George Blackman

[Sgt York]

I can't recall if this news has been posted before, which appeared in the Guardian on March 3rd, 2003 by Simon Rogers.

Last Caribbean veteran of First World War dies at 105

The last Caribbean soldier to have served in the British army on the western front during the first world war has died at the age of 105.

George Blackman - also thought to be the oldest living Barbadian - had been admitted to hospital with severe pains. "He was reported to be doing fine and was due for release from hospital, but succumbed to his illness," said an official at the Barbados ministry of foreign affairs.

Mr Blackman was one of 15,000 men who volunteered for the British West Indies Regiment at the outbreak of war in 1914. Instead of the glory of fighting for the mother country, they found casual racism and horrific danger. Often denied the status of combat troops, they were instead given dangerous tasks in no man's land such as laying telephone cables or carrying ammunition.

After a mutiny of Caribbean soldiers at a British base in Taranto, Italy, at the end of the war, many were shipped home without victory parades.

A campaign to recognise the 4 million servicemen and women from Asia, Africa and the Caribbean who served in both world wars achieved success last year, when the Queen opened memorial gates in their honour in Hyde Park.

[christine liava'a]

What about the Pacific!!

Does anyone have a report or photo of the opening and the memorial?

[john w.]

Rest at last....

sunset march 3rd 2003...

better than saying died/sleeping..

those from the carribean will know what I mean

John

[Sgt York]

Christine,

The following is the BBC website report on the event.

Ronnie.

Memorial Gates

Standing at the top of London's Constitution Hill, four stone columns in Portland Stone each topped by a bronze urn, proudly glisten in the autumn sunshine. The names India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Africa, Caribbean and Kingdom of Nepal are carved into the sides.

Considered by many to be long overdue, this lasting symbol of solid gratitude is dedicated to the enormous contribution made by the Indian Sub Continent, Africa and the Caribbean to both the First and Second World Wars. Not only was that contribution massive in terms of service men and women, but also raw materials and money, which helped sustain the Allied war efforts.

Her Majesty the Queen will officially open the gates this November in a ceremony attended by ex-servicemen and women, diplomatic representatives and members of the Memorial Gates Trust.

Established in 1998 The Memorial Gates Trust, with the support of the Millennium Commission, has successfully campaigned for a Memorial to mark the enormous sacrifices made by nearly five million volunteers during the First and Second World Wars.

In an effort to raise awareness of the important role played by the Commonwealth nations, the Memorial trust is producing an educational project to provide a sense of identity and connection, especially for those descended from the millions of volunteers who now live in the United Kingdom.

Despite the passing of 57 years since the end of the Second World War, the Gates signify a lasting unity and comradeship by people of many faiths and racial backgrounds in the face of great tyranny and danger. In the light of current world climates the timing of the Memorial Gates appear poignant rather than overdue.

[christine liava'a]

Thanks, but it seems they forgot about us!

People from this area were not very many in number, particularly when compared to other populations, but their numbers out of the population of their home islands were high. In Fiji the European population was only about 4000 men, women and children. Out of these, approx. 1000 were involved with the war as soldiers.