After the outbreak of WWI, black recruits could be found in all branches of the British armed forces. They volunteered at recruitment centres, and were joined by West Indians, travelling at their own expense to take part in the fight against the Germans. Later, soldiers from Nigeria, the Gold Coast, Sierra Leone, Gambia and other African colonies were recruited, where they helped to defend the borders of their countries which adjoined German territories. Similarly in WWII, thousands of black men and women left their families and homes to join the British armed forces, working behind the scenes and on the front line to defeat the Nazis.
Credit for this entry to: Alan Patient of www.plaquesoflondon.co.uk
