Dr John Alcindor (1873-1924)
John Alcindor, known as the "Black Doctor of Paddington", served as a volunteer with the British Red Cross in World War One – after he was rejected by the Royal Army Medical Corps in 1914 because of his “colonial origin.” Not dismayed by the first rejection, Alcindor served Britain by helping wounded soldiers at London railway stations as they returned from the battlefields. Following the war his work was honoured with a Red Cross Medal.
Alcindor not only served his country in war, but he served his community as a doctor in the early 20th century, even becoming a senior district medical officer for Paddington in 1921 before his death in 1924. As part of the international centenary to commemorate World War One, the Nubian Jak Community Trust, with support from the Edward Harvist Trust, unveiled a blue heritage commemorative plaque at the former site of Dr John Alcindor’s surgery in Paddington, West London in 2014.
Read more about Dr John Alcindor in Nursing a Nation: African and Caribbean Contributions to British Health Services. (eds) Dr Jak Beula
John Alcindor’s achievements in the medical and military fields, as well as his ardour for service and racial equality, serve as a testament to the impact one can have on society regardless of origin. The Trinidad and Tobago High Commission salute the life and legacy of Dr. Alcindor and is pleased to see one of the brilliant sons of Trinidad and Tobago being honoured for his indelible contribution. We hope his story can serve to inspire future generations. Mrs Reshma Bissoon-Deokie,Acting High Commission for Trinidad and Tobago
Dr John Alcindor was a remarkable man who is remembered for his devotion to his patients, whatever their origin or race. During the First World War, he was awarded a Red Cross Medal for his work with the wounded at London Railway stations. He lived in Paddington from 1907, becoming the Senior District Medical Adviser in 1921 until he died in 1924, and when he passed away his loss was felt by everyone he came into contact with. It is right that we remember and celebrate his life with a public plaque and reflect on his work in this centenary year of the start of World War One. Cllr Audrey Lewis – Lord Mayor of Westminster.
Although our grandfather never knew his grandchildren/great grandchildren because he died in 1924, we are immensely proud of his passion for both helping those who could not afford to pay for GP services in those days, and for his fight to promote racial equality at that time. We very much appreciate that his efforts have been recognised with this Plaque. Bar Holmes – Granddaughter of John Alcindor
As the current resident of the Harrow Road Medical Centre, I am delighted to rediscover some of the local history connected with the site and surrounding area, and I welcome the work of the Nubian Jak Community Trust in putting this tribute together. Dr Flexman – Proprietor of the Harrow Medical Centre
For over twenty years, Dr Alcindor aided thousands of people in Paddington. He was also a respected cricketer, Catholic, and president of the African Progress Union. His death at the age of 50 was a great loss to the sick and to the Caribbean and African community. Jeff Green - Historian After setting up his medical practice of Harrow Road Dr Alcindor carried out research and published papers on cancer, Tuberculosis and influenza. As a member of the Committee of the National Council for Combating Venereal Diseases he worked to prevent syphilis and tuberculosis in Great Britain. Jak Beula - Chair of the Nubian Jak Commemorative Plaque Scheme
Location: 209 Harrow Road Paddington London, W9 5ES