Black History Month

Captain Keva Hackshaw caught up with veteran Cliff Walker BEM MBE for a fascinating conversation about how service in the Armed Forces has changed, and the values that remain constant and unite generations.

The RBL is a long-time supporter of Black History Month

Visit the special RBL pages on the Black History Month 2026 website to discover inspiring stories.

Service and Sacrifice - Black History Month 2026

Discover inspiring stories of service and sacrifice by Black men and women who served in the British and Commonwealth Armed Forces.

Remembrance

Ena Collymore-Woodstock OD MBE

“Unbelievable! Can you believe this happened!… and then next day you go off and do it again.”

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Remembrance

Gilbert Clarke

“Unbelievable! Can you believe this happened!… and then next day you go off and do it again.”

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Remembrance

Flight Lieutenant Trevor Edwards

“Unbelievable! Can you believe this happened!… and then next day you go off and do it again.”

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Remembrance

Wing Commander Joan Ochuodho, RAF

From an early age, Joan admired the RAF and loved football. As Wing Commander and the RAF’s representative to the FA Council, she has been able to embrace both.

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Remembrance

Johnson Beharry

Sergeant Johnson Beharry was awarded the Victoria Cross, the highest award for gallantry, for extreme heroism in 2004.

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Remembrance

Private Robert Adolphus Smith, British West Indies Regiment

From Jamaica to Seaford in Sussex and finally to the Western Front, Robert’s story was uncovered by his niece. Today this often-overlooked piece of British history inspires a new generation.

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Remembrance

Capt Richard Akinwande Savage

Captain Richard Akinwade grew up in Scotland. He was the first person of West African descent to obtain an Army officer’s commission, serving as an Army Surgeon during WWII.

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Remembrance

Michael's story

Michael Kofi Adjivon’s journey from Ghana to the jungles of Burma and his post war military career and sporting achievements continues to inspire his family.

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Remembrance

Joshua's story

Joshua was 19 when he joined the Army in Gold Coast (now Ghana) and went on to serve in the Far East campaign in pre-partition India and Burma.

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Remembrance

Joseph's story

Joseph Hammond, from Ghana, joined the army in 1943 and bravely served In Burma in the 82nd West African Division, experiencing intense fighting.

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Remembrance

Pessima's story

Pessima Lamboi, from Sierra Leone, was one of 600,000 Africans to serve in the war. He bravely faced gruelling combat and conditions in Burma.

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