The First World War ended, not at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month of 1918, but actually some two weeks later, when the news eventually reached Central Africa, where the German troops from German East Africa - their colony of Tanganyika - had invaded the British colony of Northern Rhodesia. World War One was finally concluded on 25th November 1918 at Abercorn (now Mbala) in Northern Rhodesia (now Zambia) when the undefeated General von Lettow-Vorbeck finally surrendered his sword to Brigadier-General Edwards.
On 1st August 1923 HRH Prince Arthur of Connaught unveiled the Cenotaph at the Eastern Cataract of The Victoria Falls near the town of Livingstone, then the capital of Northern Rhodesia, in honour of the 79 Europeans and the 102 Askaris from Northern Rhodesia (now Zambia) who died in the service during World War One. There is another similar monument raised in honour of the Askaris, and also in honour of others unknown whose names have not been recorded.
Since its erection in 1923, the Memorial suffered somewhat from the ravages of time. The Zambian authorities gave their blessing for its restoration. However, there was no one in Zambia able to do the work, so Mark Davidson, a stone mason from Ireland, was engaged. His board and lodging was donated gratis. Most of the £5,700 required to complete the task was raised by contributions - but further contributions are still welcome to meet the shortfall.
Restoration work on the Cenotaph was completed in time for the Rededication and Remembrance Service at 11 o'clock on Sunday, the 19th of November, 2017, led by the Zambian Air Force Chaplain. There was a military parade.
Listed >here< are the names of the 79 service personnel and their Service arms or Regiments; and >here< are short biographies - where known. If you know more, please let us know - click >here<
They grow not old,
as we that are left grow old.
Age shall not weary them,
nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun,
and in the morning,
we will remember them.
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