80th Anniversary of Victory in Europe and Victory over Japan

Baroness Benjamin Excerpts

Friday 9th May 2025 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Benjamin (LD)]

My Lords, I congratulate the right reverend Prelate on her wonderful maiden speech. I loved her focus on children; we are kindred spirits.

Yesterday, I had the honour and privilege of hosting the Royal British Legion VE 80 anniversary celebration at the National Memorial Arboretum, where veterans shared their vivid memories and experiences, and children creatively performed their vision of the past and hope for the future. Seeing them perform, I took great pride in being part of our great country.

It was important for me to host this emotional service, because it was a way of acknowledging my own family’s contribution to World War II. Three of my uncles fought alongside the allied forces; two of them died; one went on to become the mayor of Bolton 50 years later. Today, as we commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day, our hearts swell with pride and gratitude for all those who contributed to the allied triumph over tyranny.

But alongside the well-deserved celebrations, let us also take a moment to remember and honour a crucial part of that victory. That is the remarkable contribution of the Caribbean people, as other noble Lords have said. From the sunny shores of Jamaica to the vibrant islands of Trinidad where I was born, from Antigua, Barbados, the Cayman Islands and across the entire Caribbean, there was a deep sense of solidarity and commitment to the Allied cause. Thousands of men and women, driven by a profound belief in freedom and justice, stepped forward to play their part in the global conflict. They answered the calls to arms in many ways.

Some, like the late Sam King and Alford Gardner, bravely volunteered for the Royal Air Force, with over 6,000 men enlisting and hundreds becoming pilots, navigators, ground crew and rear gunners like the highly decorated Lincoln Orville Lynch. Imagine the courage it took to leave their homes and families, crossing vast oceans to face the horrors of war in the skies over Europe. Their skill and dedication earned them over 100 decorations, a testament to their bravery.

Others joined the Royal Navy and the perilous Merchant Navy, braving U-boat attacks to keep vital supply lines open. Still more enlisted in the British Army with the formation of the Caribbean Regiment in 1944. Although this regiment did not see direct combat, its service in Italy, Egypt and Palestine was a crucial part of the broader war efforts, freeing up other units for the front lines.

Beyond those who served in uniform, the Caribbean islands themselves became strategically important. They provided vital naval and air bases for the allies, playing a crucial role in the Battle of the Caribbean against German U-boats. Many Caribbean people worked tirelessly in those bases, supporting the war machine and defending their homelands. The contributions of Caribbean women were equally significant. Eighty women joined the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force and 30 joined the Auxiliary Territorial Service, serving with dedication and playing their part in the war efforts.

While Victory in Europe Day marked the end of the war in Europe, the sacrifices and contributions of the Caribbean people resonated far beyond. In Trinidad, they heralded victory by dancing in the streets to the music played on the newly created steel drums. Yes, they “jumped up” to steel pan music. Their bravery and commitment helped secure the freedoms we enjoy today.

As we celebrate this momentous anniversary, let us ensure that the story of the Caribbean contribution to World War II is never forgotten. Let us honour their courage, their resilience, and their unwavering dedication to the cause of freedom. The Caribbean people stood with Britain in its darkest hours, and their legacy deserves a place of pride in the history of VE Day and the Second World War. Let their story be told today and always.