Black History Month — A century of heroes
As 2018 marks the centenary of the end of the First World War, this Black History Month we look back over the last 100 years to recognise and commemorate the immense contribution that black service personnel have made to defending the United Kingdom.
Join us throughout October as serving members of the UK Armed Forces reflect upon the stories of those who served before them.
1925–1950: The Second World War
In the third week of Black History Month 2018 we hear the stories of those individuals who gave their service to the country during the Second World War.
Pilot Officer John Henry Smythe
Stirling bomber pilot
He completed 27 operational missions over Germany and Italy. On the night in 1943, his Short Stirling heavy bomber was shot down on a raid to Mannheim.
He was sponsored by the government of his native Sierra Leone to volunteer as a RAF navigator in the Second World War. He completed 27 operational missions over Germany and Italy. On the night of 18 November 1943, his Short Stirling heavy bomber was shot down on a raid to Mannheim. Smythe escaped by parachute and attempted to hide in a barn. Unfortunately, he was captured and spent the next 18 months in a prisoner of war camp until he was liberated by the Soviet Red Army. After the war, Pilot Officer Smythe stayed in the RAF studying law until 1951 when he was called to the Bar at Middle Temple. He married and later returned to Sierra Leone where he continued his law career, including an appointment as Attorney-General. In 1978, Smythe was awarded the OBE and returned to the UK, settling in Oxfordshire. Pilot Officer Smythe died in 1996.
Major Seth Kwabia Anthony
First African to gain a King’s Commission (1944)
Anthony ended the war with the rank of major, having been mentioned in dispatches on several occasions. Appointed a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) of the Military Division, he later worked as an Assistant District Officer in the years prior to the Gold Coast’s independence.
Anthony (1915–2008) was from the Gold Coast (now Ghana) and already an officer cadet in the local forces when he enlisted in the Gold Coast Regiment of the Royal West African Frontier Force in 1939. Initially involved in the training of recruits, in 1941 he was sent for officer training at Sandhurst, being commissioned as second lieutenant in 1942. He later served in Burma with the 81st West African Division.
Anthony ended the war with the rank of major, having been mentioned in dispatches on several occasions. Appointed a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) of the Military Division, he later worked as an Assistant District Officer in the years prior to the Gold Coast’s independence. He later served as Ghana’s first permanent representative at the United Nations in New York.
1950–1975: The founding regiments
In the second week of 2018’s Black History Month, we are commemorating the great regiments and units formed from across the African nations. Some of which went on to form the founding of their nations forces as they are known today, some were amalgamated in the 60’s into British units we know today, but one thing they all have in common is their deep and historic links with today’s British forces.
The King’s African Rifles
The regiment was retitled the East African Land Forces in 1957
The King’s African Rifles (KAR) were a multi-battalion British regiment that was operational until the 1960s and performed both military as well as external and internal security functions within the East African colonies.
An amalgamation of the Uganda Rifles, the Central African Regiment and the East African Rifles, the King’s African Rifles (KAR) were organised and named in 1902.
Soldiers were referred to as ‘Askari’ after the Kiswahili word for guard or soldier and until independence, the parade uniform of the KAR comprised khaki drill with tall fezes and cummerbunds.
Traditionally “Rifle” regiments did not carry Colours (regimental flags), but the Colonel successfully argued that the KAR were “rifles” in name only and secured approval for the presentation of their own Colours in 1924 to all six battalions (1st and 2nd in Nyasaland, 3rd and 5th in Kenya, 4th in Uganda, and 6th in Tanganyika).
These Colours were presented, at Colito Barracks, Dar es Salaam on 16th September 1955 by The Governor and Commander-in-Chief: H. E. Sir Edward Twining, GCMG BME.
King’s African Rifles battle honours include:
ASHANTI, 1900
SOMALILAND, 1901–1904
KILIMANJARO
EAST AFRICA, 1914–19–18
BRITISH SOMALILAND, 1940
ABYSSINIA, 1940–1941
MADAGASCAR, 1942
BURMA, 1943–45
All Battle Honours and pattern of Colours were common to those KAR battalions that had been presented with Colours.
The Regimental Colours of the 6th Battalion are now in safe custody at the National Army Museum, Chelsea, London.
1975–2018: A modern perspective
To mark the beginning of Black History Month this week, current serving soldiers, sailors and airman offer their thoughts on life in our modern day Armed Forces. We’ll be adding more as the week goes on.
LCpl Daisy Plange
British Army
I am usually based in Warminster with 1 Yorkshire Regiment but am currently on my first tour of duty in Estonia as part of Op CABRIT. I am a member of Adjutant General’s Corps (Staff and Personnel Support) and originally from Ghana. I joined the Royal Logistics Corps i in 2012 following encouragement from my family and then transferred to AGC in 2016.
