110 years since the outbreak of World War One, a poignant Remembrance service in Brixton has united the community in honour of all those who have given their lives in service whilst highlighting the service of African and Caribbean men and women, who served in both World Wars.
Tri-Service personnel at the African and Caribbean War Memorial.
Tri-Service personnel and cadets march at the African and Caribbean War Memorial.
Tri-Service personnel at the African and Caribbean War Memorial.
Army veteran standard bearer at the African and Caribbean War Memorial.
Of the 17.3 million service personnel who served in both World Wars it is estimated that two million were drawn from Africa and the Caribbean, yet their sacrifice was often overlooked.
Initially in the First World War, the British Army was an exclusively white man’s career. But George V decreed that men from the Empire could serve and 15,600 men selflessly enlisted into the British West India Regiment to fight for the sake of freedom. They travelled from their tropical homeland to fight in the cold, bitter conditions of the Western Front and over 1,500 never returned to their homes.
" Today, we stand together in unity, reflecting on the past and committing to a future of peace and understanding. We express our deepest gratitude to all veterans and active service members. Your courage and dedication are an inspiration to us all."
Last month, Brigadier Karl Harris CBE - the British Army’s most senior serving soldier of African-Caribbean heritage and Director of the Army’s Land Command and Staff College - travelled with veterans and serving personnel to Ypres and unveiled a memorial to the fallen of the eleven battalions of the British West India Regiments. Organised by the British West India Regiments Heritage Trust and supported by the Royal British Legion, the pilgrimage to Ypres demonstrated the shared bonds and sacrifices made by many communities from across the United Kingdom and Commonwealth, who fought for the freedoms we enjoy today.
Working with communities and charities, the Armed Forces are determined to ensure Remembrance honours the service and sacrifice of all, and this year the British Army is proud to play its part doing so in Lambeth.
The Remembrance service was held at The African and Caribbean War Memorial on Windrush Square, Brixton within hours of the National Act of Remembrance at the Cenotaph in Westminster.
Crowds soon gathered as the Band of the Household Cavalry performed a dignified programme of music in their striking red and blue cloaks.
The Brixton ceremony also marked the seventh anniversary of the Windrush Square war memorial’s unveiling. Inscribed with the words “Remembering the Forgotten,” the memorial was created by the Nubian Jak Community Trust, and was endorsed by Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, before being permanently installed in the square on Windrush Day in 2017.
This unique service, intended to be an annual event, remembered all the people whose service and sacrifice helped defend our freedoms. Finally, we recognise that armies in the World Wars included soldiers from every inhabited continent, and a significant proportion came from Africa and the Caribbean. Then, as now, we recognise that Britain is at its best when we stand together.
The service included representation from The Mayor of Lambeth, Jamaican and Kenyan High Commissioners, MPs, veterans, military personnel, and special guests from across the community, representing a wide range of faiths and heritage.
African drumming set the rhythm and tone for a unique memorial service, designed especially for those it honoured and the community hosting the occasion. The unity of the event was marked by participation of a variety of faith leaders. A Libation by Shakara Bndeka was followed by Muslim Prayers with Umar Mahmood, a Jewish Prayer by Rabbi Herschel Gluck OBE and a Christian Prayer by Reverand E Wooff.
After the Mayor and senior dignitaries from the Commonwealth gave their respective tributes to the fallen, balloons were released into the dusky South London skies to celebrate the service of World War Two Royal Air Force (RAF) veteran Gilbert Clark.
The marching component took to the square heralded by the band of the Household Cavalry. Volunteers from the Army, Navy, RAF, and Combined Cadet Forces paraded under the command of Major Kidane Cousland MBE RA, who led the march past at the monument’s unveiling in 2017 and has supported the service every year since. He was ably supported by the Parade Sergeant Major, Squadron Sergeant Major Kensal Gayle, who volunteered to plan and organise this complex and novel military display.
We must continue to work collectively together to make sure we draw on the talent of all of our peoples. We must ensure we have a British Army that is representative of British society in 2024 and beyond, providing fantastic opportunities for all, and able to do its duty fighting on and from the land if required.
The Rev Micheal King then took the traditional and comforting service of Remembrance. Brigadier Harris read the Exhortation, and a minute’s silence followed the haunting sounds of the Last Post. This was followed by Warrant Officer Class One Buglass, the Second Sea Lord’s Warrant Officer, reading the Kohima Epitaph.
