Local history Thread

[d spike]

A Canadian sqadron was also stationed at Piarco during WWII... Didn't know that before


Reading "Port-of-Spain in a World at War 1939-1945" by M. Anthony

[d spike]

Here's an amusing anecdote:
In 1941, the motor vehicles on the streets were causing concern. The problem was not so much the number of vehicles, but the accidents caused by careless driving. Towards the end of May, the traffic authorities introduced for the first time, the sign "Stop - Major Road Ahead", and they drew a yellow line at the junction of major roads.

There was a storm of protests. One motorist wrote, "Is it necessary for vehicles to come to a stop?" He declared that among the difficult problems were "the strain imposed on drivers and frequent renewal of brake linings"

[xtech]

The general public in the United Kingdom and elsewhere is scarcely aware of the involvement of Caribbean crew in the airwar of 1940-1945.

In 1940, no so-called ‘men of colour’ could have joined the Royal Air Force; but by the end of the war in 1945, there were between 300 and 500 aircrew from the Caribbean out of a total of around six thousand volunteers who served during World War 2.

About seventy were commissioned and one hundred and three received decorations. Yet these facts are not generally known even to the present Black British population or even in the Caribbean.


Trinidadians in the RAF
There were 252 Trinidadians in the RAF during the war, 50 of whom died. they were known as the black squadron

Click for full-size.

ATS, Piarco, Trinidad. 2nd Course - Standing: F.W. Farfan, K. Rostant, T.H. Meyer - Sitting: I. Bourne, R. Williams (instructor), Lieut. J.F. Carroll (chief instructor), W. Brown (ground engineer), J.D. Lenagan/Lennigan? (senior cadet)


George Lau

Squadron Leader - OBE, MIBM, MIPM, RAF

George Lau was born in Port of Spain, Trinidad on 7 May 1921. He was educated at Naparima and St Mary’s Colleges before being selected in 1941 by the Trinidad Air Training Scheme for Pilot training. He went on to volunteer for flying duties in the Royal Air Force in 1942, and after Elementary Flying Training in England and Canada, he graduated as an Air Navigator at the RCAF Station Edmonton, Alberta. He completed Operational Training on Hampden Torpedo bombers as well as Dakota DC 3 aircraft in early 1944, at No 32 OUT, Vancouver Island, British Columbia.

After a short spell at No. 45 North Atlantic Ferry Group at RCAF Dorval, Montreal, he flew out to the far east and joined No. 117 Squadron in mid 1944 on the India/Burma border flying DC 3 aircraft in the air supply dropping role against the Japanese. After completing an Operational Tour of 165 missions he was then posted in 1945 to No. 353 Squadron engaged in short range transport activities in the India/Burma/China area.

In 1946, he returned to England and joined No. 511 Squadron at RAF Lyneham flying York and Hastings aircraft on long range transport operations over the Middle East, East Africa and Far East. Whilst serving with No. 511 Squadron, he was specially selected and granted a Permanent Commission as a Flight Lieutenant in the Royal Air Force Flying Branch.

Also during his four(4) years tour with 511 Sqn, he flew operational sorties in the evacuation of prisoners of war from Singapore, the movement of families to and fro India and Pakistan during the Indian Independence hostilities support ops during the emergencies in Malaya and in Kenya, and the Berlin Airlift.

On the airlift, Sqn Ldr Lau flew over 200 missions between RAF Wunstorf, Hannover and RAF Gatow, Berlin, in the period July 48 to June 49.

Between 1951 and 1954, he was a Flight Commander and Instructor at No. 1 and No. 5 Air Navigation Schools. He then joined the Central Flying School, RAF Little Rissington as Adjutant and Staff Navigator.

This was followed in 1957 by courses on Night Fighters and as a Fighter Controller. His next post was in Cyprus on the Air Defence Staff and in 1958, he became Officer Commanding No. 280 Signals Unit, a Master Ground Controlled Interception Unit at RAF Akrotiri responsible for the island air defence during the Emergency. At the end of this appointment he was awarded the OBE.

