Lieutenant-General Sir Thomas Maitland (1759 - 1824) was the Commander-in-Chief of the British expeditionary force to Saint-Domingue and a Colonel of the British 10th West India Regiment (1798 – 1802). "He was an able if unscrupulous man, an experienced and crafty soldier who later became Governor of Malta."

P.S. ...and the West Indians!

Click the above image for more figures.

For generations West Indian women have followed a calling to care for the sick and weak. Despite a lack of credit or recognition, we thank you for turning the other cheek.

NANNY OF THE MAROONS possessed a wide knowledge of herbs and other traditional healing methods practiced by African and native Islanders.

The Royal British Legion invited WAWI, amongst others, to participate in the opening of the Poppy Appeal Launch on Fri 28 Oct 2011, in front of the Council House (Victoria Square, Birmingham).

The launch was brought forward at the last minute.

Just some of the British & Caribbean Veterans who have fought and continue to fight for democracy and freedom.

Thank You All

The game of Rugby began at Rugby School, Warwickshire, England in 1750.

However, many rugby playing countries had pre-existing football games not dissimilar to rugby. The first Rugby World Cup tournament was not held until 1987, hosted by Australia. Largely due to the support of the Commonwealth Nations, it is now a multi-million pound sport and a major entertainment industry. 

An example of where the Commonwealth leads - everyone benefits.

DID YOU SPOT THE OBVIOUS MISTAKE?

No?

The answer...

Few people ever read the small print.

The declaration on the inside cover on the passport on the left reads ....

The sacrifices made by over 15,000  British West Indians who volunteered to serve under British Imperial Command, joining fellow West Indians and other members of the Commonwealth family have largely been ignored in accounts of World War 1. 

The following links provides details of how on the 19th September 1918 an opportunity arose for the British West Indian Regiment to change the course of the War. 

On 19 September, St. Kitts and Nevis will have attained 28 years of full independence from Britain… WAWI would like to wish them all the best and remind everyone that when Britain called they came...

Following America's entry into WW2 in 1941, they made a request to Britain for  workers - under the heading of Manpower & Agriculture on a fixed term appointment.

Britain looked to the Caribbean and in response over 40,000 British West Indians volunteered. Permission granted, they worked in factories and on farms all over the USA. Jasper Powell was one such worker and this is his story....