Our Grand President was present when His Excellency James R Wright, Canadian High Commissioner for the United Kingdom hosted the book launch of Under One Flag at Canada House on 5th November 2009. Under One Flag tells the stories of the unsung heroes and heroines of World War II from across the Commonwealth. With personal forewords from Prince Harry and LCpl Johnson Beharry VC, the first serving recipient of the Victoria Cross since 1966, it emphasises the vital contribution made by those from the Commonwealth and what was then the British Empire who volunteered during World War II.
Prince Harry writes ‘The stories told in Under One Flag are rarely heard, but they should be. The immense courage and selfless dedication of indigenous and ethnic people deserve to be celebrated by us today. ’ The book is aimed largely at secondary school pupils and Great Britain has a widely diverse ethnic population so children and adults alike can learn about the important part that their grandparents and others played in the defence of Great Britain, all as volunteers, in the War. By ordering a copy all the money will go towards the welfare of our needy veterans and widows.

HRH PRINCE HENRY OF WALES
Lieutenant, The Blues and Royals of the Household Cavalry Regiment

Under One Flag is an extremely important book, as it highlights the vital part indigenous and ethnic peoples of the Commonwealth played in securing victory in the Second World War.

The stories told in Under One Flag are rarely heard, but they should be. The immense courage and selfless dedication of indigenous and ethnic peoples of what was then the British Empire deserve to be celebrated by us today. Those described in this book were ordinary people, but they rose to the challenges of extraordinary times so that we might live in peace and freedom.

Every year, The Royal Commonwealth Ex-Services League helps thousands of Commonwealth veterans and widows across the globe. The League’s activities recognise the debt of gratitude we owe to these people and their matchless devotion to liberty.

I hope that everyone – whatever background you may have or ethnicity you may be – reading this book comes to share the same sense of pride that I feel, as a soldier and as someone who enjoys the freedoms that our predecessors fought for.