In 1960, he commanded a Training Squadron at No. 2 Technical Training School. By 1962 he returned to flying duties as Seniors Operations Officer and Instructor at No. 230 Vulcan Operational Conversion Unit (OCU), after completing a series of courses on Canberra and Vulcan Bomber aircraft.

He next moved to Singapore when in 1965 he joined the Staff of the Air Officer Commanding No. 224 Group, RAF Seletar during the Indonesian/Malaysian Confrontation. On completion of this tour in 1967, he was posted back to England onto the Headquarters Staff of Bomber Command (later renamed Strike Command).

After a couple years at RAF Strike Command, Sqn Ldr Lau, at his own request, prematurely voluntarily retired from the Royal Air Force in order to pursue a second career in Industry. He joined Tate & Lyle PLC in 1969 and retired from that company in 1992, having served in Senior management appointments in the UK, West Indies and east Africa.

He now resides in England. He is married to Elaine Chan Sing, also a Trinidadian. They have 2 daughters – Susanne and Diane.

AIRCRAFT TYPE FLOWN

Tigermoth Anson Hampden
Dakota DC3 Beechcraft Liberator
Skymaster DC4 Wellington Sunderland
York Lancaster Oxford
Hastings Valetta Varsity
Meteor Shackleton Harvard
Vampire Brigand Marathon
Canberra Balliol Viscount
Valiant DC6 Pembroke
Vulcan Sycamore
PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS
Graduate Air Navigator
Graduate Specialist Navigator/Instructor
Qualified Fighter Controller
Graduate Admin Staff College
HND Business Studies (MBIM)
Diploma Personnel Management (MIPM)

HONOURS/AWARDS
OBE



Walter Horace Short

136419 - Squadron Leader - Pilot - 181 Sqn - Typhoon - KIA

Volunteer Trinidad, trained at Piarco ETS. Shot down several times; was CO 181 Sqn, Typhoons. Killed at 1210hrs on 27 Dec 44 when his aircraft collided with another aircraft (Canadian pilot) while both were engaged in attacking ground targets during the Battle for Bastogne, in the area of St Vith. Both pilots were killed. Son of Walter Mayow Burgoyne Short, and of Clare Mary Short, of Paddington, London. Awarded DFC

[Source: CMHA]

605470 - W.H.B. Short - Trinidad - attested 28.7.42 - P/O Pilot UK 26.1.43
136419 - A/S/L - F/L (w) - DFC 24.11.44 - commissioned 4.12.42 - missing, believed killed 27.12.44

Hugh D. Venebles

106029 - Squadron Leader - Pilot - RCAF - Boston - KIA on 9 April 1943

Volunteer Trinidad ETS, trained at Piarco 1st Course; flight commander 418 Sqn. Boston Intruder W8325 took off from RAF Ford at 2200hrs on 9 Apr 1943 for an operational sortie over the Melun-Bretigny area and failed to RTB. Later established that the Boston collided in mid-air with a german twin enginned night fighter. The Two aircraft crashed near St Andre airfield, Chapigny la Futelage, Eure, France. Both crews perished. DFC





Phillip Louis Ulric Cross

in uniform, as a young man, outside the family home in Port of Spain

Here is a photo of the legendary Squadron Leader (139 “Jamaica” Squadron) Phillip Louis Ulric Cross, DFC, DSO, of Trinidad. He later held the position of Chief Liaison Officer for Demobilization of all Colonial Forces, ably assisted by Jamaican born Flight Lieutenant Dudley Thompson. Squadron Leader Cross is alive at 91 after having served as a Judge in Ghana, Cameroon, Tanzania and Trinidad. Later he served as ambassador of Trinidad and Tobago to Germany, France, Norway and High Commissioner to the UK. Amazingly, he still writes opinion and is as lucid and aware as can be imagined.

