Bramley’s Alford Gardner, who was one of Britain’s last surviving passengers of the Empire Windrush, has died aged 98.
Mr Gardner was one of the last few surviving passengers who made the journey on the HMS Windrush and will be remembered for breaking down racial barriers. He was 98.
HMT Empire Windrush arrived in England nearly eight decades ago, bringing hundreds of people from the Caribbean who answered Britain’s call to help fill post-war labour shortages.
The Windrush scandal erupted in 2018 when British and predominantly Black citizens of Caribbean heritage were wrongly detained, deported or threatened with deportation by the UK government despite having the right to live in the UK. Many lost homes and jobs and were denied access to healthcare and benefits.
Alford served in the Royal Air Force during the Second World War and was one of the last surviving passengers of the Empire Windrush.
Following his return to the UK in 1948, Alford settled in Hyde Park and found work in engineering until his retirement. During the war, Alford met Norma McKenna who he went on to marry, and the couple had nine children together.
His legacy in Leeds was cemented in 1948 when he became one of the founding members of the city’s famed Caribbean Cricket Club, a focal point for the city’s West Indian community in the 50s and 60s. Today, the club is the longest-running black-led organisation in Leeds and the oldest of its type in the UK.
Alford was honoured by the city in February when he was presented with the prestigious Leeds Award to formally recognise his achievements and contribution to the city.
Tributes have flooded in today.
Veteran broadcaster Floella Benjamin said on X: “I have total respect and admiration for #Windrush pioneer Alford Gardner who died aged 98. He encapsulated joy, dignity and courage. He will be remembered and celebrated each #BlackHistoryMonth for his legacy #RIP.”
A spokesperson for Jamaica Society leeds added: “Leeds’s last surviving Caribbean WW2 veteran and Windrush passenger, Alford Gardner has passed at 98. A proud Jamaican, and part of a generation who helped to rebuild postwar Leeds and Britain we owe him more than a tweet can say. Thank you Mr Gardner. For everything.”
Leeds Lord Mayor Cllr Abigail Marshal Katung added: “I am so sorry to learn of Alford’s passing. He was a true pioneer who made a lasting impact on Leeds while blazing a trail for so many members of our Caribbean community. May his soul Rest In Peace.”
Dame Elizabeth Anionwu added: “Rest well Alford Gardner, we will miss your story telling and the most beautiful and infectious laugh. This photo is a great souvenir – it was taken in 2018 at Tilbury Docks during the 70th anniversary of the arrival here of the Empire Windrush ship.