Why Are West Indians In This Country News

SS Mendi Commemoration

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SS Mendi Commemoration

Why Are West Indian Legionnaires joined members of the South African Legion for the SS Mendi Remembrance Parade in Southampton.

http://www.itv.com/news/meridian/topic/ss-mendi/

"On 21st February 1917, during World War 1, a British Chartered Troopship containing a full Battalion of South African Native Labour Corps men and officers on its way to the Western Front was rammed in Fog conditions in the English Channel.

We Were There - Exhibition

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The online version of 'We Were There' is now available to view.

It is a tribute to the contribution made to Britain's defence by military and civilian personnel from what was the British Empire now known as the Commonwealth and whose descendents now form part of the richly diverse ethnic population in the United Kingdom.

http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20040524045243/http://mod.uk/wewerethere/

400 years of Caribbean Contribution to British Heritage and Culture

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400 years of Caribbean Contribution to British Heritage and Culture

Our exibition was a culmination of 5 years research into British history. It was put together by members of the WAWI Project, who shared a common interest in highlighting our forgotten history. Some information may have been familar whilst other exhibits may have been knew.

We all have a duty to learn from history, as well as make history and to that end, we hope that those who visited, shared with others what they had learned. 

VJ Day Commemorations in Birmingham

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VJ Day Commemorations in Birmingham

The war in Europe officially ended on May 8th 1945 when Germany signed a surrender document. Japan refused to accept unconditional surrender and so war continued in the Pacific.

It was not until 15th August that Japan announced its surrender, following the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and ended one of the worst episodes in British military history.

It is anticipated that there were 71,000 British and Commonwealth casualties of the war against Japan, including more than 12,000 prisoners of war who died in Japanese captivity.

400 years of Caribbean Contribution to British Heritage and Culture

Submitted by Sharon on

400 Years - Educational Exhibition

Our new educational exhibition goes on display at the Heritage Gallery (Solihull Central Library) from Monday 1st June - Friday 31st July 2015.

400 years of Caribbean contribution to "British heritage and culture", aims to provide an insight into why thousands of volunteers from the British speaking West Indies answered Britain's call in defence of her Empire. Our timeline covers: The Napoleonic Wars, the First World War, Second World War, Women at War and the Home Front, concluding with the poppy and its relevance to all communities.

Project Newsletter - 2014

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Photo courtesy of Sam Vaughan - WAWI Committee member

Summary

We began 2014 with Standard Bearer training delivered by the Royal British Legion and ended with the Federation of Ex-service Associations Christmas dinner. In between the Project supported a variety of events, went back to school and even paraded on the pitch at Villa Park. 

Bringing History to Life

Who was Arthur Wharton?

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Unveiling of Arthur Wharton Statue

A statue of Arthur Wharton; the world's first black professional footballer; has been unveiled at St George's Park National Football Centre in Burton.

The plaque reads: Arthur Wharton: October 1865 - December 1930 "This statue commemorates Arthur Wharton, the world's first black professional footballer, and one of the early pioneers and trailblazers in sport. Wharton was also a professional cricketer, cycling champion, rugby player and the world's first official sprint champion achieving unparalleled success in the face of adversity."

Pilots of the Caribbean Launch - RAF Museum Cosford

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WAWI Project attend Pilots of the Caribbean

A brand new exhibition entitled 'Pilots of the Caribbean: Volunteers of African Heritage in the Royal Air Force' opened at the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford on 6th October 2014.

Coinciding with this year's Black History Month; in partnership with the Black Cultural Archives and with additional input from the WAWI Project; this informative exhibition commemorates the contribution of brave volunteers from Africa and the Caribbean Islands, who came to Britain's defence; receiving no less than 100 Gallantry Medals.

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