First ever memorial to African and Caribbean soldiers unveiled in London

The first ever memorial honouring the contribution of service personnel of African and Caribbean origin in both World Wars has been unveiled in London.

A ceremony at Windrush Square, Brixton, was attended by Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon and Mayor of London Sadiq Khan.

Speaking ahead of the event, Fallon said: “The UK is indebted to all those servicemen and women from Africa and the Caribbean who volunteered to serve with Britain during the First and Second World Wars.

“It is thanks to their bravery and sacrifice that we are able to enjoy our freedoms today. We should also congratulate those who have worked tirelessly to place this memorial in the heart of Brixton.”

The memorial was devised by the Nubian Jak Community Trust (NJCT).

The Trust runs a commemorative plaque and sculpture scheme to highlight the historic contributions of Black and minority ethnic people in Britain and has led the three-year campaign to honour servicemen and women from the First and Second World Wars.

Jak Beula, CEO of the Nubian Jak Trust, said: “More than two million African and Caribbean military servicemen and servicewomen’s participated in WWI and WWII but have not been recognised for their contribution.

“The unveiling of this memorial is to correct this historical omission and to ensure young people of African and Caribbean descent are aware of the valuable input their forefathers had in the two world wars.”

Debt of gratitude

During the Second World War, forces from the British Commonwealth were active in all the major theatres of war.

Some 16,000 men and women from the Caribbean left their families and homes to volunteer for the British Armed Forces.

Around 6,000 served with the Royal Air Force and the Royal Canadian Air Force working as fighter pilots, technicians, air gunners and ground staff.

In addition, thousands of West Indian seamen also served in the Merchant Navy, transporting cargo and people.

This proved to be one of the most dangerous services during the Second World War with almost one third of all merchant seamen dying at sea.

West Indian women also served in Britain with the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force and the Auxiliary Territorial Service.

Caribbean air force personnel received 103 awards for bravery. Over 200 Caribbean volunteers were killed or reported missing during the Second World War, while 265 were wounded.

The UK government has supported the monument by providing £80,000 worth of funding through the Department of Communities and Local Government.

British Communities Secretary Sajid Javid said: “The brave men and women commemorated today came from all walks of life but were bound together by their immense courage and determination.

“Serving thousands of miles from home, they fought and fell with British soldiers to defend the freedoms we enjoy today, despite the majority never having visited this country.

“We owe them all a tremendous debt of gratitude for their sacrifice and for the substantial contributions so many veterans have made to enrich British life.”