By Carl Bedward –
November 11th marks a day of remembrance for the brave men and women who laid down their lives in conflicts worldwide. Lest we forget, the iconic red poppy symbolizes the bloodshed on the battlefield, prompting us to pause and contemplate the profound impact of war.
Beyond wearing the poppy, we must actively engage in education, sharing the stories of sacrifice with younger generations and supporting initiatives that aid veterans.
Observing Remembrance Day is not just about looking back; it’s a commitment to a future where peace prevails, fueled by a collective understanding of the human cost of conflict and a deep gratitude for those who have served.
This Remembrance Day, KLTV’s Carl Bedward reflects on why he, as an African-Caribbean Descendant, made the decision to join the Royal Air Force.
I was christened Carl Adrian Bedward; my parents never called me either of those names; they preferred Ricky.
I am the second eldest of seven children; my parents travelled from Jamaica by boat to Huddersfield in the 1960s. They were part of the Windrush generation who, from 1948 to 1973, migrated to the United Kingdom.
My parents and many others like them came from different parts of the commonwealth to assist and aid in rebuilding the infrastructure of the United Kingdom.
I am one of the many children who are a legacy of the Afro-Caribbean migrants who left their safe havens to settle in the British Isles.
I grew up in Huddersfield, quite a diverse place containing a population of many cultures. This made me curious at a very young age.
I was intrigued and watched various documentary programs and read about these countries.
So a seed was sown: I wanted to learn, travel and experience these places and people in their environment instead of just reading and watching television programmes.
I saw the Royal Air Force as a possibility to do this; I achieved the educational requirements to enter as a Pilot first; my second choice was a navigator and, failing that, a physical training instructor.
I saw the Royal Air Force as a possibility to do this; I achieved the educational requirements to enter as a Pilot first; my second choice was a navigator and, failing that, a physical training instructor.
On August 2nd 1983, I joined the Real Air Force at nineteen years old; I saw this as a means to an end. Travel the world, get paid within a secure framework, meet people, make friends, and continue to play sports.
I did not get accepted in any of my choices, but I was offered a career in the Royal Air Force as a Regiment Gunner.
As a Regiment Gunner, you will specialise in combat tactics, weaponry, fieldcraft and force protection.
You will be part of a highly trained team carrying out various crucial duties to defend Royal Air Force bases and overseas air operations.
It was sold to me at the career office as physically demanding and came with various overseas postings.
Initially, I joined the Royal Air Force as a Regiment Gunner for a contract of six years; I completed 22 years of service. During that time, I Served in Germany and various locations within the United Kingdom.
I participated in operations and exercises worldwide in countries like America, Belize, Bosnia, Jordan and Kuwait. I have been employed in airfield security, internal security peacekeeping duties and instructing Royal Air Force personnel in common core military skills.
During my service, I learnt many skills, achieved many things and became a different person to the one who left Huddersfield in 1983.
I took a chance and gained what I set out to do; I travelled around the world and met people from different cultures in their environments.
Military life within the Royal Air Force as a Regiment Gunner worked for me.