British High Commission launches second booklet dedicated to Seychellois British Armed Forces veterans |20 September 2023
British High Commissioner Patrick Lynch (right) receiving a gift from a Seychellois veteran who served in the British military (Photo: Contributed)
Hosting over 50 Seychellois veterans who served in the British military at their annual veterans’ reception, the British High Commission launched the second edition of the Veterans’ Voices booklet.
Building upon the success of the inaugural booklet and the accompanying exhibition held on Mahé and Praslin, the second edition of the Veterans’ Voices continues to capture the stories of Seychellois, young and old, who served in the British Armed Forces, highlighting their adventures around the globe.
The history of Seychellois involvement in the British Armed Forces dates back to the Second World War when Seychellois recruits were enlisted to join the Royal Pioneer Corps. Following the end of national service in the UK in 1960, the British government approached Commonwealth countries in a recruitment drive for the British Armed Forces. The group of Seychellois recruits left for Nairobi on July 23, 1961 and were then taken to their training camp in England.
These Seychellois veterans went on to serve in various corners of the world, voyaging as far as Canada, the Falkland Islands, and Hong Kong, among other destinations.
Welcoming the veterans at the event, British High Commissioner Patrick Lynch stated:
“Last year, the British High Commission had the great pleasure of launching the first edition of the Veterans’ Voices, sharing stories of the bravery, dedication and comradeship of the Seychellois who travelled far from these islands to serve in the British Armed Forces.
“With the booklet proving a great success, the British High Commission team then transformed the stories into an exhibition at the National Museum of History in Seychelles. No written history can ever be complete. There will always be more to discover and more to be shared. It is, therefore, appropriate that we present this new booklet, Veterans’ Voices 2, to add to the rich detail.
“None of this would have been possible without the great cooperation of local veterans and the hard work of Jackie Bulmer at the British High Commission. Jackie’s arrival in Seychelles and her experience in supporting veterans worldwide has re-energised the network of Seychellois who served in the British Armed Forces. Dear friendships have been re-established, and the UK government has been given an opportunity to recognise those who served.
“We would like to thank the Seychellois who offered their service. It is a debt that can never be fully repaid, but through projects such as Veterans’ Voices 2, we can ensure that they know they are truly valued.”
Press release from the British High Commission
