By KLTV Newsdesk –

A new book celebrating the contributions of Black servicemen and women to Britain’s military history has been launched, helping to ensure their remarkable stories are preserved for generations to come.

The publication, produced by Forgotten Generations CIC, focuses on the lives and experiences of seven Royal Air Force veterans from the West Midlands.

It builds on the success of the Lest We Forget exhibition, which has highlighted the often-overlooked role of Black personnel in the RAF and wider British military history.

Among those featured is 100-year-old RAF veteran Prince Albert Jacob, affectionately known as “Jake”, whose extraordinary life and service form a central part of the book.

Originally from Trinidad, Mr Jacob joined the RAF in 1943 during the Second World War. After training in the United States, he served at bases across Britain, repairing equipment and providing essential support to aircraft operations.

KLTV interviewed Prince Albert Jacob, alongside several other veterans, as part of the Lest We Forget Project

Reflecting on the changes he has witnessed over the decades, Mr Jacob spoke about a recent visit to Trinidad, where he met a Black female Squadron Leader.

“I thought, ‘Oh, fantastic,'” he said. “Because during my days, when I first came to England, promotion for Black people was very, very difficult.”

He added: “The sooner we can get together, love each other and help each other, what a wonderful world to live in.”

Sharing their Stories

Forgotten Generations CIC was founded by Donald Campbell to document and share the stories of Black British people whose contributions might otherwise be forgotten.

Speaking at the launch, Mr Campbell said the project aims to reveal the hidden stories that have helped shape modern Britain.

“We’re trying to tell the story of hidden contributions to Britain over centuries,” he said.

“Our generations, now and in the future, should know these things, especially young people, to make sure they understand that a part of Britain belongs to them because of the people from the Caribbean and Africa who fought for Britain and helped build this country.”

Support from KLTV

The project also received support from KLTV, which was proud to help capture the veterans’ stories on film.

Through recorded interviews and video content, KLTV is proud to have played a role in preserving these invaluable first-hand accounts, ensuring future generations can hear directly from those who lived through this important chapter of history.

For many of the veterans and their families, the book represents more than a historical record; it is a lasting legacy.

The veterans involved in the project expressed pride that their experiences will now reach a wider audience.

Speaking about working with KLTV, Mr Campbell was full of praise.

“I must thank the entire Kirklees Local Television team for their outstanding work with The Forgotten Generations CIC after engaging their organisation to film and record seven black African and Caribbean RAF veterans from the West Midlands.

“Their dedication to to achieve maximum success was evident, backed up by outstanding professionalism in producing top-quality films and documentaries, which will now form a huge part of our archived history with RAF Cosford Museum and other notable organisations.

“A massive thank you to Kirklees Local Television, who has helped enormously to achieve a huge part of our aims and objectives in recording the lived experiences of some of our RAF veterans for our exhibition, website and virtual museum.

“Their dedication, commitment and understanding work to achieve our requirements is now evident for all to see. I sincerely hope we continue to work to together locally, nationally and internationally.”

While Mr Jacob continues to share his stories and wisdom at the age of 100, the publication ensures that these important accounts of service, sacrifice and resilience will endure long into the future.

The new book marks another significant milestone in Forgotten Generations CIC’s mission to preserve and celebrate the contributions of Black Britons whose stories deserve a permanent place in the nation’s history.

The book will be made available for purchase soon, and more information about the Lest We Forget Project can be found on the Forgotten Generations website.