I have taken part in several overseas training exercises like the one in British Army Training Unit Suffield, Canada and also in Cyprus, Denmark and Poland. In fact, I was due to serve in Estonia for four months but have settled into my tour so successfully that I have decided to extend my stay here to eight months.
I find working in an international environment straightforward, as I am a Commonwealth soldier and have experienced other cultures alongside life in the British Army.
My family and friends are interested in my experiences to date and proud of my achievements. They were initially concerned, as was I, about what might be involved in a tour of duty but now understand that Op CABRIT is a reassurance mission and not about active combat.
Along the way, I have also impressed my friends with the number and range of adventurous training activities I have been involved in such as mountain biking and am looking forward to more opportunities to do things which I wouldn’t normally get the chance to do when based in Warminster. While in Estonia, I didn’t expect to get involved in outreach activities but have enjoyed ones like Rally Estonia. Meeting and chatting with the Estonian public is enjoyable and the general Estonian curiosity in my appearance is like being looked on as a celebrity!
I feel that because of our work here, the Estonian public know that they can approach a Battlegroup soldier and be greeted professionally. It is because of us that the Estonians now know that there is an extra layer of protection whilst NATO troops are present.
LCpl Duran Brown
British Army
Originally from Jamaica where I worked as a prison officer, I was encouraged by serving family members to join the British Army when I moved to the UK in 2008. My regiment is usually based in Tidworth but I am currently in Estonia serving on Op Cabrit 3 with 26 Regiment Royal Engineers. Before this, I served on Op Herrick 17 in Afghanistan and have taken part in overseas training exercises in Jordan, Canada, Germany and Kenya.
I really enjoy my job here in Estonia- the Danish Battlegroup are welcoming, polite and easy to work with. The Estonian soldiers can be more reserved but nonetheless professional and get the job done. I am also looking forward to working with the Belgian troops and cherish the opportunity to learn about their professional cultures and Armies.
As an Engineer there are opportunities to practice and demonstrate trade skills on the many exercises that are scheduled on this tour. I have taken advantage of the chance to be involved in outreach activities and enjoy interacting with the Estonian population and talking about my work as a soldier.
Corporal Nolan Auguste
British Army
Being a member of the British Army offers unique, unparalleled experiences which many in the civilian world could only dream about. Being of Afro-Caribbean descent, I was rather hesitant of the prospect of being part of a team where I would form part of the minority, but the British Army prides itself on diversity where everyone regardless of race, sex or religion is exposed to equal opportunities and by nature of experiences and background contributes to the overall output of the organisation.
In part, this is what allured me to join back in 2009, and after nine and a half years, in no way have I been disappointed. I am Corporal Nolan Auguste from 3 ACS BN REME in Paderborn, Germany and I am currently serving in Somalia on OP CATAN 5 as part of the UN Field Mission Equipment Support Training Team.
As part of my role as a Vehicle Mechanic Class 1, I am tasked with providing Equipment Support training in the form of advice and mentoring to AMISOM Forces deployed on a peace support mission in Somalia. Working with a variety of foreign equipment has broadened my trade knowledge and has relied on my knowledge of engineering principles to get to grips with the range of assets quickly. It has also given me insight into their culture and has helped build friendships which last beyond the bounds of training. But this task has not been without some challenges, whilst all the counties deployed to Somalia have a basic understanding of English it is limited, especially when describing technical practices. Fortunately, there are interpreters on hand, so I don’t have to rely on my less than dubious translations.
The expansion of international terrorism groups like Daesh has highlighted the need to tackle terrorism in its infancy and at its source. Instability in a region provides a breeding ground for such groups and if left unchecked, the consequences can be grave, and the effects far reaching as in the case of the Manchester arena bombing on 22 May 2017. The training provided by the UK Armed Forces in Somalia is key to enhancing the effectiveness of AMISOM forces by empowering them with the knowledge and skill to carry out daily operations and maintenance that undoubtingly has a profound effect on the current mission to provide stability and security. This will help enable the government to exercise control over the country and deny Al-Shabaab foothold thus limiting its spread and influence. The deployment of UK Armed Forces in Somalia also bolsters the image of a collective front in the effort for peace on the African continent and world at large.
Friends have always shown fascination in my work activities, and in this case, there is no exception. Their response to me being on an operational tour in Africa has been with amazement and envy. Although the initial mentality is that I am on some covert ‘black ops’ mission, the admiration and respect is no less when they are told that I am only providing training.
