Memorial to the Chinese Labour Corps— Charity Soft Launch & Fundraising Dinner
We are delighted to invite you to join us in celebrating the successful registration of Memorial to the CLC as a charitable organisation — and to take part in our very first fundraising dinner to support this meaningful memorial project.
What to Expect at the Dinner
- A warm welcome and community celebration
- Delicious Chinese cuisine in one of Birmingham’s most iconic Chinese restaurants
- An exclusive first look at the sculpture design
- A presentation of future plans and fundraising goals
- A raffle draw with prizes to help raise funds for the memorial
Ticket: £40 per guest, please buy your tickets here.
This is more than just a dinner—it’s the beginning of a journey to give voice to the forgotten, to build understanding, and to honour a legacy that belongs to us all.
Whether you’re part of the Chinese community, a supporter of historical remembrance, or someone who values understanding and unity—we warmly welcome your presence and support.
Let’s make history together!
About Memorial to the CLC
Memorial to the CLC is a newly registered charitable incorporated organisation (CIO) dedicated to creating the first permanent memorial in the UK to honour the Chinese Labour Corps (CLC) of the First World War. Over 100,000 Chinese men served on the West Front during WWI, with an estimated number of 20,000 people never making it home. They cleared battlefields, carried ammunition, and supported the war effort in critical ways—yet their story remains largely untold in Britain.
Our mission is to change that.
We aim to build a meaningful, symbolic memorial sculpture—proposed at the National Memorial Arboretum—to honour their contribution, raise public awareness, promote understanding, and support educational work around this important yet overlooked history.
Previous Events
China–UK Cultural Exchange Programme 2025
The China–UK Cultural Exchange Programme is an annual international music and arts festival that connects the next generation of young artists from both nations.
This July, over 100 exceptional young musicians from China’s top schools joined their UK peers for concerts, masterclasses, and cultural experiences across five British cities. Through the universal language of music, the festival celebrates creativity, friendship, and global understanding.
Endorsed by the Lord Mayor of Birmingham, the Cultural Section of Embassy of the People’s Republic of China, the CBSO, the BCU Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, and other key partners, the programme offers enriching opportunities for performance, learning, and collaboration.
For more information, please check https://www.weculturalexchange.com/
CWM Pays Tribute to the Chinese Labour Corps at the Cenotaph Remembrance Ceremony
On a solemn and dignified occasion, CWM was honoured to take part in the annual Remembrance Ceremony at the Cenotaph in London to commemorate the service and sacrifice of the Chinese Labour Corps (CLC) and the Hong Kong Military Service Corps.
Represented by Bill Good from CWM and other members of community, the day began with an early gathering on King Charles Street, just beyond Downing Street, where over 40 representatives assembled. In total, 15 wreaths were prepared to be laid in memory of those who served on the Western Front during the First World War. Numerous other groups also participated to pay tribute to the fallen.
Shortly before 11:00 am, the delegation marched in formation behind the London Scottish Regiment band to the Cenotaph. At 11:00 am, a two-minute silence was observed, followed by wreath-laying, prayers, readings, and the traditional exhortation to remember the fallen.
Following the ceremony, many members of the CLC group gathered for lunch at the Peacock Restaurant, where they were surrounded by exhibition materials highlighting the contributions of the Chinese Labour Corps, and Chinese and Hong Kong involvement in the British Army. The afternoon included talks and reflections, including a moving presentation by the grandson of a Chinese Labour Corps member who served on the Eastern Front with the Russian CLC.
CWM was proud to participate in this meaningful event. Laying a wreath at the Cenotaph on behalf of our organisation was both an honour and a reminder of the importance of preserving the legacy of those who contributed so significantly to history, often without due recognition. We extend our gratitude to all who joined in this tribute and continue to support efforts to remember and educate future generations about the role of the Chinese Labour Corps.
Chinese New Year Dinner with England China Business Forum
To welcome in the Year of the Snake, a Chinese New Year Dinner of cultural celebration, networking, and community spirit was held on 11 February, 2025 at the Chinese Community Centre – Birmingham (CCC-B). Hosted by England China Business Forum (ECBF), there was a wonderful Chinese meal prepared by the talented chefs of the CCC-B, and a cultural dance performance by the CCC-B Wan Sheung Dance Group. There was also a raffle to support the Chinese Labour Corps Memorial Statue with numerous prizes on offer. Richard Parker, the Mayor of the West Midlands, was guest of honour for the evening.
Launch Event for the Chinese Labour Corps Memorial Sculpture
On 3 July, 2024, China West Midlands together with England China Business Forum (ECBF) hosted a drinks and canapés reception at the prestigious Innholders Hall London attended by about 25 guests. The evening saw the launch of the Chinese Labour Corps Memorial initiative by China West Midlands Group with ECBF as the national sponsor for the CLC Corps Memorial project. And our guest speaker Mark O’Neill having written about Chinese Labour Corps, also launched his new book The Island.