Photo Credits: ‘Why Are West Indians’ (WAWI) Project

By KLTV Newsdesk –

From a wartime crossing of the Atlantic at 18 to a hero’s welcome at RAF Cosford 83 years later, Prince Albert Jacob yesterday (Thursday 9 July) marked 101 years with the community, the RAF, and a new generation who now know his name

A week-long celebration for one of Britain’s last living links to the Windrush generation of servicemen has culminated in an extraordinary homecoming at RAF Cosford, as World War II veteran Mr Jacob marked his 101st birthday in front of the very generation of recruits he helped pave the way for.

A proud member of the Windrush generation, Prince Albert Jacob is one of the last surviving Caribbean servicemen who volunteered to defend Britain during WWII.

A birthday party to begin the week

The celebrations began on Sunday, 5 July at Knowle Royal British Legion, surrounded by family, friends, fellow veterans and members of the local community.

Jake has called Knowle in Solihull home for more than 40 years and remains actively involved in community life. So when plans were being made for his milestone birthday celebration, there was only one venue he wanted.

“He was adamant that it should be held at the Legion – his local,” said organisers.

The celebration attracted a host of special guests, including Solihull’s MP, the Mayor and Mayoress, who all took time out of their busy schedules to join Jake and wish him a happy birthday.

A highlight of the day was a spectacular RAF-themed birthday cake, lovingly created by Annie from the Knowle RBL. The cake paid tribute to Jake’s RAF service and provided a fitting centrepiece for the occasion.

The event was the result of weeks of planning and collaboration between volunteers, veterans and community organisations.

Garry Stewart from the RBL’s Community Engagement Team worked alongside fellow RAF veteran Hassan Ashraf, John Berry from Knowle RBL and Horace Barnes from the WAWI Project and many others to ensure the celebrations were worthy of Jake’s remarkable achievement.

Guests were welcomed by an impressive WWII US Army truck, kindly provided by a local resident, which was proudly displayed outside the venue. Inside, entertainment, music and a dedicated Master of Ceremonies helped create a memorable atmosphere throughout the day.

More than just a birthday party, the event showcased the strength of community spirit and the appreciation felt for a man who has dedicated so much of his life to others.

For everyone involved, the celebrations were about ensuring that Jake’s 101st birthday was as special as the man himself.

Judging by the smiles, laughter and heartfelt tributes throughout the afternoon, it was a day that will long be remembered by all who attended.

Mr Jacob celebrates at his special birthday bash on Sunday, the 5th July [Footage and Photos provided by ‘Why Are West Indians Here’ Project]

1943 to 2026: An Inspiring Legacy

The centrepiece of the week came days later at RAF Cosford’s School of Physical Training, in an event months in the making.

The WAWI project had been planning the visit since last year, working closely with the RAF engagement team and colleagues across the base to bring it to life.

There, alongside other service men and women, the 101-year-old veteran sat in front of the newest generation of RAF recruits, young men and women in their twenties, some barely a fifth of his age, and shared his story with them directly.

In 1943, at just 18 years old, Mr Jacob crossed the Atlantic from the Caribbean to join the Royal Air Force. Britain had called for help, and he answered.

Eighty-three years later, the Royal Air Force welcomed him home. He was presented with a cake reading “Happy Birthday Mr Jacob 101,” and stood for photographs in front of a Jaguar aircraft, a striking image of one century of service meeting the next.

Learning from Living History

For WAWI, the significance of the moment went far beyond ceremony. It marked the West Indian contribution to Britain made visible, not confined to a museum or a history book, but present in a room, receiving the recognition organisers feel was owed to him 80 years ago.

Organisers described Mr Jacob’s visit as a reminder of exactly why the project exists: to ensure that a story which began with Britain’s call in wartime is finally being answered back, more than eight decades later.

WAWI extended thanks to RAF Cosford, the School of Physical Training, and every young airman and airwoman who took the time to sit, listen, and take in Mr Jacob’s stories.

On the day he turned 101, Mr Jacob visited RAF Cosford for a special tour and celebration [Footage and Photos provided by ‘Why Are West Indians Here’ Project]

A living legend at home

Away from the base, the week also brought quieter, personal moments of celebration, Mr Jacob photographed on his own driveway, reading a birthday card marking his milestone as a veteran turning 101.

For those who followed his 100th birthday celebrations last year, the past week has carried a familiar feeling, but with even greater warmth and pride, and even more reason for gratitude.

The tributes shared throughout the week have centred on appreciation for his service, his dignity, and his continued willingness to share his story with new generations.

Everyone from Kirklees Local TV wishes Prince Albert Jacob the happiest of birthdays.

The images and photos for this piece were kindly provided by the ‘Why Are West Indians In This Country’ Project. Learn more about them here: https://www.whyarewestindians.co.uk/