LouiseB

Luckily the Air Ministry organised a series of special recruitment drives for black and coloured volunteers, so there were specific contingents taken from each Island at certain periods. This has allowed us to positively ID a large number of black aircrew, and we've located numerous photographs to support these findings. We have a list of 500 names and although it is true that some of them will have been white dominion subjects, the evidence shows the majority to have been black or coloured. It has been a ten year project so far, but we hope to publish this year. I got involved in 2012 and my enquiry is aimed at finding any new leads available and all comments or ideas are very valuable. Thanks!

Bruce - many thanks. That's really valuable! We already have Peter Thomas listed (one of 53 West African aircrew and 500 West Indians). The West Indians were highly decorated (over a third) and almost half were killed on operations. We didn't have much background on Thomas though, so this really helps. Thanks again. Best regards, Louise

Hi. I am doing research for an author on the history of black volunteer aircrew in the RAF during WW2. Can anyone tell me anything about this or point me somewhere? I can’t find a lot online but we know that over 400 of these men existed! Thanks