Overall, the AMISOM forces are friendly and keen to learn. Training at times can be challenging but rewarding and there is reciprocity in learning.
Sub. Lieutenant Shabaka Kenyatta
Royal Navy
I am currently training as an Engineering Officer in the Royal Navy, having joined in 2009 as a Junior Rating. I moved through the ranks to Leading Hand and also completed a course for Petty Officer Engineering Technician Marine Engineer before putting myself forward for a commission which I received in 2018.
I joined the Armed Forces because I wanted to provide my family with a stable, more secure future as well as to gain professional skills and qualifications whilst travelling the world. I love meeting new people and experiencing new cultures whilst working amongst like-minded and driven individuals.
Serving in the Armed Forces is important to me because it gives me a sense of purpose, fulfilment and achievement with transferrable skills and qualifications which put me in good stead if and when I decide to move on in the future. It also allows me the opportunity to give back to the service, repaying on its investment into me.
I enjoy being in the Armed Forces because it affords me the chance to use my skills and experiences gained whilst allowing me the opportunity to help others achieve their potential by coaching, mentoring and training in a progressive environment whilst still being true to myself as an individual with cultural differences and beliefs.
AB Tammi Mignott
Royal Navy HR Specialist
I joined the Royal Navy because of its values and the opportunities which are given to service personnel such as opportunities to travel the world.
I am AB Tammi Mignott. I’ve been a member of the Royal Navy for almost 2 years. My role in the Navy is a Writer which is HR based. I chose this branch because I believe it utilises my skills in personal administration organisation and customer service.
I joined the Navy because of the opportunities it offered me, both on professional and personal fronts. I’m the first member of my family to join the British Military. My family however are very supportive of me joining the Navy because they understand that it is something that I’ve always wanted to do.
I chose the Royal Navy because of its values and the opportunities it provides its service personnel with, such as travelling around the World!
Serving in the Navy is important to me because of its core values and ethics in making a difference in the world. In the past years, the Royal Navy has had a tremendous presence in emergency relief efforts such as their efforts following the catastrophic hurricane in the Caribbean and other nations.
I enjoy being in the Navy because it has given me the opportunity to rekindle my love for sports. Since joining the Royal Navy, I’ve competed in inter-services athletics and basketball competitions. I’ve also been able to experience adventurous training by traveling to Morocco and climbing the Atlas Mountains, something I wouldn’t have dreamt of doing before joining the Navy.
My ultimate goal is to end my naval career by having made a difference to my generation and to be an inspiration for the coming generations by breaking barriers and making a difference.
WO2 Abbas Salihu
Squadron Sergeant Major at 20 Transport Squadron RLC.
I have seen a significant number of positive changes during my time in the Army especially in terms of celebrating the achievements of BAME Armed Forces personnel. There is even a memorial to celebrate contributions of African and Caribbean servicemen and women in Brixton.
I enlisted into the Army in 2003, did basic training at ACR Pirbright and was awarded the best recruit. I then completed my Phase 2 training and posted to a Logistics Corps Unit. In my 15 years 7 months in the Army, I have served in few Units and deployed on operational tours of Iraq and Afghanistan.
Prior to joining the Army, I was aware that black soldiers had served in both World Wars in the British Army and fought for the allies. However, I was still a bit apprehensive if I would fit in as a black man and a Muslim, because you didn’t see many black people serving at that time. This led me to further research the history of World Wars and found out that black soldiers made a tremendous contribution and fought with enormous courage during the war and quite a few won gallantry medals. I also realised that the British Army is quite diverse with people serving, from different religious background.
Also prior to joining the Army, I was a professional Judo player and was privileged to represent my country in quite few International tournaments in Africa, Europe and the rest of the World. This activity continued when I joined the Army and I was one of the Army’s elite full-time athlete training at Bath University before the 2012 London Olympics. During my training, I won several medals and awards for my Corps (RLC), the Army, UK Armed Forces and my country. In fact, when I was a Corporal, I was the first black and a junior soldier to captain both the Army and UK Armed Forces Judo Team and am currently the Army Judo team manager and the UK Armed Forces Head Coach.
I have seen a significant number of positive changes during my time in the Army especially in terms of celebrating the achievements of BAME Armed Forces personnel. There is even a memorial to celebrate contributions of African and Caribbean servicemen and women in Brixton.
History tells us that serving black men and women have made tremendous contributions as they stood for equality and freedom. Therefore, I feel very proud as we honour those who came before us and those still serving, standing for their dreams and making difference for us all.
