Black History Month: Celebrating Prince Albert "Jake" Jacob

To mark Black History Month, we're sharing the story of Prince Albert "Jake" Jacob, one of the last surviving Caribbean RAF veterans of the Second World War and a proud member of the Windrush generation.

Now 101, Jake, born in Port of Spain, Trinidad, in 1925, volunteered for the Royal Air Force at just 17 years old, joining more than 6,000 Caribbean men who answered Britain's call during the war.

He served as part of the RAF ground crew, helping keep aircraft operational at stations including RAF Kirkham, RAF Burtonwood and RAF Carlisle. 

After the war, Jake returned to Trinidad but struggled to find opportunities despite his RAF service and training. He returned to Britain in 1947 and built a career with the Post Office in telecommunications. Like many members of the Windrush generation, Jake faced significant racism and discrimination, including difficulties finding accommodation and obtaining a mortgage.

Jake was a talented athlete and represented Great Britain in sprinting competitions and won medals at the Maccabiah Games in Israel.

In recent years, Jake has become a prominent voice in preserving the history of Caribbean RAF personnel. He spoke at RAF events marking the 75th anniversary of Windrush and has participated in interviews and heritage projects to ensure the contributions of Black servicemen are recognised and remembered.

One of the most poignant aspects of Jake's story is that, like many Caribbean veterans, he waited decades for formal recognition of his wartime service. In 2023, aged 97, he finally received his War and Defence Medals and Veterans' Badge, of which he said he was "honoured and proud".

Maria Lyle, Associate Director Operations at the RAF Benevolent Fund said: "We were delighted to help arrange and attend Prince Albert Jacobs' 100th birthday celebration in 2025, in partnership with the RAF Ethnic Minority Network, the National Windrush Museum and the RAF Club. The event provided a fitting opportunity to recognise Albert's distinguished service and to celebrate a century of resilience, achievement and contribution to both the RAF and wider society."

The information in this article is credited to: Voice Online, Royal Air Force, Solihull Observer, Kirklees Local TV (KLTV), Solihull Life.

Image credited to BBC News, West Midlands.