In three global conflicts and countless colonial campaigns, tens of thousands of black West Indian soldiers fought and died for Britain, first as slaves and then as volunteers. These all but forgotten regiments were unique because they were part of the British Army rather than colonial formations. All were stepchild units, despised by an army that was loath to number black soldiers in its ranks and yet unable to do without them; their courage, endurance and loyalty were repaid with bigotry and abuse.

In Britain's Black Regiments, Barry Renfrew shines a light on the experiences of these overlooked soldiers who had travelled thousands of miles to serve the empire but were denied recognition in their lifetimes. From British campaigns in the Caribbean to the Second World War, this is a saga of war, bondage, hardship, mutiny, forlorn outposts and remarkable fortitude.

The epic story of the forgotten black regiments of the regular British Army

About the Author
Barry Renfrew is a military historian and foreign correspondent who has covered wars and unrest in Afghanistan, Russia, Africa and elsewhere. Front-line experience in Chechnya and other conflict zones has helped him understand what soldiers through the ages have faced on the battlefield. He is the author of Wings of Empire (The History Press) and lives with his wife Margaret in the Chiltern Hills.

Reviews
It shines a light into some very dark corners ... The West Indian regiments were all but denied recognition in their lifetimes. This book gives them the tribute that they undoubtedly deserve. -- Pennant
A well-researched and disturbing account of three British Army regiments recruited in the Caribbean.
This is a considered work, often seeing both sides ... and presenting a strong case for greater recognition of what these men did. -- Muster
It should be essential reading for anyone with an interest in the contributions to the British Army of the Imperial and Commonwealth communities, and of the Afro-Caribbean community to the history of the United Kingdom in particular.



Book Information
ISBN 9781803990309
Author Barry Renfrew
Format Paperback
Page Count 304
Imprint The History Press Ltd
Publisher The History Press Ltd