There then followed a Faiths mixing sand ceremony, symbolising harmony and equality in diversity, underlining that this was a service for all.
Following the formal parade, community groups, organisations, and members of the public were invited to lay wreaths and to pay their respects to those who selflessly fought for our freedom. As they did so, a poignant poem was sung: ‘Remember our Heroes’, and all present were invited to join in.
Brigadier Karl Harris provided the closing address prior to the events conclusion.
He said: “Today, we stand together in unity, reflecting on the past and committing to a future of peace and understanding. We express our deepest gratitude to all veterans and active service members. Your courage and dedication are an inspiration to us all."
The parade marched off to the cheers of the crowd and once dismissed from the parade joined the assembled guests who flocked to thank the Soldiers, Sailors, Aviators and Cadets. A living demonstration of the gratitude the community feels for all those who serve our country, both past and present.
The speaker, guests and military personnel headed to the Mayor’s Parlour for refreshments and to share memories of service and sacrifice. It was a day that would live long in the memories of all who attended as they sought to narrate a fuller history and respect everyone who served with equal fervour and dignity.
It was also a day for those service personnel present of African-Caribbean heritage to reflect on their proud places in the modern Armed Forces, to witness career opportunities for them, and for becoming the torch bearers inspiring future generations. By uncovering, reclaiming, and honouring their ancestors’ contributions to Britain, the Armed Forces secures a strong foundation for everyone’s future.
Brigadier Harris explained events such as this are important because they allow people who may have felt disenfranchised, to see soldiers and officers who look just like them, being successful, respected, and leading the way in honouring their cultural heritage:
“We must continue to work collectively together to make sure we draw on the talent of all of our peoples. We must ensure we have a British Army that is representative of British society in 2024 and beyond, providing fantastic opportunities for all, and able to do its duty fighting on and from the land if required”, he said.
This annual event was possible due to the dynamic partnership of four groundbreaking local organisations determined to redress the failures of the past and lay the foundations for a better future for all. The Nubian Jak Community Trust (NJCT) worked closely in partnership with the West Indian Association of Service Personnel (WASP), the Black Cultural Archives (BCA) and the Friends of Windrush Square (FoWS). Their combined passion and determination attracted the support of the Ministry of Defence, via the multi-cultural network volunteers, and Lambeth Council to deliver what was an inclusive, significant, memorable and deeply moving event.
NJCT was founded in 2006 and is the only commemorative plaque and sculpture scheme focused on memorialising the historic contributions of Black and minority ethnic people in Britain and beyond.
WASP represent the interests of the British Armed Forces veteran community coming from, or having, African and or Caribbean ancestry. WASP pursues this aim through the provision of lifelong welfare support, empowering and honouring this community.
The Black Cultural Archives’ mission is to collect, preserve, and celebrate the histories of people of African and Caribbean descent in the UK. They are a Black-led, Brixton-based, independent charity rooted in 40 years of educational activism. BCA promote the importance of historical reflection as a powerful tool to help society learn from the past and work towards a more racially just and equitable future for all.
The Friends of Windrush Square (FoWS) represent a diverse collection of local residents, activists and business representatives. Their mission is to protect and promote the heritage, function, and architecture of Windrush Square (and its surroundings) by advocating for initiatives that generate social value.
The Defence Rastafari Network, Army Multicultural Network, RAF BAME network and RN Race Diversity Network are all established Service Peoples’ networks in Defence. They volunteer their own time to support Armed Forces initiatives like this and others, improving operational effectiveness through the inclusion and support of all who serve.
Remember Our Heroes, by Alexander D. Great
Of our heroes we should be proud,
Calling their names out loud.
When the whole world had gone to war
Caribbeans helped to even the score.
The British government came and asked us
To help the Mother Country.
And many volunteered right away
To rid this world of tyranny.
Chorus:
Remember our heroes
Who left homes and wives
And journeyed to Europe
To fight for our lives
To shake off our forefathers
Shackles and gyves,
Because of them
Freedom survives.
They were proud to don uniform
And to face the eye of the storm.
Boys too young would lie about their age,
Filled with keen and justified rage.
The Caribbean Regiment fought for freedom
And future equality;
And formed the bridgehead for generations to come,
For you and for me.
Chorus:
Remember our heroes
Who left homes and wives
And journeyed to Europe
To fight for our lives
To shake off our forefathers
Shackles and gyves,
Because of them
Freedom survives.