Squadron Leader Philip Louis Ulric Cross, DSO, DFC (Trinidad & Tobago)
139 (Jamaica) Squadron RAF Bomber Command
Squadron Leader Ulric Cross was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) in 1944 for his gallantry during the Second World War. While serving as a Pilot Officer with 139 (Jamaica) Squadron, he participated in bombing attacks across occupied Europe. In 1945 he was also awarded the Distinguished Service Order (DSO) in recognition of his ‘fine example of keenness and devotion to duty’ and 'exceptional navigational ability'. Ulric Cross bombed the Germans 20 times in Berlin during World War II. He also survived 80 sorties as a fearless member of the Royal Air Force (RAF), landing seven times minus wheels, in a wooden, twin-engine Mosquito aircraft.

Phillip Louis Ulric Cross, DFC, DSO
World War II Royal Air Force Squadron Leader (139 “Jamaica Squadron”)
Excerpt of April 2008 interview of by Gabriel J. Christian – For King & Country (Irving Andre & Gabriel Christian)

After high school [at St. Mary’s Port of Spain], I worked for a while with the [Trinidad] government on the railroad. But by 1941, Britain stood alone. Dunkirk had been a defeat for Britain and Hitler had conquered all of Europe. The world was drowning in fascism and America was not yet in the war, so I decided to do something about it and volunteered to fight in the RAF. We took the ship Strathall for twelve days days, straight to Greenock. A lorry awaited us and took us straight into the uniform of the RAF and training. So from November 1941 to November 1942, I trained at Cranwell on the wireless, did meteorology, bomb aiming, navigation and Morse code. I graduated as a Pilot Officer and was assigned to Bomber Command
I served as a navigator in the Pathfinder section of 139 squadron; the famous “Jamaica Squadron” of the RAF. The pathfinders led the way on bombing raids and marked the target; a most dangerous task. Our unit flew the famous Mosquito bomber, which was made mainly of wood. Jamaica had paid for many of the planes of 139 squadron, hence the name. There was also a Trinidad Squadron, where Trinidad had paid for those planes. I was the only West Indian on my squadron.
I was lucky to have served at fixed pre war bases such as Marham, Wyton and Upwood. The fixed bases were more comfortable. There were many other temporary bases which had been scattered across the United Kingdom. I flew 30 missions over Germany and occupied Europe. After 30 missions one earns a rest and can divert to teaching other pilots etc. However, I was interested in continuing the mission. At 50 missions, they again asked me to take a rest. I declined and flew 80 missions over Germany and occupied Europe before the war ended. I did 22 missions over Berlin and made it through much flak; but one had to focus on the mission. My most harrowing mission was when one of the engines of our Mosquito fighter-bomber was shot up over Germany and we came down to 7,000 feet from 35,000 feet. We struggled back to England and crash landed in a quarry. It was a narrow escape but we made it out alive. The navigator is key, as we are the ones who tell the pilot how to get to and from the destination or target. I ended the war as a squadron leader and was then sent to the Colonial Office to act as liaison for all colonial forces. It was there that I was phoned and advised that I was awarded the DSO. A plane was sent for me and I was given the award and we had a party.
In all 250 Trinidadians flew in combat in the RAF during the war and 50 died in action. Many hundreds more, maybe more than a thousand, served with other West Indians, as ground crew. I knew the Jamaican Vincent Bunting; he was a fighter pilot and I believe he flew in the Battle of Britain. I met him in England. Julian Marryshow of Grenada was also a fighter pilot and he is still alive, I believe. Osborne Kelsick of Montserrat was a fighter pilot. I met Michael Manley of Jamaica in London, still in the uniform of the Royal Canadian Air Force and we became friends. Billy Strachan of Jamaica was a bomber pilot. Winston Racile and Gilbert Hubah came to England with me on the Strathall; they were both of East Indian origin and became RAF fighter pilots. Our Trinidadian contingent also had people of Indian, Chinese and European origin. I knew Dyrample of Dominica (Edward Scobie) and would meet him when we went down to London. Dudley Thompson of Jamaica was a flight officer and he was my assistant at the Colonial Office after the war.



