Winston G White came to the UK from the Caribbean in 1967 as a teenager. After school, he took up an apprenticeship at a local factory as a machine mechanic. ‘Not satisfied’, Winston left and in September 1970 joined the RAF as a Motor Transport Driver Operator.
First Winston underwent basic training at RAF Swinderby and then trade training at RAF St Athens. Winston started his first operational tour at RAF Linton on Ouse, followed by three tours in Germany. For Winston, the highlight of his service was two tours at the Royal Tournament at Earl’s Court in London, and detachments to Cyprus, the Falklands and Kuwait.
Winston was the proud recipient of both the Long Service and the Good Conduct medals, along with many letters of commendation and sports colours. He represented his unit at cricket (as Captain), squash, badminton, football (as player manager) and golf.
After completing 29 years and 7 months service, Winston left the RAF. He now carries out charity work as the Chairman of the National Caribbean Monument Charity. The aim is to commission a monument at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire as a permanent legacy to all the men and women who came from the Caribbean and served Britain during previous conflicts, and continue to do so.