I am helping a friend find out more about the early life of her father. He was in uniform in WW2, being recruited in Jamaica, trained in New Orleans and eventually was sent to Africa. This was all towards the end of WW2. I am guessing that he was probably a member of the CARIBBEAN REGIMENT. Does this photo of him (probably in period of training) back up this theory? His year of birth was 1924, though it was possibly recorded as 1923. Any help gratefully received.
Welcome to the forum. I hope there is a lot of info posted on this topic. I'd like to learn about it. All the Jamaicans I've known are ridiculously hard working. I felt pathetic if I only only worked ten hours when I was with them. I bet it was a great unit.
There is this: Caribbean Regiment - Wikipedia I know there is a UK-based association that promotes remembering their activity, but not found late this evening.
Trying again ti find the website for a West Indian community project to remember their contribution in WW2, although they also mark WW1. Not them yet. Try this: Caribbean participants in the Second World War , The African and Caribbean War Memorial, An Unique Site of Memory in Europe , THEY ALSO SERVED - Contributions of Africans & Caribbeans in WW1 and still cannot find them!
Is this the same man? UK, Incoming Passenger Lists, 1878-1960 Name: Mr R D Barnes Arrival Age: 29 Birth Date: abt 1924 Port of Departure: Kingston, Jamaica Arrival Date: 21 Dec 1953 Port of Arrival: London, England Ports of Voyage: Kingston and Port Antonio Ship Name: Jamaica Producer Shipping Line: Jamaica Banana Producers Steamship Company Ltd Official Number: 156140 Aged 29 in 1953 would be born 1924 From a family tree - possible Ralford DeCosta Barnes 1924–1976 BIRTH 11 JUN 1924 • Jamaica DEATH 17 DEC 1976 • Brompton, Hospital, London, London, England TD
