Blue plaque at Seaford station commemorates West Indian soldiers

A blue plaque unveiled at Seaford Station on Commonwealth Day this week was dedicated to the regiment of soldiers from the West Indies who were posted to Seaford during World War One.

Men from the West Indies arrived in Sussex prepared to defend and die for our freedom and liberty, fighting side by side with British soldiers. The West Indian regiment would go on to play a crucial role in the First World War against the forces of the Ottoman Empire.

The plaque was dedicated by The Mayor, Councillor Linda Wallraven alongside Jon Freeman, Director of the Seaford to Brighton Line at the Sussex Community Rail Partnership, local historian Kevin Gordon, and Jak Beula, Chief Executive of the Nubian Jak Trust, and Southern’s Station Manager Andy Gardner. A reception was kindly hosted by The Steamworks.

The Mayor, Linda Wallraven said: “I am so pleased that a Blue Plaque is going to be unveiled at Seaford station in recognition to the British West Indies Regiment they are a part of Seaford history.”

Jak Beula CEO of the Nubian Jak Trust said: “We are delighted to have the support of Seaford council and community who will commemorate the role the town played in the historic formation of the British West Indies Regiment in 1915."

Jon Freeman, Sussex Community Rail Partnership, Seaford to Brighton Line Director, said: "Sussex CRP and Seaford Station are pleased to host the unveiling of a blue plaque on behalf of the British West Indies Regiment. The old and the new meet yet again in memory of our heritage!”

Andy Gardner, Seaford Station Manager, said: "While Southern look to modernise the railway, it's very important that we also pay tribute to the heritage and diverse history of our lines. We are delighted to support the community in recognising the service of these inspirational men."