Lance Sergeant Johnson Gideon Beharry
British Army — Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment
The first living recipient of the Victoria Cross in over 30 years, Lance Sergeant Johnson Gideon Beharry, VC, COG saved members of his unit from ambushes not just once, but twice! The first time was on 1 May 2004 and then again on 11 June 2004 at Al-Amarah, Iraq.
Beharry, of the 1st Battalion Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment, did not let severe head injuries get in the way of helping his fellow soldiers to safety. Born in Grenada, during both attacks Beharry was driving the lead Warrior of his platoon when they came under attack.
His Victoria Cross citation said:
“Private Beharry carried out two individual acts of great heroism by which he saved the lives of his comrades. Both were in direct face of the enemy, under intense fire, at great personal risk to himself (one leading to him sustaining very serious injuries). His valour is worthy of the highest recognition.”
Beharry is a serving Soldier and helps youth in getting away from gang culture and rehabilitate former offenders via the JBVC Foundation that he set up in 2017.
Flight Lieutenant Trevor Edwards
“I consider myself to have been a very ordinary London kid who was trained by the RAF to do very extraordinary things.”
In his own words, Flight Lieutenant Trevor Edwards was a very ordinary boy who’d been trained by the RAF to do extraordinary things. But in his account of how the boy from a tough Woolwich estate came to fly Jaguars for the Royal Air Force, Edwards fails to mention a few key things about himself…
His unflinching courage, determination and relentless effort to achieve his goals- whether it was when he battled trench foot and had his toes amputated, when he learnt to walk again or when he trained to be a pilot. This is his story, in his own words…
“I was born in Woolwich, east London, to West Indian parents who had migrated to Britain in the early 1960s. I grew up in a pretty tough housing estate, but I attended the Grammar School in Dartford and worked hard. In 1985, I joined the RAF as an officer in the RAF Regiment, but I later transferred to aircrew, starting my flying training in 1987. I received my ‘wings’ at RAF Valley the following year and, after coming top of the Tactical Weapons course, I became a fighter pilot flying Jaguars. I eventually joined 54 Squadron at RAF Coltishall.
The first time I flew the Jaguar with 1000lb bombs and the guns fully armed with high explosive bullets, I could not believe that a lad from east London was authorised to bomb and strafe a deserted island in a multi-million pound single-seat fighter aircraft.
My tour on Jaguars was eventful as the Squadron was deployed several times to Turkey flying missions over the ‘no-fly zone’ in North Iraq. We also operated from Southern Italy, supporting NATO forces during the Bosnian conflict.
After my time on 54 Squadron, I became a flying instructor on the Tucano aircraft at RAF Linton-on-Ouse. I left the RAF as a Flight Lieutenant in 1997 to join British Airways and I am currently an Airbus Training Captain.
I consider myself to have been a very ordinary London kid who was trained by the RAF to do very extraordinary things.”
Private Deon Barrett
Supply Specialist — Royal Logistics Corps
During basic training, I found myself in the eyes of everyone as I was the only person in the barracks with dreadlocks! I didn’t let this bring me down, instead used the attention to motivate myself and gain support.
I found myself moving from job to job and falling into the trap of rough surroundings. I was a young black man from London and had little to show for it. However, during the process of joining - filling out forms and getting to basic training, I realised just how motivated I was to be in the army.
During basic training, I found myself in the eyes of everyone as I was the only person in the barracks with dreadlocks! I didn’t let this bring me down, instead used the attention to motivate myself and gain support. It also gave me to opportunity to meet new people.
Getting through my basic training and finally getting into the field gave me a sense of importance - especially with what I am involved in now and all the progress I have made over the years. I have also travelled across the world doing sports, training exercises and adventurous training. Sometimes when I think back, it feels like the time has gone very quickly. I was in the Nordic ski team and went to Germany, Austria and Norway with them. I then thought of doing something a bit more out of my depth and joined the Regiment’s Powerlifting Team, competing in two Army divisional competitions, winning myself 2nd and 1st place in my weight class.
I joined the Army for a reason and I now feel that I have achieved what I set out to do.
I‘ve deployed to Cyprus for infantry-based skill development for a month. I was also sent to France to help train the French army and learn from them in return, as a pre-deployment package before they deployed to Afghanistan.
I joined the Army for a reason and I now feel that I have achieved what I set out to do. Sometimes when I look in the mirror I realise that my achievements are different from those of my friends and family even though my friends too have found their feet. But one thing is for sure- when we meet up and talk about how our circumstances have changed for the better, we end up laughing because we could all be on a slippery slope… But we‘re positive about progress and have stuck to it, we are all better for it.
To find out more about life as a soldier in the Royal Logistics Corps Click Here
Check back for more
We’ll be adding more stories from past and present serving members of the armed forces throughout Black History Month.
