Public know little of black and Asian troops' role in winning war

The British public is largely unaware of the contribution made by soldiers from Commonwealth countries such as Jamaica and Kenya in the second world war, a poll has found.

- Chris Osuh

Campaigners who commissioned the survey said greater recognition of the diversity of those who fought against fascism would strengthen national unity.

Before the 80th anniversary of VE Day on Thursday, a FocalData poll for British Future, a thinktank which works to highlight integration, found "a strong public appetite" for greater awareness and teaching in schools of the diversity of the war effort - but a lack of knowledge about black and Asian personnel.

The research found that 86% of respondents agreed that "all those who fought for Britain in the world wars, regardless of where they came from" should be honoured. And 77% felt remembering the "shared wartime history" of British and Commonwealth troops could help build cohesion in today's "multi-ethnic society".

But only 24% of respondents were aware that troops from Jamaica and Kenya fought for Britain, while only 34% were aware of Muslim soldiers' contributions. Just 43% knew about the service of Sikh personnel.