Britons largely unaware of Black and Asian contribution to WW2 effort, research shows

Most people do not know soldiers from countries like Jamaica and Kenya, and Muslims, fought alongside British troops

The British public is largely unaware of the contribution made by soldiers from Commonwealth countries such as Jamaica and Kenya to the second world war, research has found, as campaigners say greater recognition of the diversity of those who fought against fascism will strengthen national unity.

Ahead of the 80th anniversary of VE Day on 8 May, a FocalData poll for the thinktank British Future, which works to highlight integration, found there is a strong public appetite" for greater awareness and teaching in schools of the diversity of the war effort - but a lack of knowledge about the contribution of Black and Asian personnel.