Thanksgiving Service in London Honours West Indian Soldiers with Sussex Links
A special service of thanksgiving held in London on June 11th paid tribute to the sacrifices of West Indian soldiers who served in both World Wars. The event was attended by the Bishop of Lewes, the Rt Reverend Will Hazlewood, and the Mayor of Seaford, Councillor Maggie Wearmouth.
The service recognised the contributions of the British West Indies Regiment (BWIR), which has a historical connection to Sussex. The regiment trained in Seaford before deploying to the Front during World War I. Notably, fifty-three members of the BWIR were confirmed in December 1915 by the then Bishop of Lewes, (Rt Rev Herbert Jones 1914-1920). At that time, the Diocese of Chichester purchased a church hut for the camp, which still stands today, although it will soon be demolished after years of use as an auction house in Lewes.
It is estimated that around 16,000 West Indians volunteered for service alongside the British in the Second World War alone.
The service took place at the Church of All-Hallows-On-The-Wall in London.
Royal Navy race advocate Commander Robert Jaffier said initiatives like All Hallows play an important role in driving important legacies forward.
He said: "Part of my role, and many people here today, is to help the young recruits and people developing within the Armed Forces, stand on our shoulders,"
Also present were the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress of London, Alastair and Florence King, along with the Chief Executive of the West India Committee, Mrs Blondel Cluff. CBE.
