A memorial garden commemorating the fatal shooting of a black US soldier during racial violence in Lancashire during World War Two has been finished. Private William Crossland was shot dead on 24 June 1943 after trouble escalated between US troops stationed in Bamber Bridge, Preston.
The event, known as the Battle of Bamber Bridge, is marked by a memorial outside Ye Olde Hob Inn, where the conflict began. Clinton Smith of Preston Black History Group expressed delight at the permanent marker, noting that Americans had tried to enforce segregation rules in the UK, but locals in Bamber Bridge took a stance against it.
Mr Smith explained that trouble started when white American military police officers attempted to arrest Private Eugene Nunn in the pub for wearing the wrong uniform. Locals sided with the soldiers, and although the police initially left, they later intercepted the soldiers with reinforcements. Word spread to the camp, and soldiers armed themselves from the armoury, leading to a street fight lasting several hours.
Mr Smith said the memorial predates anything around racial equality and emphasised that the stance taken by ordinary people, including mill and factory workers, must not be forgotten. Sarah Locke, owner of Ye Olde Hob Inn, noted continued local interest in the events of that evening.
Deputy Mayor of South Ribble Council, Chris Lomax, said he was proud of the memorial, which tells the story of the Battle of Bamber Bridge. The official opening date is yet to be confirmed.
