In Memory Of The Service Men And Women From Africa And The Caribbean Who Served Alongside The Forces Of The British Commonwealth And Her Allies During WW1 and WW2.
The idea for the African and Caribbean War Memorial originated in the desire to commemorate Caribbean Royal Air Force veterans of World War II. However, as the project unfolded, it evolved into a far larger tribute that marked contributions to victory made in both World Wars by more than two million servicemen and women from the Caribbean and Africa.
The memorial was ready in early 2014, but fundraising efforts to cover the cost of its manufacture, plinth design and installation ceremony (planned for Armistice Day in November 2016 meant that the memorial waited in storage until NJCT could find a suitable location. Finally, on 28 September 2016, planning permission was granted, and the memorial was permanently installed and unveiled on 22 June 2017 in Windrush Square, Brixton. As it is locally known, the Brixton Cenotaph is the United Kingdom’s national memorial to African and Caribbean service personnel who fought in the First and Second World Wars.
Designed by Jak Beula, the African and Caribbean War Memorial consists of two 6-foot obelisks made from Scottish whinstone, weighing approximately 0.75 tons, and a pyramidal plinth made from Ancaster stone which weighs just under 1.5 tons (combined weight 3 tons). Inscribed are every regiment from Africa and the Caribbean who served in World Wars I and II.
The unveiling ceremony was attended by war veterans, Commonwealth High Commissioners and other dignitaries, and members of the public. Those named as being honoured with medals were Alhaji Grunshi, Lionel Turpin, Walter Tull, William Robinson Clarke, Cy Grant, Ulric Cross, Sam King, Una Marson, Charles Drew, Norma Best and Allan Wilmot. Present to receive his medal in person, 93-year-old veteran Wilmot (former member of 1950s group The Southlanders), said: “I’m glad that I’m still alive to witness it (the recognition).”