Beyond the Headlines: Ethnically Diverse Heroes of WWII
Victory in Europe Day (VE Day) marks 8 May 1945 – the official end of World War II in Europe. Streets were flooded with celebration, communities gathered in hard-won relief, and a broken continent began to rebuild.
But behind the black-and-white photographs and iconic broadcasts lies a richer, more diverse history than is often told.
The Unsung Soldiers from Across the Empire
At the heart of the Allied victory were over 2.5 million men and women from what was then the British Empire. Troops came from across the Caribbean, Africa, and the Indian subcontinent. These soldiers were not conscripts; many volunteered, driven by loyalty, hope, or the promise of opportunity.
Over 600,000 soldiers from Africa served in the British Army, including from Nigeria, Ghana (then Gold Coast), Kenya, and Sierra Leone.
More than 2.5 million Indians served in WWII, forming the largest volunteer force in history.
Thousands of Caribbean volunteers from Jamaica, Trinidad, Barbados and beyond joined the RAF and Royal Navy, often as engineers, pilots, radio operators, and ground crew.
Many served in the most dangerous roles, on the frontlines and in logistical support, often with limited equipment, pay disparities, and without the recognition offered to their white counterparts.
Courage in the Face of Racism
Despite their bravery, Black and Brown soldiers were routinely subjected to racism in the barracks, in military hierarchies, and post-war in the very country they helped to defend. Some were denied promotions; others were excluded from official commemorations. The British state offered fewer post-war benefits and pathways to citizenship for many of these soldiers, even as it leaned on their sacrifice.
One Caribbean RAF veteran, recalling VE Day celebrations, said:
“I fought for this country, but I wasn’t welcome at the party.”
Rewriting Remembrance
Today, we reflect on the collective effort that brought down fascism but we also spotlight the diverse tapestry of people who made that victory possible.
Ethnically diverse veterans deserve not only thanks, but justice in memory.
VE Day is not just about Churchill’s speeches or street parties – it is also about the Indian Army’s valour in Burma, the African regiments in North Africa and Italy, the Caribbean aircrew risking all in Bomber Command.
It’s about those who served, and then returned to homes both in Britain and overseas where the fight for equality was only just beginning.
A Call to Action: Honour All Who Served
As we mark VE Day in 2025:
- Attend a local remembrance event and ask how diverse contributions are being represented.
- Learn about the African, Caribbean, and Asian soldiers who served Britain explore archives, museums, and oral histories.
- Share the stories of veterans from ethnically diverse communities – on social media, in schools, in community spaces.
- Challenge one-sided histories. Ensure our national remembrance includes everyone who bled for Britain.
From Battlefields to Building Britain
Many ethnically diverse soldiers who fought for freedom abroad were later invited to help rebuild post-war Britain – laying the bricks of the NHS, public transport, and industry. Their service didn’t end on VE Day – it simply changed form.
Their legacy lives in every hospital corridor, every train line, and every moment we uphold democracy and equality.
Let Us Never Forget
To truly honour VE Day is to tell the whole story of victory.
One that includes every face, every sacrifice, every soldier no matter their skin colour or where they called home.