A Day of Honour in the Jamaica Society Leeds Memorial Garden

Today's guest blog is from The Jamaica Society Leeds.

Robert Chrouch, the oldest member of The Jamaica Society Leeds, and a young cadet unveil a commemorative plaque honouring Caribbean RAF veterans at a solemn ceremony.

On a sombre May evening, the Jamaica Society Leeds gathered with families, dignitaries and community elders to dedicate its garden as a permanent memorial to the

Caribbean RAF veterans who served in the Second World War and later made Leeds their home. It was a moment that was decades in the making - tender, proud, and deeply rooted in gratitude.

The ceremony opened with words from Wendy Henry, Chair of the Society, setting a tone of dignity and welcome. Susan Pitter, compere and curator of For King, Country and Home exhibition, carried the narrative with warmth, guiding the audience through the stories of service and sacrifice. One of the most moving reflections came from Yvonne English, widow of veteran Glen English, who presented a poetry tribute with quiet strength about love, loss, and legacy.

The unveiling of the memorial plaque with fifty names etched into brass, was followed by an epitaph honouring those whose names are missing: “Named or unnamed, we will remember them always.” It was a line that settled into the crowd like a promise.

Wreaths were laid by His Excellency Alexander Williams, Jamaican High Commissioner; Alison Lowe, Deputy Mayor of West Yorkshire; former Society chairs Pancy Patterson and Dorothy Stewart; community leaders Arthur France and Gloria Hanley; and representatives of the RAF and cadet forces including Flt Lt Marian Stanley and Chris Conley.

Then came the Roll Call of Honour. The families stepped forward with flowers, young cadets honouring unrepresented veterans, and Glenn Parsons laying a tribute for the unnamed but unforgotten.

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.”

A tenor pan rendition of The Last Post, arranged by Melvin Zakers, closed the ceremony with a sound both mournful and triumphant. It was a final salute rising into the evening air.

Plaque honouring Caribbean World War II RAF veterans of Leeds, adorned with wreaths and roses, stands solemnly in remembrance.