With the outbreak of war with Nazi Germany, Britain needed manpower and in October 1939 the ‘colour bar’ was again lifted. The RAF began recruiting for aircrew in the Black colonies in November 1940, but despite the formal end of discrimination Black people still found it difficult to enlist. Some therefore travelled at their own expense to join the RAF in Britain while others joined the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF).
In 1939, the population of the Caribbean stood at less than three million people. From this, some 6,000 Black Caribbean men volunteered for the RAF, 5,500 as ground staff and some 450 as aircrew. Another 80 women joined the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF). The largest Caribbean contingent came from Jamaica, and in February 1945 there were over 3,700 Jamaicans in air force blue. In Africa, the colonial authorities obstructed enlistment and only 60 volunteers were accepted. A further 5,200 entered the West African Air Corps, a local auxiliary force supporting RAF units based in Nigeria, Gold Coast (Ghana), Sierra Leone and Gambia. A number of Black Britons are also known to have served.
Once the volunteers arrived in Britain, they found that the RAF took the issue of racism seriously. An Air Ministry Confidential Order of June 1944 stated:
“All ranks should clearly understand that there is no colour bar in the Royal Air Force…any instant of discrimination on grounds of colour by white officers or airmen or any attitude of hostility towards personnel of non-European descent should be immediately and severely checked.”
Having abandoned the ‘colour bar’, the RAF was now more advanced regarding race than civilian employers of the day.
Flying Officer Jellicoe Scoon later flew Spitfires with 41 Squadron and Typhoons with 198 Squadron.
Caribbean Regiment
Another West Indies regiment was formed in 1943, this time called the Caribbean Regiment. This consisted of members of the local militia forces, as well as direct recruits. The regiment conducted brief training in Trinidad and the United States of America, before being sent to Egypt and Italy. Once there, the regiment performed a number of general duties behind the front lines—these included the escort of 4,000 prisoners of war from Italy to Egypt. Subsequently, the regiment undertook mine clearance around the Suez Canal. The regiment returned to the Caribbean in 1946 to be disbanded, having not seen front line action—this was due to inadequate training and partly because of the political impact in the British West Indies if it had incurred heavy casualties.
Stan Bean Memorial cricket match
The Stan Bean Memorial cricket match (West Midlands Police vs Handsworth Cavaliers) took place on sunday 23th June 2019, at West Midlands Police Sports ground, Pershore road, Birmingham, B5 7RN, commencing at 14:00hrs. Stan was a founder member of the association and PRO who sadly passed away in 2007. spectators welcome. Handworth cavaliers were the winners this year.
The Stan Bean Memorial cricket match (West Midlands Police vs Handsworth Cavaliers) takes place on sunday 25th June 2017, at West Midlands Police Sports ground, Pershore road, Birmingham, B5 7RN, commencing at 14:00hrs. Stan was a founder member of the association and PRO who sadly passed away in 2007. spectators welcome.
Cricket Match 4th June 2012
The friendly cricket match against Wilnecote Cricket Club, Wilnecote, Tamworth was a success.We were very fortunate with the weather and the facilities and hospitality were excellent. The game was played in the true traditions of the sport with both sides displaying a competitive edge and good sportsmanship.
The ex-servicemen 10 (we were 1 man short) with an average age of over 60 were defeated by a much younger team. Still, on the day the youngsters did not have it all their own way as, the biggest 6 of the day was hit by a batsman who is over 70 years old.
We had excellent support from the crowd, the BBQ was good. Many thanks to Mr Ray Seagrave and wife for their tremendous support and contribution the BBQ, members of BCVA (the association), wives,children, girlfriends, boyfriends and all at wilnecote cricket club who all assisted in making it a day to remember.
Our next game is planned for sunday 8th July 2012. The contact for this game is Linzell Taylor, who is responsible for making the arrangements. his contact details:- mobile 0790 506 6386. email:[email protected]
So far, nothing has been arranged for the August Bank holiday, which has always been our biggest cricket,BBQ/funday of the year.
Will keep you posted.