Sergeant James

Click for full-size.

Flight Sergeant James Hyde of San Juan, Trinidad, a Spitfire pilot who arrived in Britain in 1942 to begin his training, here pictured in 1944 with his Squadron’s mascot, a dog called ‘Dingo’. He is wearing a life jacket, known universally as a Mae West, and is holding an oxygen mask and his flying gloves. Most air battles took place at altitudes in excess of 15,000 feet (c. 5000 metres) and oxygen and thermal protection were vital



Trinidadian Airmen Who Gave Their Lives During The War

Name: ALEXANDER, KENNETH JOSEPH
Initials: K J
Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: Sergeant (Obs.)
Regiment/Service: Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
Unit Text: 156 Sqdn.
Age: 23
Date of Death: 07/07/1942
Service No: 1382705
Additional information: Son of Matthias and Louisa Alexander, of Port of Spain, Trinidad.
Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead
Grave/Memorial Reference: Plot 62. Row C. Grave 4.
Cemetery: LORIENT (KERENTRECH) COMMUNAL CEMETERY

Name: ALFRED, JOSEPH MCKENZIE
Initials: J M
Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: Flight Sergeant (Air Bomber)
Regiment/Service: Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
Unit Text: 75 Sqdn.
Age: 23
Date of Death: 26/02/1945
Service No: 1810280
Additional information: Son of Bertha Alfred, of Port of Spain, Trinidad.
Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead
Grave/Memorial Reference: Grave 15516.
Cemetery: CAMBRIDGE CITY CEMETERY

Name: BRITTO, RAYMOND
Initials: R
Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: Sergeant (Pilot)
Regiment/Service: Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
Age: 25
Date of Death: 02/01/1943
Service No: 1803978
Additional information: Son of Santiaga Roberts, of Maraval Village, Trinidad.
Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead
Grave/Memorial Reference: Plot 5. R.C. Row FFF. Grave 15.
Cemetery: CIRENCESTER CEMETERY

Name: BRYDEN, RICHARD ARTHUR
Initials: R A
Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: Pilot Officer (Pilot)
Regiment/Service: Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
Age: 19
Date of Death: 04/05/1942
Service No: 119712
Additional information: Son of Capt. W. F. Bryden, M.C., and Flossie Bryden, of Port of Spain, Trinidad.
Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead
Grave/Memorial Reference: Sec. R. Grave 36.
Cemetery: ANNAN CEMETERY

Name: CHARLES, HILTON DAVID
Initials: H D
Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: Flight Sergeant
Regiment/Service: Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
Unit Text: 228 Sqdn.
Age: 26
Date of Death: 27/04/1945
Service No: 1810279
Additional information: Son of Albert Joseph and Mary Charles, of St. Joseph, Trinidad, West Indies.
Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead
Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 270.
Memorial: RUNNYMEDE MEMORIAL

Name: CIPRIANI, THOMAS MICHAEL
Initials: T M
Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: Flying Officer (Pilot)
Regiment/Service: Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
Unit Text: 126 Sqdn.
Age: 22
Date of Death: 22/11/1944
Service No: 154714
Additional information: Son of Michael and Daisy Cipriani, of Port of Spain, Trinidad.
Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead
Grave/Memorial Reference: I. A. 15.
Cemetery: SCHOONSELHOF CEMETERY

Name: FRASER, ALEXANDER DALGETY (SANDY)
Initials: A D
Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: Flying Officer (Pilot)
Regiment/Service: Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
Unit Text: 268 Sqdn.
Age: 21
Date of Death: 27/05/1944
Service No: 135490
Additional information: Son of Dickson and Annie C. Fraser, of Port of Spain, Trinidad.
Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead
Grave/Memorial Reference: Compt. T. Sq. 56. Grave 3.
Cemetery: FORFAR CEMETERY

