Britain’s Forgotten Black Army In WW1

As part of Black History Month, we look at the often forgotten story of the Black African-Caribbean men who joined the British Army during the Great War or who served in the ranks of the British West Indies Regiment on the Western Front.

The story of William Robinson Clarke, the Black pilot who served in the Royal Flying Corps, is told in my book Great War Lives, published by Pen & Sword.

Podcast Extras: Black Soldiers in WW1

Podcast Extras: The Manley Brothers

These photographs are kindly reproduced here courtesy of writer and author, Rachel Manley. Rachel featured in our 2016 documentary Last Heroes of the Somme for Channel 4. It was a great privilege for me to spend time on the battlefields with a member of the Manley family.

11 Comments on “Britain’s Forgotten Black Army In WW1”

N Cherry
November 2, 2020

Very interesting.

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- oldfrontline
  November 4, 2020
  
  Thanks, Niall.
  
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Nigel Marshall
November 3, 2020

Another incredibly interesting and moving podcast on an aspect of the Great War we were never taught at school in the 70’s and 80’s in the UK. Thanks for sharing your knowledge once again. 👍

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- oldfrontline
  November 4, 2020
  
  Thanks, Nigel.
  
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Stephen Hunt
November 12, 2020

Fascinating and thought provoking podcast. Listened to it twice. As an aside it was interesting to hear about the vulnerability of the artillery at Paschendale. I recall a reference to this in the 1960s Great War series episode covering the battle.

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- oldfrontline
  November 12, 2020
  
  Thanks, Stephen.
  
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flanders1914
February 8, 2021

One of Walter Tull’s brothers, William, who was also a soldier during the FWW is buried in Folkestone’s Old Cemetery.

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- oldfrontline
  February 8, 2021
  
  Thanks, Peter.
  
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Andy Allen
October 31, 2023

Enlightening – thank you so much. This podcast has started to fill my new found interest in my Caribbean service history. I’m Windrush Jamaican second generation (born in England), served for 30 years in the British Army (REME) as an officer (direct Sandhurst entrant OCdt), reached the rank of Colonel and, embarrisingyly, never really approached this subject. Lots to learn . AAA

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- oldfrontline
  October 31, 2023
  
  Thanks, Andy, and glad it was of interest to you!
  
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  - Andy Allen
    October 31, 2023
    
    Any similar enriching podcasts please?
    
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