The contribution of Black British soldiers in the World Wars

To celebrate Black History Month in line with 2024’s theme ‘Reclaiming Narratives’, Judge & Priestley has produced three articles looking at the contribution of Black people in Britain over the last hundred years in all walks of life from the armed forces to music and entertainment, to reinvigorating local communities. In this first piece, we look at the contribution of Black soldiers who served their country across two world wars, despite often facing prejudice and injustice.

The contribution of Black British soldiers, as well as those from the Caribbean, Africa, and other colonies, in both World Wars is an often underappreciated but crucial aspect of our history. These men served with bravery and distinction, often under harsh conditions and against a backdrop of discrimination. Their roles spanned combat, logistics, and medical support, and their stories, although once sidelined, are now receiving the recognition they deserve.

World War I: The British West Indies Regiment and beyond

In World War I, the British West Indies Regiment (BWIR) became a prominent symbol of colonial contributions to the war effort. The regiment, formed in 1915, comprised more than 15,000 men from the Caribbean, notably from Jamaica, Barbados, Trinidad, and British Guiana.

These soldiers fought in key theatres, including Europe and the Middle East. In Palestine, the BWIR fought alongside British and Indian troops in the campaign against the Ottoman Empire. Their valour in the Battle of Gaza, part of the wider Sinai and Palestine campaign, helped secure vital Allied victories in the region.

Despite their contributions, the BWIR soldiers faced widespread racism. They were often kept in menial roles, doing hard labour such as unloading ships, digging trenches, and building infrastructure. Even though some units were involved in combat, their efforts were largely overshadowed by discriminatory practices.

The soldiers were originally recruited under the promise of equal pay and conditions as their British counterparts. However, when the war ended, they were denied a pay raise that others received. Adding insult to injury, when a labour shortage arose in Taranto, Italy, the men of the BWIR were assigned to menial tasks, including kitchen work and latrine cleaning.

To make matters worse, they found themselves performing these duties for Italian civilian workers, who held no military rank and were technically below them in status. This culminated in the 1918 mutiny in Taranto, where BWIR soldiers, frustrated by their mistreatment, rebelled against the authorities. The rebellion was quickly suppressed, but it marked an important moment of resistance against racial injustice in the military.

One noteworthy figure from this period was Sergeant William Robinson Clarke, Jamaica’s first Black pilot, who flew for the Royal Flying Corps, a precursor to the RAF. Clarke flew reconnaissance missions over German lines, a dangerous task that demonstrated his bravery and skill. After being wounded in action, Clarke’s story was celebrated, but like many Black soldiers, he faced discrimination upon returning to civilian life.

World War II: Ulric Cross, Cy Grant, and the RAF

World War II saw a repeat of colonial recruitment, with soldiers from the Caribbean, Africa, and Asia once again answering Britain’s call. One of the most distinguished Black servicemen was Ulric Cross, a Trinidadian who joined the RAF in 1941.

Cross flew more than 80 bombing missions as a navigator and was awarded both the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Distinguished Service Order for his bravery. Cross’s skill as a navigator and his leadership were critical to many successful missions, including some of the RAF’s most dangerous sorties over Nazi-occupied Europe.

Another figure of note was Cy Grant, born in Guyana, who also joined the RAF as a pilot. Grant’s bomber was shot down during a mission, and he spent the remainder of the war as a prisoner in a German POW camp.

After the war, Grant qualified as a barrister and became an advocate for the recognition of Black soldiers’ contributions. However, he was unable to find enough work as a lawyer, so he took up acting and singing as a way to supplement his income. He was one of the first Black entertainers to break into British mainstream media. His post-war advocacy, like Cross’s, ensured that the contributions of Black service members were not forgotten.

In Africa, soldiers from Nigeria, Ghana and Sierra Leone made vital contributions to British campaigns in East Africa and Burma. One of the key African units, the King’s African Rifles (KAR), was instrumental in the British victory in the Burma campaign, where they fought against Japanese forces. The KAR was composed of soldiers from British East Africa and played a significant role in fighting in some of the most challenging terrains and conditions. Their contribution, though often overlooked, was key to Allied successes in Southeast Asia.

Prejudice, discrimination, and bullying

Racism and prejudice were rife throughout both world wars. Black soldiers were frequently relegated to support roles or kept from combat duties, despite their capabilities.

Post-war, Black veterans often struggled to receive the same recognition and support as their white counterparts.

The British government’s failure to properly recognise or support Black soldiers led to instances of depression, poverty, and isolation among many veterans.

Recognition and Legacy

In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the contributions of Black soldiers and other ethnic minorities to Britain’s war efforts. Monuments, such as the African and Caribbean War Memorial, have been erected in London to honour their service.

Historians are working to ensure these stories are integrated into the broader narrative of British military history. The contribution of Black soldiers was essential to the Allied victories in both World Wars. Despite facing institutional racism, prejudice, and inequality, they fought with courage and dedication. Their stories are a testament to the power of resilience and the need for recognition and justice in military history.

Stay tuned to our socials for the second and third articles celebrating Black History Month 2024 ‘Reclaiming Narratives’.