  |
|
Many of us are aware of the historical contribution made
by Gurkhas to the fighting strength of the British Army,
and the involvement of troops from Australia, Canada, New
Zealand and South Africa during the two World Wars. However
far fewer of us know about the contribution made by military
and civilian personnel from other parts of the British Empire
and Commonwealth; particularly those from Africa, the Indian
sub-continent, the rest of Asia (including Hong Kong) and
the West Indies. The men and women from these countries
served in theatres of war throughout the world, many in
the front-line, working as infantrymen, pilots and seamen.
Others worked in the essential support services, such as
medicine, logistics, transport and labour.
|
 |
| This
photographic exhibition celebrates the vital yet little
known contribution made by these people, the descendants
of whom now form part of our richly diverse ethnic population
in the United Kingdom. Today, in the Ministry of Defence and in the Armed Forces,
we are providing opportunities for people from all sections
of the community, and all ethnic origins to join, and
to rise within the organisation purely on merit. We have
made a great deal of progress in recent years to remove
the barriers which used to prevent this happening and
to change attitudes, but there is still some way to go.
The stories in the exhibition remind us that those who
are serving now, and those who will be serving in the
future, do so within a proud tradition which deserves
greater awareness and respect.
We welcome you to this exhibition and hope that you
find it both interesting and informative.
|
|
|
|
|
