Tributes are being honored for a courageous World War Two veteran who belonged to the Windrush Generation and passed away at the age of 100. Gilbert Clarke enlisted at 17 from Jamaica to combat Hitler’s Nazi regime. In 2023, the Daily Mirror accompanied Gilbert as he paid his respects to Caribbean comrades at a cemetery in Belgium. Gilbert, a former RAF Leading Aircraftman, vividly remembered the sight of numerous planes during D-Day.
Paul Chambers, chair of the British West India Regiment Heritage Trust (BWIRHT), praised Gilbert as a national treasure who served his country with honor during wartime and dedicated his later years to preserving the memory of Black Caribbean servicemen. Gilbert’s commitment to remembrance deeply impacted all who knew him.
Born in Montego Bay, Jamaica, Gilbert was inspired by stories of First World War West Indian soldiers, leading him to join the Royal Air Force at 16 during the Second World War. His contributions in supporting military aircraft operations during the liberation of Europe were instrumental. Sue Liburd, a British army veteran, highlighted Gilbert’s significant role in shaping British military history and emphasized the importance of preserving the memory of his generation’s sacrifices.
Gilbert, a father-of-eight residing in Plaistow, East London, was a cherished family man. Following the war, he worked as a TV and radio serviceman, always driven by a sense of duty and the desire to make the world a better place. His legacy as a Caribbean veteran will forever be remembered for his dedication to service and remembrance.