Rayleigh and Wickford MP and Shadow Armed Forces Minister, Mark Francois, paid tribute to the contribution of troops from the Commonwealth, during a special commemorative debate in the House of Commons.
Mark spoke in a debate, specially scheduled in the run up to Commonwealth Day, to pay respects to the contribution of troops from across what was then the British Empire - and is now the Commonwealth - during the First World War.
During his speech, Mark paid tribute to troops from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, India (including what is now both Bangladesh and Pakistan), as well as troops from Africa and the West Indies.
During the debate, Mark argued that Commonwealth troops, some 3 million of whom fought during the war, according to the National Army Museum, made a vital contribution to winning the war.
Speaking after the event, Mark said:
“As the son of a D-Day Veteran who fought in the Second World War, I was honoured to speak in a debate about those soldiers from the Commonwealth, who played such a vital role in the First World War. I think it was fitting that the House authorities arranged this debate in the run up to Commonwealth Day. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten.”
