The World's War: Forgotten Soldiers of the Empire

The World's War: Forgotten Soldiers of the Empire is a gripping, two-part historical documentary series produced by BBC Two and aired in 2014. The series is an eye-opening examination of World War I, shedding light on a forgotten aspect of the global conflict: the role played by soldiers from the British colonies.

Guided by the masterful narration of historian David Olusoga, viewers are taken on a deep historical dive into the involvement of over four million non-European, colonial troops, who served on the Western Front and various battle fronts during the Great War. Olusoga's impeccable research gives life to the shadowy profiles of these nameless soldiers, debunking the Eurocentric narrative of World War I and underlining the global nature of the conflict.

The show’s premiere episode introduces audiences to the neglected narrative of the Indian, African, Chinese, and Caribbean soldiers who fought in a distant European war. Far from being mere adjuncts, these men, numbering in millions, were integral to the war effort; a fact that was later conveniently forgotten or side-lined in the dominant historical records. The series employs a mix of dramatic re-enactments, original photographs, interviews and archival footage to weave this compelling narrative and pays tribute to the colonial troops who fought and died for an Empire that wasn't their own.

Notably poignant are the series' interviews with descendants of the ‘forgotten soldiers’, whose personal anecdotes and family histories add a layer of deeply stirring emotion to the series. The series also uses personal letters and diaries recovered from some of these colonial soldiers to give viewers a glimpse into their experiences on the war front, their sentiments towards the war they were fighting, and the discrimination they faced.

The second episode explores how racial dynamics of the time played into the exploitation of these colonial ‘subjects’. Despite their immense contribution to the war, the troops were often used as mere canon fodder in the most dangerous battlefields, and were subjected to brutal racism, segregation and astounding double standards in treatment. More than just recounting history factually, Olusoga meticulously uncovers these layers of racial aspects, examining how race and colour played a defining role in the British War effort.

But what makes this series more than just a historical record is its humanistic approach and Olusoga’s skill to connect the dots back to the present. It underscores the continued relevance of these forgotten soldiers' experiences in understanding the racial tensions and prejudices that persist today. By narrating the history of these men, it delves into the larger themes of colonialism, racism, and the enduring legacy of Empire.

The World's War: Forgotten Soldiers of the Empire demonstrates that World War I was not just a European war, as it is popularly remembered, but a global war in its true sense, with a haunting legacy that reverberates even today. It’s a powerful testament to those millions of colonial soldiers who, despite their significant contributions, have been left out of the common historical narrative. The series serves as a reminder that wars, while they are fought between nations, affect people beyond national borders, forcing us to reconsider our understanding of major global conflicts.

The World's War: Forgotten Soldiers of the Empire invites a re-evaluation of World War I, not just from the perspective of colonial troops, but the colonies they represented. It pays long overdue tribute to soldiers who served valiantly in a distant war, for a cause not their own, and under an Empire that often rebuffed their humanity. Above all, it’s a call to remember truthfully, to ensure that such integral parts of world history are never cast aside or forgotten.

In telling the story of these forgotten soldiers, The World's War: Forgotten Soldiers of the Empire sets a new benchmark for war documentaries. It's a powerful, moving series that serves as both an educational tool and an emotive historical portrait, encouraging viewers to question, remember, and learn from the past.