West Indian women in civilian dress with luggage, 1943 (c)

Photograph, World War Two, 1943 (c).

The first contingents of West Indian women to serve in Britain's armed forces arrived in Britain in 1943. Approximately 70 served with the ATS (Auxiliary Territorial Service) and 80 with the RAF (Royal Air Force). Significant numbers of other West Indians arrived in Britain during the Second World War (1939-1945), serving in the armed forces or war industries. Many of these, together with other workers from across the Empire and Commonwealth, choose to stay in Britain after the war. This suggests that migration into Britain from these areas should be dated from this period rather than from arrival of the 'Empire Windrush' in 1948 as is conventional.

One of 69 photographs relating to the West Indies Auxiliary Territorial Service, 1943-1947.