West Indies under British Colonialism: Life Stories of Ex-Servicemen and Women in World Wars

Introduction

The West Indies was once a vast colonial empire that spanned across multiple islands in the Caribbean Sea. The region became a major center of the slave trade and played a crucial role in the transatlantic economy. For centuries, the people of the West Indies endured the harsh realities of British colonialism, including forced labor, economic exploitation, and social and political oppression. This article explores the stories of West Indian ex-servicemen and women who served in the British forces during both World Wars, shedding light on the experiences of those who lived under colonialism in the West Indies.

British Colonialism in The West Indies: An Overview

The British colonial period had a profound impact on the West Indies, shaping the region’s political, economic, and social landscape. For many West Indians, life under British colonialism was marked by exploitation, racism, and a struggle for independence. However, despite the challenges they faced, many West Indian ex-servicemen and women served in the British forces during both World Wars, demonstrating their bravery and loyalty to a country that often treated them as second-class citizens. Through the stories of soldiers, pilots, and ground crew, we gain a glimpse into the complex and often contradictory experiences of West Indians living under British colonialism.

Their stories shed light on the ways in which colonialism shaped their lives and their contributions to the wider world. Despite the challenges and struggles faced under British colonialism, the West Indian people continued to resist and fight for their rights and freedoms. This resistance eventually led to the decolonization of the West Indies and the establishment of independent nations. Today, the legacy of those who fought for independence and equality lives on, and their stories serve as a reminder of the strength, resilience, and determination of the West Indian people in the face of oppression.

West Indian Ex-Servicemen and Women in World War I

During World War I, West Indian men and women served in the British military, fighting alongside their colonial masters. One such individual was Walter Tull, a soldier who fought for the English regiment and became the first black officer in the British Army. Despite facing discrimination and racism from his fellow soldiers, Tull proved himself to be a capable leader and was widely respected for his bravery on the battlefield. Other West Indian men and women served in various roles, including in the ground crew of the Royal Air Force and as nurses in military hospitals.

West Indian Ex-Servicemen and Women in World War II

During World War II, West Indian men and women once again answered the call to serve in the British military. One such individual was Ulric Cross, a Trinidadian pilot who joined the Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS) and later became a navigator in the Royal Air Force. Cross went on to become a distinguished lawyer and diplomat, serving as the High Commissioner to the United Kingdom for Trinidad and Tobago. Other West Indian ex-servicemen and women played important roles in the British military, including in the ground crew of the RAF and as nurses in military hospitals.

Life Under British Colonialism

Life under British colonialism was not easy for the people of the West Indies. Forced labor, economic exploitation, and social and political oppression were just some of the harsh realities faced by the region’s inhabitants. Despite this, many West Indians saw the British military as a way to gain economic and social mobility, and as a means of fighting for their country and contributing to the war effort. There are some stories from people who experienced life under British colonialism in the West Indies:

1. Cecil Rolle: Cecil Rolle was born in 1922 on the island of Eleuthera in the Bahamas. He was one of the many young men who joined the British Army during World War II. He served in North Africa and Italy and was wounded in action. After the war, he returned to the Bahamas and became a prominent businessman and politician.
2. Una Marson: Una Marson was a Jamaican writer, feminist, and activist who was a leading voice in the struggle for Jamaican independence. She worked as a broadcaster for the BBC during World War II, and her radio programs were a powerful tool for raising awareness about the plight of black people in the West Indies.
3. Allan Glaisyer Minns: Allan Glaisyer Minns was the first black mayor in Britain. He was born in the Bahamas in 1874 and went on to study medicine at Cambridge University. During World War I, he served as a medical officer in France and was awarded the Military Cross for his bravery. After the war, he settled in Britain and became a prominent physician and community leader.
4. Ulric Cross: Ulric Cross was a Trinidadian who served as a navigator in the Royal Air Force during World War II. He flew over 80 missions and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his bravery. After the war, he studied law at Oxford University and became a lawyer and diplomat. He played a key role in the struggle for independence in Ghana and other African countries.
5. Cy Grant: Cy Grant was a Guyanese actor, singer, and writer who served in the Royal Air Force during World War II. He was shot down over the Netherlands and became a prisoner of war. After the war, he became a successful actor and musician in Britain and was a leading voice in the struggle for racial equality.

These are just a few examples of the many West Indian ex-servicemen and women who served in the British forces during World Wars I and II, and went on to play important roles in their communities and in the fight for independence.

More Stories From People

The experiences of West Indian ex-servicemen and women shed light on the complex and often fraught relationship between colonial subjects and their colonial rulers. Here are a few more stories of people who experienced life under British colonialism in the West Indies:

1. Althea Cooper was born in Jamaica in 1923 and grew up in poverty. When World War II broke out, she joined the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force and was stationed in England, where she worked as a radio operator. Despite facing racism and discrimination from her fellow servicemen, she persevered and became one of the first black women to serve in the British armed forces. After the war, she returned to Jamaica and continued to fight for racial equality and social justice.
2. Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow was a labor leader and political activist in British Guiana (now Guyana) who fought for workers’ rights and independence from British rule. He organized strikes and protests throughout the 1920s and 1930s, despite facing harassment and imprisonment from colonial authorities. During World War II, he supported the British war effort but also demanded better treatment for West Indian soldiers and workers. After the war, he continued to fight for independence and was eventually elected to the Legislative Council of British Guiana.
3. Samuel Jackman Prescod was a Barbadian politician and anti-colonial activist who fought for the rights of black and mixed-race people. He was elected to the Barbados House of Assembly in 1843, becoming the first non-white person to hold public office in the British Empire. He used his position to push for the abolition of slavery and the expansion of voting rights, but he faced opposition from white colonial officials who resented his influence. Despite this, he continued to fight for the rights of his people until his death in 1851.
4. Una Marson was a Jamaican writer, broadcaster, and feminist who challenged colonial stereotypes and advocated for women’s rights. She worked for the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) during World War II, where she became the first black woman to produce and host radio programs for a mainstream audience. Her shows explored topics such as race, gender, and colonialism, and she used her platform to amplify the voices of marginalized people. After the war, she returned to Jamaica and continued to write and advocate for social justice until her death in 1965.
5. Alphonso Dennie was a West Indian soldier who fought in World War II for the British Army. Dennie was born in Grenada in 1919 and joined the British Army in 1940. He served in North Africa and Italy as part of the 1st Battalion of the Manchester Regiment. During the war, Dennie was wounded twice and received the Military Medal for bravery. After the war, he returned to Grenada and worked as a farmer. He was also involved in community activities and served as the President of the Grenada Ex-Servicemen’s Association. Dennie passed away in 2006 at the age of 87.

These are just a few examples of the diverse and complex experiences of West Indians living under British colonialism. Despite facing racism, discrimination, and oppression, many people were able to resist and fight for their rights, both during and after the world wars.

Conclusion

The stories of West Indian ex-servicemen and women who served in the British forces during both World Wars offer a glimpse into the experiences of those who lived under British colonialism in the West Indies. Despite facing discrimination and racism, these individuals demonstrated their bravery and commitment to their country and their fellow soldiers. Their stories serve as a reminder of the complex legacy of colonialism and the ways in which it has shaped the lives of countless individuals across the globe.