Does anyone have information on Africans who fought in WW I & WWII?

Question

I've recently watched the movie: "Days of Glory". It has piqued my interest in finding out about more of the contributions & sacrafices made by African soldiers in both World War wars. My paternal & maternal grandfathers (both from Nigeria) fought in the wars. if anyone has relatives or information regarding this (links, books, etc.) please contact me. Thank you

I've recently watched the movie: "Days of Glory". It has piqued my interest in finding out about more of the contributions & sacrafices made by African soldiers in both World War wars. My paternal & maternal grandfathers (both from Nigeria) fought in the wars. if anyone has relatives or information regarding this (links, books, etc.) please contact me. Thank you

* This is specifically about Africans (not African Americans... tho information about African Americans is welcomed). Reason being, I have found little or none information concerning military service of people from Continental Africa in the WW wars.

Answer 1

In WW1 the german colonial troops consisted mostly of african soldiers with a sprinkling of german officers- about 120 for the whole army. The most notable achievement was the defence of German East Africa (present day mainland Tanzania). I say notable because under the command of General Paul von Lettow-Vorbeck these troops beat British-led forces many times their size. in fact they fought against the Brits, Indians, South Africans, Belgians, French and even some Chinese troops. After the Portugese joined the war the African-Germans invaded Mozambique and ended the war by actually surrounding the British column which was supposed to be hunting them. sadly, that was 8 days after the war ended in Europe
The tanganyika campaign was just about the only place germany won in WW1- and all thanks to the african soldiers.

As an aside- von Lettow-Worbeck returned to germany and opposed Hitler's racial policies. In the end he and all his sons were killed.

Many other african troops served in both wars. French used Senegalese troops. Belgians drafted from the Congo bassin. The Brits used Nigerians and East Africans. In WW2 the Ethiopians fought against the Italians. Milions of men.

Answer 2

There were black companies (commanded by white officers, of course) in WW I. In fact, the Supreme Allied Commander, General Blackjack Pershing, got his nickname, not from the card game, but because as a young Captain, he'd commanded a company of colored (as they were called then) troops. In World War II there was a group of aviators called the Tuskegee airmen, who are quite famous. Don't know if you had any ancestors among 'em, but wouldn't it be interesting to find out?

Answer 3

In WW2, the British used African troops readily. For example, they used Nigerian troops in their invasion of Italian East Africa in 1941.

Answer 4

undesirable as a results of fact the U. S. has on occasion been to blacks the nazis, had they gained, could positively have been worse. despite the fact that if the U. S. replaced into no longer taken over, the victory of nazism could've bigger its appeal for the time of lots of the west, to the detriment of blacks. additionally, blacks have been making some progression, so as that they was hoping it may proceed, notably in the event that they fought for the U. S..

Answer 5

I am assuming that you mean African-Americans but here is some info on the Tuskeegee Airmen.

Answer 6

I don't think thay fought in the war, just drove trucks and loaded ships. But I don't reay know!