Battle of Bamber Bridge 2024
We had a great day for a day of themed celebration to commemorate the 80th Anniversary of the Battle of Bamber Bridge. Owing to the successful event we are pleased to host another for June 2024.
Join us on Saturday 22 June 2024 from 1pm to 8pm outside Ye Olde Hob Inn, Church Road, Bamber Bridge.
In co-operation with the Preston Black History Group, join us again for another afternoon of period themed entertainment and a history walk following the route soldiers will have taken back in 1943.
There will be music and dance, military vehicles, food and drink and children's activities. Full line up below!
What was the Battle of Bamber Bridge?
The battle started when white American military police (MPs) attempted to arrest several African American soldiers from the racially segregated 1511th Quartermaster Truck Regiment, at the Ye Olde Hob Inn for being out of uniform.
In a confrontation on the street afterwards, a white MP shot and killed Private William Crossland. Both sides exchanged fire through the night. Although a court martial convicted 32 African American soldiers of mutiny and related crimes, poor leadership and the racist attitudes of the MPs was acknowledged as a cause.
Bullet holes have since been found in the former Natwest bank building that related back to the shooting.
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