their service our history

Our Black History Month exhibition 2025/26

Created with resources from the official Black History Month UK organisation.

For generations, Black men and women have stood at Britain’s frontlines — on land, at sea, and in the air — serving with skill, discipline, and pride. The six lives remembered here reflect a far greater story: one of courage, loyalty, and service that strengthened Britain and earned a lasting place in its history.

 

Explore the exhibition below by hovering over each image for more information.

 

 
oil painting style image of david clemetson

David Clemetson: Cambridge-educated Jamaican who served as a commissioned officer in the First World War — a rare distinction at the time. He saw frontline service before his death in 1918.

oil painting style image of johnny smythe

Johnny Smythe: RAF navigator in the Second World War who flew hazardous missions over Europe, survived being shot down and held prisoner, and later served Britain in distinguished public roles.

Lilian Bader

Lilian Bader: Among the first Black women in Britain’s armed forces, she trained as an instrument repairer in the WAAF during the Second World War, keeping aircraft ready for combat.

 
 
 
 
 
 
Richard Barr

Richard (dickie) BARR: Royal Navy veteran whose notable career reflects the long tradition of Black sailors defending Britain at sea and proudly serving with skill across the world’s oceans.

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Ulric Cross: The most decorated West Indian serviceman of the Second World War, whose RAF missions preceded a diplomatic career that shaped newly independent African nations.

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Walter Tull: Professional footballer who became a commissioned officer in the British Army during the First World War. On the Western Front he led his men with courage until his death in 1918.

 
 
 

All information, resources and images are thanks to the official Black History Month UK organisation, without whom this exhibition would not have been possible.