Whenever I visited my father’s house in Nigeria, I was deeply moved by stories from Guida who was our security guard, a formidable Hausa man and former soldier in the British Army during World War II. He often spoke of his time in Burma, wearing a uniform adorned with medals, and recounted how Japanese soldiers, having never seen Black soldiers, would flee in terror, mistaking them for spirits.
Guida proudly declared himself a British soldier, emphasizing a standard of valor and dedication he felt was unmatched in today’s military. Yet, the remarkable stories of African soldiers like him have been largely omitted from British historical narratives, despite their critical contributions.
During World War II, over half a million African troops served in various campaigns under the British flag, from the jungles of Burma to the deserts of North Africa. These soldiers were integral to units such as the King’s African Rifiles (KAR) and the West African Frontier Force. In Burma alone, African troops, known for their remarkable ability to carry heavy loads across difficult terrain without the aid of vehicles, formed a crucial part of the British Fourteenth Army, described as the “forgotten army’s forgotten formations” (Charlie Gilbert).
Despite their significant contributions, African soldiers faced immense hardships and high casualties. Post-war, the expected gratitude and compensation were starkly absent. Promises made during the war seemed forgotten, and the British government’s efforts to “correct” these soldiers’ perspectives on their contributions highlight a deliberate attempt to downplay their wartime roles. Many returned to their home countries only to be channeled back into pre-war jobs, with any hopes of further training or advancement dismissed by colonial policies (Scottish Centre for Global History).
The legacy of these soldiers extends beyond their battlefield roles; it influenced the independence movements across Africa post-war. Their experiences abroad and the racial inequalities they witnessed firsthand inspired many veterans to fight for change at home (DW).
Today, as we remember the sacrifices of those who fought in the World Wars, it is crucial that the African soldiers receive their due recognition. Their bravery, resilience, and sacrifices were instrumental in the Allied victories, and it is time their stories are brought to the forefront of our commemorative efforts.
Their story is not just about historical contribution; it is about acknowledging and correcting the injustices that continue to echo into the present. As we honor these men, we must also advocate for recognition, compensation, and the rightful place in history they deserve.
