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Farewell to a Pioneer
Following the passing on October 1st 2024 of 98 year old Jamaican born WW2 veteran Alford Gardner, Director of the Jamaica Society’s 2022 Out of Many Festival, Susan Pitter reflects on her memories of a remarkable man.
The definition of a trailblazer is a person who is the first to do something; a pioneer among the first to settle in a new country or area. And since a tribute gives gratitude, admiration and respect this is my personal tribute to Alford Gardner – a trailblazer for whom my admiration is limitless.
So much has been written about Alford’s life particularly in the days since his passsing on October 1st. (All the more poignant as it was the first day of Black History Month). The definitive version is of course the wonderful autobiography Finding Home: A Windrush Story he co-wrote with his son Howard – a wonderful book which oozes with love and respect.
I keep hearing how much he means to the Black community. All true. But Alford’s standing is not only in the city’s Black community, but as a citizen of Leeds. Reverence for him goes beyond Leeds, it is national and international too. He was the city’s last surviving West Indian WW2 veteran and HMT Windrush passenger (one of only two nationally) who answered Britain’s call twice – once to defend the nation, again as part of a generation invited to help rebuild post-war Britain.
By answering those calls alone he is, by definition a pioneer, among those who came first – before Windrush – whose trailblazing helped to shape the city of Leeds and formed the foundations of the Black community we know today. They paved the way for those who came after them, including my own parents. My 96-year-old Uncle Josclyn Morris who now lives in Jamaica, has said that were it not for the guidance of his friend Alford and other Caribbean WW2 veterans already living in Leeds when he arrived in the early 50s, he may not have survived. He has never forgotten his kindness.
I don’t remember meeting Alford as a child, but do remember his name and front-room talk of him being “in the war.” I remember fellow Caribbean Cricket Club founder and RAF veteran Glen English introducing me with kind words.” I know your parents. Keep up the good work lass. Make us proud“. Then for the first time, that signature laugh.
Flash forward to the 2019 Eulogy exhibition on the lives of first-generation Jamaicans of Leeds. Alford’s interviews, photo identification of his peers long gone, and loan of 1940s keepsakes were critical to Eulogy’s success. It is still Leeds Central Library’s most visited exhibition in its 138 year history. Without question, Eulogy would not have had the impact it did without Alford‘s input.
His voice, photos and memories also helped to shape the For King, Country & Home exhibition on the lives of the city’s Caribbean WW2 veterans. It was Alford who, with great pride officially opened the exhibition in April 2023 for the Out of Many Festival.
Alford delivered countless talks for children, students, and schools. It strikes me that if so many children and young people in particular have been fascinated by his life and contributions, shouldn’t the school curriculum feature more stories of Alford and his fellow WW2 Caribbean servicemen and women?
In November 2022, Alford was a special guest for HM King Charles‘ visit to the Jamaica Society’s Rebellion to Romance exhibition. He was our figurehead, our royalty.
Alford was in great demand as the country marked Windrush 75 in 2023. King Charles commissioned eight portraits of Windrush pioneers, including Alford. I attended the unveilings at Buckingham Palace and got to witness the celebrities clamouring to meet him. Alford was unphased but, in a quiet moment he turned to me and said, with tears in his eyes, “Who would have thought a little boy running up and down the countryside in Jamaica with no shoes on would be sitting in big Buckingham Palace? I wonder what the old man would have said.” I answered that his father would be proud. That we’re all proud of him. I’ve never seen his famous smile bigger than on that day.
Alford brought joy to so many. I know of two things that brought him joy – music and his beloved Jamaica. He would call me from time to time to ask when I was going to Jamaica and try to hatch plots to travel together. My most precious memory is us dancing at the It’s A Wrap Reggae Party last May. His face was aglow as he wowed the crowd with dance moves that belied his 97 years.
I‘ll treasure our chats. My calls on Rememberance Sundays to thank him for his contributions being met everytime with a chuckle and “Thank you my dear. At your service.” His comical plans to win at bingo and to dance together again at a big party with Jamaican music and food. His conviction that regret was not a word in his vocabulary.
These are my memories to treasure. What I hope that you can agree is that Alford Darymple Gardner fits the definition of a trailblazing pioneer. His passing is truly the end of an era. If I had my way, there’d be blue plaques erected, buildings and streets named in his memory. Fitting as they might be, it is his legacy that is more valuable. What I shall treasure most and always is the fire he has lit in me to continue helping to champion, protect and preserve that legacy.
Until the next dance.
Thank you Alford.
Susan