For an  understanding of a few societal issues affecting the African-Caribbean communities, and the positive impacts individuals and organisations are making, as well as an insight into some areas of the Royal Air Force, we have chosen a selection of videos.

Identity. Royal Navy Black History Month

Meet Horace Barnes, Chairman of the ‘Why Are West Indians’ project, dedicated to preserving the history and memories of West Indians who fought in British wars. In this video, Horace shares the powerful story behind the original saying, “Britain called, we answered,” highlighting the contributions of West Indians to British military efforts over the past 500 years. Join us as we delve into this rich history and honor the legacy of those who answered the call.

Windrush Foundation Pioneers

This video honors the Windrush pioneers—young men and women who volunteered to come to the UK between 1939-1945 to fight in response to Britain’s call for service in the Navy and Royal Air Force. Despite their youth, these brave individuals answered the call to support the war effort, leaving their homes in the Caribbean to serve a country in need. Discover the inspiring stories of these volunteers, their contributions, and the legacy they built as part of the Windrush generation.

WAWI On Parade - September 2022

Join us as we showcase the ‘Why Are West Indians’ on parade, proudly dressed in their uniforms and bearing the flags. This powerful display honours the legacy of West Indians who served in British wars, celebrating their courage, heritage, and enduring contributions. Witness the pride and unity of those who keep the memories of these brave individuals alive, reminding us all of the powerful history behind the phrase, “Britain called, we answered.”

John Jellicoe Blair and the Black RAF

“The barriers are there but they can be overcome.” Mark Johnson talks about his great-uncle John Jellicoe Blair, one of almost 500 Black Caribbean air crew in the RAF during the Second World War.

Cosford Celebrates Black History Month

The RAF museum at Cosford marks Black History Month with a special exhibition celebrating black people who have served in the RAF.

E-Sports Association during 2019 In The Royal Air Force

The Royal Air Force started its first Esports Association in 2019, which has since grown to be the second biggest hobby association in the RAF, second only to Football. Boasting over a thousand members, the group is active in competitions between the Royal Navy and British Army Esports teams, as well as civilian teams across all major gaming platforms and games. But gaming isn’t all the association is about. This documentary explains how Esports is helping the members of the RAF Video Gaming Esports Association develop a number of personal skills such as team working and leadership, as well as providing welfare benefits for its members and bringing likeminded individuals across the RAF together, whether regular, reserve or civilian.

No Parades, experiences of the British West Indies regiment

Windrush Foundation with the WAWI community project.​

Explore the remarkable journey of the Windrush Foundation, which celebrates the contributions of Caribbean men and women who came to the UK to support the war efforts. This video takes us through a poignant glimpse of the underground shelters where they sought refuge during the Blitz, highlighting their resilience, courage, and the challenges they faced. Experience the untold stories of those who, despite the odds, played a vital role in Britain’s wartime history and beyond.

Find Your Force - The Royal Air Force Advert 2019

Everyone’s got that one thing they were born to do. Find Your Force in the RAF and apply today

RAF Mythbusters - Answering your questions about life in the RAF

We got some of our personnel to answer some of the most frequently asked questions about life in the Royal Air Force. If you have more, let us know in the comments or visit the RAF Recruitment website for more information about our roles.

London's first black policeman: 'A job that had to be done'

Norwell Roberts became London’s first black police officer when he joined the Metropolitan Police in 1967. He was put forward as a symbol of progressive policing amid ongoing tensions between the police and ethnic minorities in the capital. But behind the scenes, he endured years of racist abuse from colleagues within the force. Norwell Roberts QPM spoke to Alex Last about growing up in Britain and his determination to be a pioneer in the police force.

Black officers took to the streets of Birmingham for a special patrol

Some of the West Midlands Black officers came together one afternoon in May 2021 to mark Black Inclusion Week (BIW) with a special patrol in a Birmingham neighbourhood. They took to the streets of Lozells to chat about their roles, listen to the community’s concerns and encourage more people to join the force. Throughout Black Inclusion Week, they were highlighting the work of Black officers while openly talking about the ambition to be more representative of the diverse communities which they serve.

The Pilots of the Caribbean - Mark Johnson (part 1)

Historian Mark Johnson tells the story of the RAF’s Black volunteers, focusing on the contribution of his great-uncle, John Blair, who won the DFC as a navigator in Bomber Command.

Merseyside Police's first black, female inspector's inspiring career story

WARNING: this video contains strobing throughout.

Meet Britain's first ever black policewoman, Sislin Fay Allen

Sislin Fay Allen became Britain’s first black policewoman in 1968, paving the way for other black women to join the Met Police.

RAF Music | Performing the Beautiful Moonlight Serenade by the RAF Squadronaires

The Royal Air Force performing the beautiful and soothing ‘Moonlight Serenade’.  Perfect summertime enjoyment.

"Africa" Performed by Air Cadets Music Services - Virtual Ensemble 2020

The Royal Air Force Air Cadets National Youth Ensembles may not have been able to meet up on camps as planned, but the music still goes on.

The BLAC Awards