During World War II, the presence of African American soldiers in Britain led to complex racial dynamics and challenges to segregation. The experiences of these soldiers highlight both the persistence of racial discrimination and the efforts to combat it. The presence of black American troops in Britain during World War II highlighted stark differences in racial attitudes between the two nations. While segregation was officially enforced in the U.S. military, many British civilians welcomed black servicemen warmly, creating tensions with white American troops. Black American troops often received a positive reception from British civilians.
As Evelyn Clarisse Martin-Johnson, who served in Birmingham in 1945, recalled: “We were well received by all of the English…They appreciated us, they treated us royally”. This contrasted sharply with the discrimination many faced at home in the U.S. However, the British government had concerns about the arrival of black troops. Some officials worried about interracial relationships and mixed-race children, proposing that “white women should not associate with colored men”. Despite this, many British women did form relationships with black servicemen.
Tensions with White American Troops
The more open racial attitudes in Britain often angered white American servicemen. As one lieutenant complained: “One thing I noticed here and which I don’t like is the fact that the English don’t draw any color line. The English must be pretty ignorant”. Interracial relationships were a particular source of resentment. Captain Vernon Gayle Alexander expressed dismay that “The blacks were dating the white girls”. This led to numerous violent clashes between black and white American troops, with 44 recorded incidents in just four months. Despite being in Britain, the U.S. military maintained its policy of racial segregation. Black troops were largely confined to service and supply roles, with separate training facilities and accommodation1. Permission for black servicemen to marry white British women was routinely denied.
The experience of serving in a less segregated society had a lasting impact on many black veterans. Upon returning to the U.S., many became active in the civil rights movement, campaigning for greater political and economic freedom. However, their contributions to the war effort often went unrecognized for many years, with few books or interviews recording their experiences
Arrival and Reception
In 1942, American troops began arriving in Britain, including approximately 150,000 African American soldiers3. Their arrival brought the issue of racial segregation to the forefront, as the U.S. military maintained segregationist policies even on foreign soil. Initially, the British government was apprehensive about how their society would react to a segregated foreign force. While they rejected adopting the American social attitude towards African Americans, they were primarily concerned with maintaining good relations with their crucial ally.
Segregation Attempts and British Response
White American soldiers, particularly those from the Southern states, attempted to enforce segregation in Britain. They lobbied British pub owners to ban black Americans from their establishments. However, many British civilians and business owners resisted these efforts:
- In Cambridge, when U.S. troops tried to impose a color bar, landlords responded with signs that read: “Black Troops Only”.
- When U.S. commanders demanded a “colored bar” in Bamber Bridge, Lancashire, all three pubs posted “Black Troops Only” signs.
Support from Local Communities
The black Caribbean community in Britain, which numbered around 8,000 to 10,000 people at the time, played a crucial role in supporting African American soldiers. They helped fill the gap created by segregation attempts, providing social spaces and support networks for the black troops. Many British civilians warmly welcomed the African American soldiers. As Roi Ottley, the first African American journalist to cover the war overseas noted: “The British, he said, were ‘inclined to accept a man for his worth’. He quotes a soldier saying: ‘I’m treated so a man doesn’t know he’s colored until he looks in the mirror.'”
Tensions and Conflicts
Despite the generally positive reception, tensions sometimes erupted into violence. The Battle of Bamber Bridge in June 1943 is a notable example. This incident began when white Military Police attempted to arrest several African American soldiers at a pub, resulting in a violent confrontation that left one man dead and seven injured.
Long-term Impact
The presence of African American soldiers in Britain during World War II had a lasting impact on racial attitudes in the country. Research has shown that encounters between local populations and African American soldiers in rural areas led to reduced racial prejudice against Black people, even decades later.
This period in history demonstrates the complex interplay between American racial policies, British social norms, and the evolving attitudes towards race during the global conflict. It also highlights the role of local communities in resisting discrimination and fostering more inclusive environments.