Brave soldiers of Caribbean descent who served Britain during various armed conflicts, including WW1 and WW2, will now have a dedicated Memorial Day to honor their service.
In 1915, a significant number of courageous individuals volunteered to fight for the nation, with many hailing from the Docklands community in south East London. The Lewisham Council has officially approved the establishment of British West Indies Regiment Day, scheduled to be observed annually on October 26th.
The initiative, spearheaded by the British West India Regiments Heritage Trust, aims to inspire other communities nationwide to follow suit. Paul Chambers, the Trust chair, expressed his enthusiasm stating, “This marks a significant milestone for BWIRHT.”
Chambers further elaborated, “The formal approval from Lewisham Council signifies a crucial step towards recognizing the service and sacrifices of Caribbean soldiers, highlighting their enduring impact on British history.
He emphasized, “This decision goes beyond mere symbolism. It validates the years of advocacy by BWIRHT to ensure these overlooked servicemen are rightfully honored. It also demonstrates Lewisham Council’s dedication to inclusive remembrance, historical justice, and the proper acknowledgment of Black British military history through education and respect.
Chambers added, “The Caribbean migration to Britain predates the Windrush era, with a notable presence in maritime communities like Lewisham and Deptford, where many Caribbean individuals settled.”
He highlighted the historical recruitment practices of the Royal Navy from Jamaica and Barbados, as well as the employment of Caribbean crew on merchant ships along the Thames. Boarding houses in areas such as New Cross, Deptford High Street, and Lewisham Bridge played pivotal roles in accommodating Black sailors.
During World War I, some of these men, like Norman Washington Manley and his brother Douglas Roy Manley, enlisted locally, with both serving in the Royal Field Artillery. Tragically, Douglas lost his life in service and was laid to rest in Belgium, while Norman, a distinguished figure who later contributed significantly to Jamaica’s governance, survived and went on to champion various societal reforms.
The shared dedication and sacrifices of these individuals continue to hold a revered place in Jamaica’s national memory. The BWIRHT serves as a non-profit organization committed to preserving and promoting the proud military legacy of the West Indies, ensuring that the stories of West Indian soldiers and their descendants are forever remembered.
Through remembrance, education, and advocacy, the BWIRHT celebrates the invaluable service and sacrifices made by West Indian soldiers, merging the historical legacies of the West Indies Regiments (WIR 1795-1927 & 1958-1962) and the British West Indies Regiment (BWIR 1915-1921).