'An exemplar of duty and sacrifice' - WW2 veteran trailblazer passes away aged 99

A Second World War pioneer who has died aged 99 has been described as being the epitome of duty and service.

Neil Flanigan was born in Jamaica but came to Britain as a teenager in 1943 to join the Royal Air Force.

He was part of the ground crew at Bomber Command, and helped to inspire a generation of people of Caribbean descent.

Paul Chambers, chairman of the British West India Regiments Heritage Trust, said: “Neil was an exemplar of what duty, service and sacrifice stands for.

Flanigan was given an MBE in 2001

“He gave unwavering support to British and Jamaican communities, working assiduously into his 99th year.” On Neil’s war service, Paul added: “Little did he know he was making history when he became one of the first men to step forward and answer the call in Jamaica to serve King and country.

“He was always dignified and would make weekly visits from his home in Camberley, Surrey, to events all over the country to speak about race relations or his war time experience.

With current service members and veterans at Windrush Square

“The measure of this man remains unparalleled among contemporaries.”

During the war, Neil did his training in Cardington, Beds, and specialised in instrument repair. He earned an MBE in 2001 for his community work.

A memorial service in London is set for May 24 when he would have turned 100.