RAF Volunteers Remembered at Annual Wreath-Laying Ceremony

The sacrifices of the volunteers who served in the Royal Air Force (RAF) were commemorated on Tuesday (September 15).

The Royal Air Forces Association (RAFA) Jamaica marked the occasion with its annual Battle of Britain Commemoration Wreath-Laying Ceremony at National Heroes Park in Kingston, in observance of the RAF’s 1940 victory, which helped save Britain from invasion during World War II.

Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen, headed the list of dignitaries and guests attending the event.

President of RAFA Jamaica, Major (Ret’d) Johanna Lewin, said the annual observance remains an emotional occasion, providing an opportunity to remember those who served during the war.

“Each year… and we are speaking about over 15 years… I get emotional and experience goose pimples at this event when I recall all of those from across the Commonwealth whom we remember today,” she said.

Major Lewin noted that the veterans made significant sacrifices in service, adding, “They volunteered. They served. They suffered indignities. They endured scarce rations. They executed dangerous missions. They carried out other critical tasks. They toiled behind the scenes.”

She further pointed out that while some veterans returned home, others died in service, emphasising “we must ensure that their [contribution] was not in vain”.

Major Lewin said RAFA Jamaica remains proud of and grateful to the nearly 6,000 Jamaicans who volunteered to serve in the RAF, as well as others who served in the British and Canadian armed forces.

She also highlighted the contribution of Jamaican RAF volunteers who returned home after the war and played a vital role in nation-building, noting that they established the RAFA Jamaica branch in 1946.

Against this backdrop, Major Lewin underscored the importance of continuing to honour the veterans and preserve the legacy of their service.