Introduction
The main focus of the “We Were There” exhibition is on people rather than events.
It celebrates personal commitment and professionalism regardless of religion, race,
gender or social background.
The exhibition was first presented to the public in November 2000. It has been
welcomed for making a significant statement about the contribution of Britain’s
ethnic minority communities to UK defence over the last 250 years. It has also
helped to promote better understanding between communities by showing how
men and women from Africa, Asia, the West Indies and other Commonwealth
countries fought and served alongside British forces during many major conflicts.
For students of history and citizenship, the exhibition offers a wider and more
inclusive perspective of our military past. It demonstrates how people from different
religions, races, and cultures came together at times of great social, political, military
and geographical change to help create and then defend the British Empire and
democratic freedom. What has surprised many people is that most of those who
served from the colonies were volunteers, including the whole of the Indian Army.
The exhibition is very much a positive story, but it should be remembered that over
many years some of those who served did experience racial prejudice. Despite this
they continued to offer their services to help Britain.
Although the exhibition is largely historical, the modern armed forces section
illustrates how the qualities of commitment, professionalism and bravery, exhibited
in the past, continue today. We hope you enjoy visiting the exhibition and are both
inspired and moved by some of the courageous stories featured.
|
 Bill Jeffrey
Permanent Under Secretary
Air Chief Marshal
Sir Jock Stirrup
Chief of the Defence Staff
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