a visual link to the past, contemplating the sacrifices that were made and the lasting legacy carried forward by the communities who honour them.

Visitors pay respects as Cannock War Memorial is illuminated for Armistice Week, in November 1938
Visitors pay respects as Cannock War Memorial is illuminated for Armistice Week, in November 1938
Day of remembrance for the Royal Navy and the Merchant Navy, Darlington Street Methodist Church, Wolverhampton, July 20, 1942. The photograph shows the Mayor of Wolverhampton, Councillor G. Bates, inspecting the Wolverhampton unit of the Sea Cadet Corps, with Lieutenant H. C. Wilson on the right.
Day of remembrance for the Royal Navy and the Merchant Navy, Darlington Street Methodist Church, Wolverhampton, July 20, 1942. The photograph shows the Mayor of Wolverhampton, Councillor G. Bates, inspecting the Wolverhampton unit of the Sea Cadet Corps, with Lieutenant H. C. Wilson on the right
Cross of Sacrifice, Cannock Chase Military Cemetery. This photograph shows the Cross of Sacrifice, surrounded by headstones, with a man and three boys standing near the cross and looking up at it on November 8, 1959. A wreath is visible on the base of the cross. The cemetery is maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC).
Cross of Sacrifice, Cannock Chase Military Cemetery. This photograph shows the Cross of Sacrifice, surrounded by headstones, with a man and three boys standing near the cross and looking up at it on November 8, 1959. A wreath is visible on the base of the cross. The cemetery is maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC)
Stafford War Memorial, Earl Street, Stafford. Party of dignitaries at Stafford Borough War Memorial during the Armistice Day service on November 13, 1961
Stafford War Memorial, Earl Street, Stafford. Party of dignitaries at Stafford Borough War Memorial during the Armistice Day service on November 13, 1961
hire Old Contemptibles Association, Rendezvous Restaurant, Wolverhampton. Members gathered to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Armistice Day on November 11, 1968. The oldest man was 85-year-old G. A. Williams, and the group included veterans from Wolverhampton, Wednesfield, Willenhall, Tipton, Bilston, Walsall and Bloxwich. Sidney Hill was mentioned.
South Staffordshire Old Contemptibles Association, Rendezvous Restaurant, Wolverhampton. Members gathered to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Armistice Day on November 11, 1968. The oldest man was 85-year-old G. A. Williams, and the group included veterans from Wolverhampton, Wednesfield, Willenhall, Tipton, Bilston, Walsall and Bloxwich. Sidney Hill was mentioned.
German War Cemetery, Cannock Chase. On Remembrance Day, November 10, 1969, John Oxford of Staffordshire County Council placed a wreath at the foot of the giant cross
German War Cemetery, Cannock Chase. On Remembrance Day, November 10, 1969, John Oxford of Staffordshire County Council placed a wreath at the foot of the giant cross
Reference: MMNAMMGLPICT000003024417... . .. Mayor of Stourbridge Alderman J P S Lycott, paused for a moment\u2019s reflection with his head bowed after placing his wreath at the town\u2019s cenotaph during the Remembrance Day parade in November, 1970Used for letters page July 28 2005Used for letters page again November 11 2008USED LETTS PFP NOV 11 2022
Mayor of Stourbridge Alderman J P S Lycott, paused for a moment's reflection with his head bowed after placing his wreath at the town's cenotaph during the Remembrance Day parade in November, 1970