New film explores how Caribbean workers helped win second world war

"Labourers from across the British West Indies were recruited to build bases in the western Atlantic and Caribbean for the US, on what was then British territory. It was a deal which changed history. It marked the emergence of the US as an interventionist global superpower, cemented the UK-US special relationship and prevented countries close to the US falling under Hitler's control, securing victory in the Atlantic and freeing up forces and resources to defend Europe."

"It fired up independence movements in the Caribbean, while influencing West Indian music and fashion. But the Caribbean civilians who built and worked on the bases received little recognition in the UK. Now a new short film, Cornwallis Cloth, will begin screening at the Old Royal Naval College in London from Saturday, with a cast including Paterson Joseph (Peep Show, Noughts + Crosses, the RSC) and Suzette Llewellyn (Mr Loverman, Holby City) bringing the era to life."

"The installation follows 30 years of investigative research, including testimonies and diaries from Caribbean elders, veterans in the East End, merchant seamen, American airmen and German U-boat crew, co-director Tony Thompson said. The Old Royal Naval College said they were delighted to present the film, while an IWM 14-18 NOW Legacy Fund spokesperson said the project explores the transformational impact of war on men, women and children living in the British Caribbean, providing a new w"

Labourers from across the British West Indies were recruited to build US bases in the western Atlantic and Caribbean on British territory during the second world war. The bases helped the US emerge as an interventionist global superpower, cemented the UK-US special relationship, prevented nearby countries falling under Nazi control, secured victory in the Atlantic and freed forces for Europe. The campaign spurred Caribbean independence movements and influenced West Indian music and fashion. Caribbean civilians received little recognition in the UK. A new short film, Cornwallis Cloth, accompanied by an exhibition, presents testimonies and diaries gathered over 30 years.

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