The World War II Veterans’ Family Association, a non-political group representing over 400 members, including widows, children, and grandchildren of Gambian servicemen, is calling for fair compensation and proper acknowledgement of those who served.
Between 2019 and 2024, the British government pledged £11.8 million in charitable funds to support veterans across 29 Commonwealth countries, including The Gambia.
The fund, administered by the Royal Commonwealth Ex-Services League (RCEL) in partnership with the Gambia Legion, is aimed at assisting veterans who served before independence, as well as their widows living in poverty.
But the association says transparency around the allocation and distribution of these funds in The Gambia has been severely lacking.
“The authorities responsible for managing the Gambia Legion have failed to reach the rightful beneficiaries,” the association said in a statement.
They have called on the British Embassy, the Gambian Ministry of Defence, the National Assembly, and other institutions to urgently address this decades-long injustice.
Historian Hasum Ceesay provided important context on Gambian contributions during the war, revealing that 4,450 Gambians were conscripted, 3,750 served in the army and 600 in the Royal Air Force.
He also noted that around 126 veterans are buried in Mboma, and recalled the warm reception given to returning soldiers in 1946 at MacCarthy Square.
“These veterans were among the first professional drivers in the country and played a vital role in post-war development,” Ceesay added.
National Assembly member Falli Kora, a vocal supporter of the association, stressed the importance of public awareness.
“Many families don’t even know about the British government’s support,” he said. “We want to enlighten them and ensure their rights are protected.”
The Veterans’ Family Association continues to press for dignity and full recognition for Gambian veterans, urging both national and international partners to honour their commitments.
