It’s encouraging to see a discussion about the true events at the end of World War II, particularly regarding Gary Young’s article highlighting how millions of black and brown people who fought for European freedoms were overlooked on VE Day, May 8th. However, I find the framing of these colonized individuals in the British Empire as merely “fighting for allies” somewhat misleading. They were, in fact, part of the Allies. These soldiers, including my late father, were subjected to British Empire authority, just like troops in Liverpool and recruits in the Auxiliary Territorial Service of Maidenhead. Trained as British forces, they fought and endured, much like those from Scotland and Wales.
Many British citizens seem unwilling to acknowledge that millions of “foreigners” who reside here had grandparents and parents who lived under the same rules as those in Bristol and Birmingham. This perception of “the other,” prevalent in far-right circles, stems from a calculated and hateful ideology seeking to gain control.
The language we choose is significant. The soldiers and support personnel discussed were British subjects, and Britain represented a complex, global, multicultural empire.
Judy Vertannes
Church Down, Gloucestershire
I found it quite fascinating that approximately 2.5 million individuals from the Indian subcontinent served during World War II. Yet, this is just one of many overlooked stories. My mother was in India when the conflict began. She enlisted in the Indian Women’s Royal Army Corps (WRAC) and served through the war, ultimately attaining the rank of Captain.
It would have been less challenging for her if her contributions had been acknowledged. When inquiring about additional pension benefits as a former service member (she received a modest widow’s pension), she learned there was no record of Indian WRAC personnel. That was the end of the story.
And what a disappointing conclusion it is. Beyond the financial aspect, it felt as though her service to the country had gone unseen.
Angela Blasey O’Riley
Villeneuve-la-Comptal, Aude, France
