Prince Albert Jacob

RAF Serviceman

Prince Albert Jacob, known as Jake, will mark his “incredible milestone” with family and friends at the Black Country Living Museum in Dudley on Friday.

The former Great Britain athlete was 17 when he joined the forces in 1943, but like many Black servicemen, he would have to wait decades for official recognition, said the RBL, only gaining the medals he was entitled to in 2023.

Garry Stewart, RBL’s community engagement officer, said it was important to “come together as a community to celebrate and pay thanks to Prince Albert Jacob on his momentous 100th birthday”.

“Victory would not have been achieved without the courage and fortitude of our greatest generation, to whom we owe our freedom and way of life,” he added.

After signing up for the RAF, the teenager from Trinidad travelled to America for specialist training before arriving in Britain to begin military service during the height of the war.

As part of the ground crew, Jake played a vital role in keeping aircraft airworthy and ensuring the flow of supplies.

When the war ended, Jake returned to Trinidad hoping his RAF skills would help him find work at the airport but was rejected.

He returned to Britain in 1947, a year before the arrival of the Empire Windrush.