Connie was born in Jamaica in 1923. During the Second World War she joined the British Army, serving as a medical secretary in Jamaica. Connie moved to Britain in 1954. In 1991, she was awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) and in 2001 she was made an MBE for her work in her community.
Connie was born in Kingston, Jamaica, in December 1923. She came from a mixed race, upper middle class family, which had a deep respect for the British royal family. Connie was sent to some of the best schools in Jamaica.
When the Second World War began, Connie’s family took a keen interest in events in Europe.
‘My father used to sit us all around [the radio], which you could hardly hear in those days, and it was nine o’clock and you hear “this is England calling!” and we had to listen, we had to listen to the war news every nine o’clock.’
In September 1943, after she finished college, Connie joined the Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS) of the British Army. She served for ten years as a medical secretary at a British military hospital in Jamaica.
In 1954, Connie moved to Britain with her husband and young daughter. He played county cricket for Durham. Despite her loyalty to Britain, Connie missed Jamaica. ‘When I came to this country first, I cried every day for six months, I wanted to go back to Jamaica, I hated it.’
Connie experienced racism, but her strong character helped her to deal with the prejudice she encountered.
‘She says to me “do you have a proper command of the English language?” and I said to her, “ I should hope so madam, that is the only language I know.”’
‘…I am British. I think British, and I grew up British, and I am quite proud I am British.’
Even though it was difficult to start with, Connie decided to stay in Britain, and settled in west London.
She formed the Gladiola Community Club, sat on many committees and was treasurer to the Commission for Racial Equality. She also took children from her local area on outings. Connie was awarded the BEM for her services to the West London community. Connie also campaigned for the recognition of Caribbean servicewomen.
Being recognised for her work is important to Connie.
‘Being British as I am, I was proud, well - its one step up the ladder isn’t it?’
In 2001, Connie was made an MBE.
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