Submitted by Sharon on
To appreciate the story of Windrush we first have to go back to the Second Word War when Winston Churchill called on the rest of King George V1’s Empire across the seas. This decision changed the course of the war for Britain and her allies.
Once the war ended many of the Commonwealth forces returned to their home nations but not so for many of those from the West Indies whose loyalty to the Mother Country knew no bounds.
Submitted by Sharon on
Armed Forces Community Garden in Hillfield Park, Soilhull has opened benefiting veterans and their family members, local schools and other members of the community.
The garden is a peaceful sanctuary for remembrance and reflection. It is also hoped it will be a place to help people overcome isolation, as it will provide a welcoming place to meet up and interact with others.
The area is principally divided into three zones: a sensory garden - with a distinctive, curving design - a summer flower meadow and a community woodland.
Submitted by Sharon on
Do you know a male or female who has served in the British Army? (Not applicable for those who have served in the RAF or Navy)
A Chelsea Pensioner, or In-Pensioner, is a resident at the Royal Hospital Chelsea, a retirement home and nursing home for former members of the British Army located in Chelsea, London.
The Royal Hospital Chelsea is the home to 300 retired British soldiers, male and female (the latter since 2009) and is located on Royal Hospital Road.
Submitted by Sharon on
What is Fashion, Talent and Black History
Samantha Prescott the Creative Director created this showcase in tribute to her late Grandmother Vena Prescott. Who use to share her life memories of her journey from Jamaica to England in the 1950s. Samantha has always been a vintage enthusiast and had a passion for collecting vintage items. With the vision of keeping her grandmother’s legacy alive and her love of fashion. The fashion, talent and black history show was created. The showcase features fashion from the 1940s up to the 1990s, incorporated into the show with the era looks is a musical journey. The fashion show aims to be authentic when taking you back in time, fun, memorable and emotive.
Submitted by Sharon on
Members of the WAWI Project
It gives me great pleasure to write to inform you formally that the WAWI Project has been selected for a Silver Award under the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme. I am very conscious of the work that goes on behind the scenes to gain this level of recognition, and I offer sincere congratulations on behalf of the West Midland Reserve Forces and Cadets Association.
Submitted by Sharon on
Mrs Roma Taylor (nee Greaves), founder of the Windrush Cymru Elders is a prime example of a forgotten British Army veteran and hero of her local community in Cardiff. She came to the UK as part of the Windrush Generation and took up the vocation of a nurse within the NHS, like so many others in Britain’s hour of need. In 1959, Roma joined 203 Field Hospital (formerly known as 203 General Hospital in the Territorial Army) as a Queen Alexandra's Royal Army Nursing Corps (QARANC) Nurse. She combined her day job in the NHS with serving the nation (twice the citizen) in what is now known as t
Submitted by Sharon on
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ViGwxJloI70
'West Indies Calling' made in 1944 is a short BBC broadcast whereby West Indians' living in Britain explain to the British public the West Indians' contribution to the Second World War. Contributions include West Indian cricketer Learie Constantine who worked as a Welfare Officer for the Ministry of Labour during the war. Flying Officer Ulric Cross from Trinidad who was a Bomber Navigator with RAF Bomber Command whose illustrious career included flying over 80 bombing missions, and was awarded both the Distinguished Flying Cross and Distinguished Service Order.
Submitted by Sharon on
Article by Bill Hern and Steve Charlton
In November 2020 the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers Museum (Warwickshire) paid £10,540 to secure a plaque commemorating the man believed to be the first British regiment officer from an ethnic background to die in World War 1. That man was Lieutenant Euan Lucie-Smith and this is his remarkable story.
Euan Lucie-Smith was born in St Andrew, Jamaica on 14th December 1889.
Submitted by Sharon on
As Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon walked up the aisle of Westminster Abbey in 1923 to marry the future King George VI, she released her father’s arm, stepped aside, and tenderly placed her bouquet on the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior before approaching the altar.
It was a touching tribute to her brother Fergus Bowes-Lyon, a captain in the 8th Black Watch who was killed at the Battle of Loos on 27 September 1915, aged 26. Elizabeth's tribute to the Unknown Warrior became a tradition followed by every royal bride since.
Submitted by Sharon on
https://player.bfi.org.uk/free/film/watch-victory-parade-1946-online
Soldiers from the far reaches of the British Empire arrive in London to take part in the official commemoration of the end of war in Europe, a lavish state ceremony that took place over a year after actual V.E Day, on 8th July 1946.
