Celebrating Black History Month: Q&A with RAF veteran Sgt Leroy Francis

For Black History Month this October, we spoke to former RAF Sergeant Leroy Francis, who served for 26 years as an Aircraft Weapons Systems Maintenance Manager, about what Black History Month means to him. 

What does Black History Month mean to you? 
"Black History Month is a very important period. It is a time to reflect and be extremely proud of our heritage, and all the sacrifices made by our families. It gives me the opportunity to remember the sacrifices made by my parents when they moved to England which has led to the opportunities that I have had in life to date.

"It also gives us the chance to celebrate the efforts of serving and veteran personnel in the Armed Forces and ensure they are equally recognised for their contribution to our Forces in all corners of the world."

What is the significance, for you, celebrating Black History Month on the year of the Windrush 75th Anniversary? 
"It is very important to me; my parents came to England circa 1960 in that Windrush period. The 75th anniversary, this year, is an opportunity to remember the efforts our parents have made in contributing to the success we have all had in lives."

What was your experience in the RAF like? 
"From my point of view, I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of my service career. Before I joined the military, my parents were slightly apprehensive of me taking the plunge. But after the first day in the service, I knew straight away this was the career for me.

"I am very proud that I managed to achieve so much in my 26-year service career travelling the globe. And it felt like nothing; it went very quickly!"

Do you feel there was a good level of representation of Black people in the RAF during your service? 
"From my point of view, I would say it was very well represented. A lot of my friends who served in the Forces were of Afro-Caribbean heritage. At the time when I joined, I didn't have a clue what to expect. You just take it as it comes. But as you went on, you meet more and more people, and you find out that you are not alone."

Do you have any memories of diversity and multiculturalism being celebrated within the RAF Family? 
"I think one of my key memories was post my service career when we did the Remembrance Parade at the Cenotaph in London. That made me and my family feel very proud for our efforts. It was a form of recognition of our time that we served for Queen and Country, in those times."

Is there anything else you would like to add?  
"I am more than happy with how my life has panned out and I would not have been to get this far without the support, contribution and efforts made by my family and friends – and also the RAF Benevolent Fund helping when I was very low."

You can find out more about Leroy’s story and how he has been supported by the Fund here.