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Jamaica Society Leeds Honours Caribbean RAF Veterans with Memorial Garden Dedication and Plaque Unveiling
Jamaican High Commissioner, Alexander Williams with Deputy Mayor of West Yorkshire, Alison Lowe greet the families of the Caribbean RAF veterans. Friday 8th May 2026, VE Day 81, was a moving day of remembrance. It was the moment that the members of the Jamaica Society Leeds dedicated our garden as a memorial to the Caribbean RAF veterans who served in the Second World War and later made Leeds their home. The ceremony brought together families, community, and dignitaries in a powerful act of honour, reflection, and gratitude.
The event opened with our Chairperson Wendy Henry with reverence and respect, while the compeer Susan Pitter, curator of the For King, Country and Home exhibition, guided the proceedings with warmth and dignity. Among the most heartfelt moments was the presence of Yvonne English, widow of Glen English, one of the Jamaican RAF veterans honoured on the day. Her poetry presentation gave the occasion a deeply personal meaning, reminding everyone that remembrance is not only about history, but about lives, families, and love carried forward.
The plaque was unveiled by Robert Chrouch, the Society’s oldest member and Windrush generation and Isaac Pitter, young cadet and third generation British Caribbean, both represent the foundations of our community and our future.
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 Society chairpersons Pancy Patterson and Dorothy Stewart, and community representatives Arthur France and Gloria Hanley. Tributes also came from Flt Lt Marian Stanley from RAF OC 208 North Leeds Squadron, Chris Conley, the Instructor of the Combined Cadet Force and cadets from OC 208 North Leeds and Bradford Grammar School Combined Cadet Force, and Mr Glen Parsons of the Filey Memorial Campaign.
Wendy Henry, Chairperson of the Jamaica Society Leeds remarked: “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.”
The Roll Call of Honour and floral tributes by the veterans’ family members gave voice to both the named and the unnamed. The evening closed with a hauntingly beautiful tenor pan rendition of The Last Post by Melvin Zakers, leaving one message clear: named or unnamed, we will remember them always.
