The Jamaica Society Leeds has dedicated a memorial garden honouring Caribbean RAF veterans who served during the Second World War and later made Leeds their home, in a poignant ceremony held on Friday 8 May 2026 to mark VE Day 81.
Held at Jamaica House on Chapeltown Road, the event brought together veterans’ families, community members, dignitaries and young cadets in a powerful act of remembrance, reflection and gratitude for the Caribbean men and women whose contributions to Britain’s war effort were too often overlooked.
The ceremony opened with remarks from Jamaica Society Leeds Chairperson Wendy Henry, while curator and compeer Susan Pitter, known for the For King, Country and Home exhibition, guided proceedings with warmth and dignity.
Among the most emotional moments of the evening was the contribution of Yvonne English, widow of Jamaican RAF veteran Glen English, who delivered a poetry presentation reflecting on memory, sacrifice and family legacy.
The memorial plaque was unveiled jointly by Robert Chrouch, the Society’s oldest member and a representative of the Windrush generation, alongside Isaac Pitter, a young cadet and third-generation British Caribbean youth. Together, the unveiling symbolised the bridge between generations and the enduring legacy of Caribbean service and resilience in Britain.
Wreaths were laid by His Excellency Alexander Williams, Jamaican High Commissioner to the UK, Alison Lowe, Deputy Mayor of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, former Jamaica Society Leeds chairpersons Pancy Patterson and Dorothy Stewart, and community representatives including Arthur France and Gloria Hanley.
Tributes were also delivered by Flight Lieutenant Marian Stanley of RAF OC 208 North Leeds Squadron, Chris Conley of the Combined Cadet Force, cadets from 208 North Leeds Squadron and Bradford Grammar School Combined Cadet Force, and Glen Parsons of the Filey Memorial Campaign.
Speaking after the ceremony, Wendy Henry said:
“We hosted a deeply moving event to pay tribute to the sacrifice and long overlooked contributions of the Caribbean RAF servicemen to the war efforts and the city. Bringing together the families and community in a moment of reflection, unity and gratitude, we celebrated their legacy while strengthening the bonds of community for the future.”
A Roll Call of Honour and floral tributes from veterans’ family members ensured that both named and unnamed servicemen were remembered during the ceremony.
The evening concluded with a haunting tenor pan performance of The Last Post by Melvin Zakers, bringing the memorial event to a close with a powerful message of remembrance and respect.
The Jamaica Society Leeds, a registered charity founded to support and celebrate Caribbean heritage and community life in Yorkshire, said the memorial garden will now stand as a permanent tribute to the Caribbean RAF veterans whose service and sacrifice helped defend Britain during the Second World War.
For more information visit:
www.jamaicasocietyleeds.co.uk