The Second World War
The Second World War
This chapter looks at the lives of the black sailors during the Second World War. During the war, press reports favoured black seamen. Examples of personal bravery exhibited by individual black seamen are then reviewed. It is shown that the black community in Liverpool suffered in the Second World War. Frequently, heroism by seafarers of African descent was conducted in an anonymous and individual capacity. In 1946, an all-black crew protested on SS Princesa in reponse to appalling conditions. Their case was supported by the National Union of Seamen. Moreover, racial discrimination was prominent during the Second World War. The contribution of seamen of African descent to Pan-African feeling would result in the independence of the British colonies.
Keywords: black sailors, Second World War, black seamen, British Empire, Liverpool, SS Princesa, National Union of Seamen, racial discrimination
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