Caribbean Volunteers at War: The Forgotten Story of the RAF's 'Tuskegee Airmen

Mark Johnson

Caribbean Volunteers at War: The Forgotten Story of the RAF's 'Tuskegee Airmen
Format
Paperback
Publisher
Pen & Sword Books Ltd
Country
United Kingdom
Published
21 May 2021
Pages
216
ISBN
9781399010160

Caribbean Volunteers at War: The Forgotten Story of the RAF’s ‘Tuskegee Airmen

Mark Johnson

All of a sudden there was the rush of an immense shadow coming towards him at terrific speed. It was the ground reaching up to gather him. The date was 26 June, 1943 and Cy Grant was the rarest of things - a black West Indian RAF crew member, blown out of his exploding Lancaster bomber. The heroic exploits of the Caribbean men and women who volunteered their services to the Allied effort during the Second World War have, until now, passed by with little fanfare or attention. Indeed, whilst many people are aware of the contribution that the various Bomber Command units paid in securing ultimate victory, little is said or understood of the achievements and sacrifices of the heroic Caribbean volunteers who contributed to some of their greatest victories. Mark Johnson presents us here with an engrossing and humane account of the exploits of such individuals. Including a great number of insights and fascinating details taken from conversations with his great-uncle, John Blair, the book illuminates the day-to-day reality of life as a Caribbean volunteer during the Second World War and the kind of culture-clash experiences that characterised their wartime careers. John Blair is a particularly important member within the context of this history and within the wider context of Bomber Command history. He served a full and distinguished tour with Bomber Command in the skies over Germany and was present during some of the most pivotal moments, earning a Distinguished Flying Cross in the process. The author has based the book on in-depth interviews he conducted with his great-uncle and other survivors, as well as other press interviews and personal accounts by a host of other Caribbean volunteers to create a dramatic and well written account of the proceedings. An important book, offering a platform upon which to appreciate the true extent of the Caribbean contribution to the Allied war effort, the work offers a new slant on the popular Bomber Command theme; one that looks set to intrigue a number of readers yet to be acquainted with this facet of the units history. AUTHOR: Mark Johnson is a former soldier, drug enforcement officer, and corporate cyber crime investigator with a life-long passion for history. In his historical writing he reanimates largely untold or forgotten stories, highlighting the important contributions made by unsung heroes of every creed and colour. You can view images related to this book on his website at www.markjohnsonbooks.com where you will also find information about his other titles, including the tale of Britain’s own ‘Tuskegee Airmen’.

This item is not currently in-stock. It can be ordered online and is expected to ship in approx 2 weeks

Our stock data is updated periodically, and availability may change throughout the day for in-demand items. Please call the relevant shop for the most current stock information. Prices are subject to change without notice.

Sign in or become a Readings Member to add this title to a wishlist.