Sharon's blog

Why are West Indians in this Country? Britain Called and they answered.

For more than 10 years the WAWI Project has been raising awareness of the Windrush story and the real reason why hundreds of British passport holders came to Britain in 1948.

They brought hope, help and friendship and much needed money to boost a struggling economy.

In honour of all those who came to help rebuild Broken Britain, the WAWI Project and our Community partners held a variety of events spanning 9 days beginning 16th June.

Courtesy of Bill Hern.

In 1928, 17 year old John Edward ‘Eddie’ Parris a left winger signed for Bradford Park Avenue and remained at the club until 1934. Appearing in 133 games he scored 38 goals.

On 5th December 1931 he was selected to play for Wales against Ireland, becoming the first black footballer to play for Wales. Wales beat Ireland in Belfast 4 – 0 but it would be Eddie’s only International appearance.

Few people have heard the name of Walter Tull. Those who have, rarely appreciate the relevance of his contribution to both sport and service to King and Country.

His early life was marred with personal tragedy, and has he grew up he continued to face hardship and misfortune. Despite this deprived start in life, his conviction to succeed, guts and skill, helped him to shape a career in football.

Remembrance commemorations take place every year across the world with the Poppy taking Centre stage as a symbol of peace. These events are an opportunity to remember the sacrifices made by all communities regardless of Colour, Creed or race. 

Retired Captain and WAWI Member, Kevin Junor led the Parade in Bolton, Canada. https://www.caledonenterprise.com/community-story/7847977-in-photos-bolton-remembrance-day-ceremony/

William Stephen Palmer Tull, 1882 - 1920

William Stephen Palmer Tull was the eldest brother of Second Lieutenant Walter Daniel John Tull notable for having been a professional football star and the first black combat officer to be killed in the Great War.

22nd June 2017 at Windrush Square, Brixton saw a permanent memorial to African and Caribbean servicemen and women unveiled in a ceremony attended by Defence Secretary Michael Fallon and Mayor of London Sadiq Khan.

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/first-ever-memorial-to-african-and-ca...

During a visit to the National Army Museum I came across a newspaper article related to the 3rd West India Regiment based in Sierra Leone.

Whilst preparing to leave Sierra Leone the soldiers of the West India Regiment came upon a goat and decided to claim him as their mascot. The goat happily accompanied them for several miles as they marched back to the dock where their boat was moored ready to take them back to Jamaica.

Article by Neil M C Sinclair

The Toronto Scottish Regiment (Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother’s Own)25 (now 32) (Toronto) Service Battalion

Article / February 22, 2016 / Project number: 16-0012

Toronto, ON — “We are not rich but we have access to privilege.”

Captain (Retired) Kevin Junior’s favourite saying originated with his daughter Shana when she was nine, but it could be the definition of his life.

Written by Sathesh Alagappan

Today footballers of West Indian and African descendents are a familiar site in English football. For the most part, they are able to play the game as equals, and have had a significant role in shaping modern football.

However, in the 1970's and 1980's, black footballers were a rare sight. It took a brave wave of first and second generation West Indian migrants to break the mould. They faced discrimination and rampant racism from fans, but they helped change the face of football.