My own knowledge of Africa’s contribution to WWII was previously minimal. I knew that African troops had been involved in various theatres but not to what extent. Considering hundreds of thousands of African troops fought for the British Empire alone it is surprising that more attention is not paid to their sacrifices1. That African WWII veterans were largely forgotten is, sadly, evident from veteran’s recollections. One interviewee’s quote that what he fought for was “beneficial for the world, it wasn’t beneficial for me” is telling of the lack of recognition or reward afforded to African veterans2.
The Atlantic Charter’s commitment to freedom from oppression, disarming of aggressor nations and restoring territory seized in invasions is particularly hypocritical when viewed in response to the sacrifices of individuals from British colonies. These were colonies that Britain themselves had invaded and oppressed and were not to be treated as equal nations as the Atlantic Charter promised to do to European states3.
- ‘Africa and WW2’, Stirling University, accessed 20th September 2020, https://canvas.stir.ac.uk/courses/7806/pages/week-2-africa-and-ww2
- ‘Colonial betrayal of African troops in WWII’, Youtube, accessed 20th September 2020, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dKKNujdAg8w&list=PLD7qVO_mp0Q8NgnFj0dMeBijkHkgiPe6k&index=5&ab_channel=Speakaloudafricatoday
- ‘The Atlantic Conference – Decades TV Network’, Youtube, accessed 21st September 2020, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pr-nxQEf2Ng&list=PLD7qVO_mp0Q8NgnFj0dMeBijkHkgiPe6k&index=1&ab_channel=DecadesTVNetwork
