Tri-Service

Parade honours Caribbean countries' contribution to the UK Armed Forces

After the war, the Windrush Generation, including those from the Caribbean and other Commonwealth countries, migrated to Britain and helped rebuild it

A parade and service in London celebrated the servicemen and women of the Caribbean, who have served in and with the UK Armed Forces through the centuries.

Fifty cadets, veterans and serving personnel marched in uniform through the streets of London to the All Hallows-on-the-Wall Church, to mark the annual event.

It is estimated that around 16,000 West Indians volunteered for service alongside the British in the Second World War alone.

It took until 2012 for veteran Andy Allen to become the first black colonel in the British Army.

"Now, let's just hold that soundbite for a moment. That was 2012," Mr Allen told BFBS Forces News, discussing the recognition ethnic minority groups in the forces have received over the years.

"It was quite strange to actually think it was still 2012, and it's the first time the British Army has ever done that."

He added that the UK Armed Forces has progressed "in many, many ways" in equality, diversity and inclusion over the years.

"The Armed Forces is all about being who you are, being the best that you can be. So, that's what made me drive myself to promotions," he explained.

"We're now getting promotion through the ranks of ethnic minorities, which is well needed."

After the war, the Windrush Generation, including those from the Caribbean and other Commonwealth countries, migrated to Britain and helped rebuild it.

Royal Navy race advocate Commander Robert Jaffier described stepping over "barriers" and "glass ceilings" to reach his rank, as a first-generation "child of the Windrush Generation".

"For us, the Motherland was key. The Motherland called, and we answered," Cdr Jaffier said.

Referencing a less-acknowledged role of West Indians in the Battles of Trafalgar and Waterloo and the World Wars, he said initiatives like All Hallows play an important role in driving important legacies forward.

"Part of my role, and many people here today, is to help the young recruits and people developing within the Armed Forces, stand on our shoulders," he said.