98-y-o World War II veteran reflects on service with pride

WESTERN BUREAU:

While many veterans of combat remain shell-shocked years after coming home from the front-line, World War II veteran, 98-year-old Leslie Dawkins, is proud and grateful for his wartime experience even though he worked behind the scenes and not on the actual battlefield.

Dawkins, who hails from Westmoreland, joined the British Royal Air Force in 1944 at 17 years old and still harbours vivid memories that highlight a kind of bravery that is often overlooked - his service in administration, which required him to ensure that critical supplies reached those who were operating on the front lines.

He returned to Jamaica in 1957, 12 years after the end of the war.

In looking back at his administrative role, Dawkins said his service was crucial in maintaining the lifeline that supported combat troops.

While acknowledging the heroism of those who faced direct conflict, Dawkins explained the importance of the behind-the-scenes contribution that he and others made.

“There were no operations in England outside of the bombings. They used many of us to do the administration work because the British soldiers had gone to the battlefield,” he recalled.

“The Jamaicans who signed up with me and were not working in the administration areas were doing engineering work on aircraft and other jobs.”

Sense of fulfilment

Reflecting on his service, Dawkins said it gives him a deep sense of fulfilment even though it has now been almost 80 years since war ended in 1945.

“Serving my country in any capacity was an honour,” said Dawkins, whose eyes dance with pride whenever he speaks of the experience.

As the United Kingdom celebrated Remembrance Day on November 11, Dawkins was among scores of citizens from Westmoreland who gathered at Norman Square in Savanna-la-Mar to remember those who served in the armed forces during the annual wreath laying and parade led by the Reverend Canon Hartley Perrin, custos of Westmoreland.

Dawkins told The Gleaner that the annual event is an excellent way to acknowledge the service of those citizens who championed the cause of world peace.

“It is excellent that they remember us for our services in wartime. I appreciate this because I don’t know if I am going to live to see another Remembrance Day parade,” said Dawkins, who is the recipient of two military medals for his service in World War II.

Perrin said the people of Westmoreland and Jamaica are proud, thankful, and blessed to have Dawkins as the island’s oldest surviving veteran of World War II.

“He continues to enjoy excellent health, his faculties are with him, and he can run comfortably if called upon to do so,” said Perrin.

“We are pleased that today, as other citizens have done, he was able to lay a wreath at the cenotaph in honour and remembrance of those who served us well.”

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