100-year-old WW2 veteran Mr P A Jacob recounts his war time service to his good friend Mr H Barnes, chair of the WAWI Project. 

Jeffery Williams is not just a name but a beacon of selflessness and unwavering dedication to serving others, particularly within the military community. With years of remarkable service in the Royal Marines Commandos, Jeffery has left an indelible mark through his acts of charity and advocacy.

Who knew a chance meeting back in 2013 would develop into a well-established working relationship that is as strong today as when it began. 

WMP/BAPA and WAWI Project are often seen together at community events, Remembrance Services and in schools throughout the year.

Thanks to now retired Superintendent Karen Geddes whose passion to bring about change within the Police Service and the community in which she lives knew no bounds.

This is Karen's story

Irvin Holness a 19-year-old tailor from St Elizabeth in Jamaica left the shores of the Caribbean in 1957 to build a new life in England. He joined his elder brother who was already residing in Dudley and gained employment in Brierley Hill. 

The Armistice, an agreement to end the fighting of the First World War as a prelude to peace negotiations, began at 11am on 11 November 1918. Armistice is Latin for to stand (still) arms. In the United Kingdom and Commonwealth countries, Armistice Day is observed with a two minute silence on the eleventh hour. Why? 1 minute was a time of thanksgiving for those who had returned alive, the second minute was to remember the fallen.

The WAWI Projects principle aim is to record and promote the history of the people who have served Britain. Whilst attending his uncle’s funeral (a National Service Veteran) H Barnes (WAWI founder) was approached by Dennis Joseph who asked if he would like to hear about an RAF veteran approaching their 100th Birthday.

Contacting our RAF Community Engagement Officer Sgt Chiv Chand, an invitation was issued to all interested parties to attend RAF Cosford in honour of the service and contributions made by Mr Nicholas born in Jamaica on 18th September 1923.

By Audrey Dewjee

The stories of the Windrush generation were once little known but, following the Windrush Scandal, the general public is now more aware of what happened to people who arrived from the Caribbean between the end of World War Two and the coming into force of the Immigration Act 1971.  The arrivals’ experience was one of struggle – against racism in many quarters such as housing, education, employment, policing and from neighbours – and eventual success, as families settled and thrived despite the odds.

As the Nation, Commonwealth and indeed World mourn the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, members of the WAWI Project payed its own personal tribute.

The West India Regiment Queens Colour and Trinidadian Royal Naval Reserve Standard were lowered and a minute silence observed to allow personal time for reflection.

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.