Two extracts from the BBC archives (WW2 memories - Black and Asian Involvement) used for teaching purposes

Experiences of a Black British Serviceman

"There was no military tradition in my family. I enlisted because of patriotism and adventure. The West Indies gave full support to the mother country, Great Britain, in her conflict with Germany. ...

In the RAF my unit picked up aircrews shot down or ditched at sea. ... We also laid flare paths for the flying boats to land or take off at night and transported aircrews and maintenance crews to planes. Our other jobs included refuelling, re-loading bombs and towing sea-planes to dry docks. ...

There was no official racial discrimination in the services, but seniority promotion for a black serviceman was rare, even if you were qualified to do the job. Excuses for non-promotion were always there, so you were simply allowed to carry on in the ranks, regardless of your ability. They didn't want black personnel in charge of white servicemen.

But we were treated very well by white civilians because they were aware that you had left your safe country to face danger and help them in their time of need. And white British servicemen, in my case, were fine. In the navy, on a small ship, you have to live close, so you automatically become a close unit - whether afloat or ashore; any difficulties that arise are quickly sorted out. In the RAF, again when on air-sea rescue duties, you are together as a crew. Most of the time, I was the only black, so no problem, but when I was on other duties and had to mix, there were some problems - mostly caused by stereotyping. People would say things like 'Because you're black you don't need to wash' and 'Where did you learn to speak English, if you live in trees?' At first I took offence, but after deep consideration I came to the conclusion that it was best for me to try and re-educate my colleagues, which I did. ...

I got along fine with the white Commonwealth personnel because apparently they had been warned not to compare West Indians with their native population. A few did step out of line, but were dealt with accordingly.
But I didn't get along with white American GIs. They were reluctant to accept the fact that the British black servicemen were a different race in social outlook.
Many of the white American GIs were from the southern states of America and, although they were in Europe (a very different social scene), they couldn't face the changes that took place. So we had open wars, especially in dance halls and various places of entertainment, with the local whites as back-up on our side"


The Dazzling Black American - a child's memory

"He leaned down from his jeep and scooped me up into the passenger seat and I was dazzled. Gleaming white smile, flashing brown eyes, shining brown skin and a beautiful uniform. He was the first American that I ever saw in real life. ...

We loved those first American soldiers and did not even think about colour except that they were black and we were white, a natural state of affairs. ... There was a lot of resentment and jealousy among the local men and British servicemen because the Yanks were more confident, had more money and were much smarter. ...

Later this became more vitriolic if it was a black American soldier. I am sure this charge was imported by the white Americans, willingly adopted by our people because it gave more spice to the tale, as well as the apparent need to always have a group on which resentment can be focused.
There was no resentment from us because the Americans were particularly kind to children. Where as most local adults had little or no time for children, there was always chewing gum, chocolate and friendliness from these attractive new friends.
They were certainly different if only because they were patient with the many children who appeared as soon as they drove their jeeps into Bluetts Road."

more memories