To mark 80 years since Victory in Europe and Victory over Japan, several organisations including the World Rugby Memorial, Francourt Events, International Bomber Command Centre, Lincoln Rugby Football Club, British West India Regiments Heritage Trust, and Sage Blue formed the VE80 Lincoln UK Memorial Committee.
This committee curated a World War II VE80 commemorative programme to honour sacrifices and educate future generations about peace and freedom. They visibly honoured contributions from the Caribbean and the Commonwealth, reflecting the global Allied effort and sacrifice. In attendance and specifically honoured were WWII Veterans Mr Gilbert Clarke and Mr Ralph Ottey.
Mr Gilbert Clarke
Mr Gilbert Clarke, (centre) a 99-year-old Royal Air Force veteran from Jamaica, is among the last of a proud generation of Caribbean servicemen who volunteered to serve during the Second World War. Just out of school when war broke out, Mr. Clarke was deeply moved by reports of German U-boat attacks on ships in Caribbean waters. Fearing that Hitler’s reach might soon extend to the Caribbean and South America, he felt a powerful sense of duty. He felt it was “important not to do nothing.” Driven by this conviction, he made the courageous decision to volunteer for the RAF, even lying about his age to enlist. His choice was met with “a flood of tears” from his family, who understood both the danger and the honour in his decision to fight.
Travelling by convoy across the Atlantic, Mr Clarke survived a perilous journey under threat of U-boat attack, eventually arriving in Liverpool. He trained in the north of England as a skilled mechanic, learning to service radar and electronic systems on aircraft including Hurricanes and Spitfires. His quiet determination and technical expertise were vital to the air war effort. Mr Clarke’s story is a powerful reminder of the bravery, foresight, and sacrifice of Caribbean volunteers who chose to act before war reached their shores. It is an honour to have Mr Clarke attend our heritage tours each year.
Mr Ralph Ottey
Mr Ralph Ottey (right) is a 101-year-old Royal Air Force Veteran born in Jamaica in 1924. His wartime service reflects the resilience and contribution of Caribbean personnel during the Second World War. Inspired by a desire to become an air gunner, he volunteered in 1943 and sailed in convoy to Britain, where he trained at RAF Filey and was later posted to RAF Woodhall Spa, home of the legendary 617 Squadron – The Dambusters. Though reassigned as a motor transport driver due to changes in RAF needs, Mr. Ottey served with distinction as chauffeur to the squadron’s senior armaments officer, supporting one of the RAF’s most renowned operational units. He was later selected for deployment to Okinawa, though the war ended before his departure.
Following the war, Mr. Ottey earned a diploma in accountancy through a service scholarship and returned to Jamaica aboard the HMT Empire Windrush. His extraordinary journey from hopeful recruit to part of RAF history, embodies the often-overlooked sacrifices and achievements of Caribbean servicemen. Mr. Ottey’s life continues to be a powerful symbol of dignity, service, and legacy.
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