England – Kean Smith

“People arriving in the UK between 1948 and 1971 from Caribbean countries have been labelled the Windrush generation.

It refers to the ship MV Empire Windrush, which docked in Tilbury on 22 June 1948, bringing workers from Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago and other islands, to help fill post-war UK labour shortages.

The ship carried 492 passengers – many of them children.” – Windrush generation: Who are they and why are they facing problems? (2020, July 31). BBC. Retrieved November 24, 2021, from https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-43782241

“The Windrush scandal, which broke in April 2018, saw the UK government apologise for deportation threats made to Commonwealth citizens’ children.

Despite living and working in the UK for decades, many were told they were there illegally because of a lack of official paperwork.” – Windrush generation: Who are they and why are they facing problems? (2020, July 31). BBC. Retrieved November 24, 2021, from https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-43782241

“The Home Office said claims had sped up and that £20.4m has been paid to 687 people, with £9m offered to applicants.” – Symonds, T. (2021, May 27). Windrush compensation: £30 offered to victims so far, Home Office says. BBC. Retrieved November 24, 2021, from https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-57271540

For more information go to www.gov.uk

If you are just joining us then I recommend that you read my blog posted 7 November, 2021 titled “Part 1 – Exploring Central London … the quest for family”.

Another eye opening experience

You may recall that after walking along Smith Street I arrived at my destination. I entered the building and after a few COVID-19 formalities, I was advised to follow the relevant signs like the one pictured below:

I do not know about you but the words “West Indian” always bring a feeling of familiarity, good energy and community to mind. Of course, where there is community one is likely to find family.

So look at this photo below … look at what I found!

“Excuse me?”

I had to take a pause and read every single word on these posters.

“Wow.”

A request for volunteers. Did anyone from your family or community volunteer?

I could not help but wonder whether my ancestors read those posters. What did they think or say? I can only imagine the conversations that followed at home, in the neighbourhood, and at work.

What about you? Were any stories shared with you about your family experiences contributing to the War effort?

Well, if that was not enough, I came across an intriguing photo and information that I had to record and share here.

Is this person family? My family or your family?

Carefully read the text in this photo below. Are you related to any of those individuals?

Who were Lance Corporal C.P. Bethel (Bahamas) and Private Edward Jones (Barbados)? Do you know? If you do then please share their stories with us.

Remembrance pin badge, metal, British West Indies Regiment, 2015

Summary of the history of the West India Regiments

Badge designs of Turks & Caicos Regiment (left) and Cayman Islands Regiment (right)

Below is an interesting story about the West India Regiment.

It is obvious to me that the soldiers who were involved in this historic event had excellent critical thinking skills that they used for everyone’s benefit.

Very interesting story … reading about such sacrifice and determination
encourage me to do my best at all times

Well, I did not find any family but I did find references to Lance Corporal C.P. Bethel (Bahamas) and Private Edward Jones (Barbados). These references may lead you and me to information about our families during the First World War.

If you have a story about Lance Corporal C.P. Bethel (Bahamas) and/or Private Edward Jones (Barbados) then please share it!

So until next time, I send you best wishes and the following photo.

Category: England

Windrush Compensation Scheme: £30m offered to victims so far

Part 2 – Exploring Central London … the quest for family