Blue Plaque honour for Euton Christian

Euton Christian born in 1923, was from Clarendon, Jamaica but would achieve many firsts in the city of Manchester, England where he lived, worked and raised his family. He played proactive roles in the African Caribbean community there from 1952 until his death in 2008.

He was the first person of African Caribbean heritage to be promoted as a post office manager in 1954 where he worked for 30 years. He was the first African Caribbean person to be made a Justice of the Peace and Magistrate in Manchester.

Christian was instrumental in setting up the Jamaica Society of Manchester and was a former chairman. He cultivated and promoted the work of the ex-servicemen association, advised and supported Jamaicans on passport, immigration and nationality issues. He was also a proactive member of the Caribbean Sports and Social Club located in Moss Side, Manchester.

Christian’s illustrious and trailblazing journey and career started as an officer in the Royal Air Force (RAF) where he served until 1952. Many dignitaries, including the Lord Mayor of Manchester, council leaders, community activists, many friends and his relatives recently turned out to witness the first Blue Plaque unveiling in honour of the Jamaican who made Manchester his home and achieved several firsts in his life and career.

This unique recognition and honour of Euton Christian was made possible through the efforts of the Chorlton Civic Society, similar to the scheme set up in London to pay homage to “noteworthy people.”

Christian went back to Jamaica after the war ended, but decided to return to Britain on the Empire Windrush in 1948 which was originally sent back to bring over servicemen on leave. The story told by his family is that ‘because there was space on the ship, hundreds of young men were offered a chance to come back to Britain and take advantage of a better life, for a fee of £28.

Christian loved sport, especially cricket. He played for a team based in Chester. In his interview with the ‘Roots Family History’ project, he said: ‘Had he not joined the civil service after leaving the RAF, he would have loved to become a professional cricketer.’ Christian’s life and work is also featured in the War Museum North and the People History Museum.