"Black Poppies: Britain's Black Community and the Great War" is a book that explores the experiences of black soldiers during World War I. It is written by historian Stephen Bourne and was published in 2019. The book draws on primary sources, including letters and diaries, to offer a unique perspective on the war and its impact on black communities.
With unprecedented access to the wartime personal correspondence of the Jamaican siblings Vera, Norman and Douglas Manley, Bourne helps bring to light the day-to-day trials, tribulations and tragedies of life on the battlefield. The stories of servicemen like Arthur Roberts - Scotland's Black Tommy - and Trinidadian soldier and campaigner George A. Roberts sit alongside the experiences of people of African descent at home during the First World War. These include a black police officer, munitions factory workers and even stars of the stage like Cassie Walmer.
The book has received positive reviews, with many readers praising its detailed research and engaging storytelling. It sheds light on a little-known aspect of World War I history and highlights the contributions and sacrifices of black soldiers who fought for their countries.
Black Poppies" is an important and informative book that adds to our understanding of World War I and the experiences of black soldiers.