Name: GILKES, LESLIE FRANCIS
Initials: L F
Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: Sergeant
Regiment/Service: Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
Unit Text: 9 Sqdn.
Date of Death: 03/08/1943
Service No: 1810281
Additional information: Son of Joseph and Octavia Gilkes, of Siparia, Trinidad, West Indies.
Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead
Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 150.
Memorial: RUNNYMEDE MEMORIAL

Name: GRAHAM, AMBROSE ALEXANDER
Initials: A A
Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: Warrant Officer (Pilot)
Regiment/Service: Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
Age: 24
Date of Death: 12/09/1944
Service No: 1391860
Additional information: Son of Ambrose Nathaniel and Francisca Graham, of Bpasso Piedpa, Trinidad.
Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead
Grave/Memorial Reference: Sec. D. Grave 7A.
Cemetery: HUCKNALL CEMETERY

Name: HYDE, JAMES JOSEPH
Initials: J J
Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: Warrant Officer (Pilot)
Regiment/Service: Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
Unit Text: 132 Sqdn.
Age: 27
Date of Death: 25/09/1944
Service No: 1391841
Additional information: Son of Joseph and Millicent Hyde, of San Juan, Trinidad.
Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead
Grave/Memorial Reference: 17. A. 7.
Cemetery: JONKERBOS WAR CEMETERY

Name: JOSEPH, COLLINS ALWYN
Initials: C A
Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: Pilot Officer (Pilot)
Regiment/Service: Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
Unit Text: 130 Sqdn.
Age: 28
Date of Death: 31/12/1944
Service No: 182350
Additional information: Son of Elmie Joseph, of San Fernando, Trinidad.
Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead
Grave/Memorial Reference: VIII. B. 8.
Cemetery: HOTTON WAR CEMETERY

Name: KENNY, GERALD PATRICK
Initials: G P
Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: Sergeant (Air Gnr.)
Regiment/Service: Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
Unit Text: 195 Sqdn.
Age: 37
Date of Death: 02/11/1944
Service No: 1835809
Additional information: Son of Dr. Thomas Bernard Kenny, M.D., and Cecile Kenny, of Trinidad.
Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead
Grave/Memorial Reference: XV. B. 7.
Cemetery: GROESBEEK CANADIAN WAR CEMETERY

Name: KERNAHAN, KENNETH IAN
Initials: K I
Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: Pilot Officer
Regiment/Service: Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
Unit Text: 12 Sqdn.
Age: 23
Date of Death: 28/05/1944
Service No: 172462
Additional information: Son of Harold Joseph Kernahan, and of Gladys Eugenie Kernahan, of Port of Spain, Trinidad, British West Indies.
Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead
Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 211.
Memorial: RUNNYMEDE MEMORIAL

Name: LOOKYAN, ULRIC LESLIE
Initials: U L
Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: Flying Officer (Pilot)
Regiment/Service: Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
Age: 21
Date of Death: 14/01/1944
Service No: 136422
Additional information: Son of Joseph and Maud A. Lookyan, of Port of Spain, Trinidad.
Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead
Grave/Memorial Reference: Sec. C. Row J. Grave 4.
Cemetery: HARROGATE (STONEFALL) CEMETERY

Name: McBRIDE, JAMES MCALLISTER
Initials: J M
Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: Flight Lieutenant (Pilot)
Regiment/Service: Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
Unit Text: 161 Sqdn.
Age: 25
Date of Death: 17/12/1943
Service No: 113888
Additional information: Son of Donald and Jean W. McBride, of Port of Spain, Trinidad.
Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead
Grave/Memorial Reference: Square 115. C. of E. Plot. Grave 24.
Cemetery: CHICHESTER CEMETERY

Name: MERRY, DAVID
Initials: D
Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: Flying Officer
Regiment/Service: Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
Age: 21
Date of Death: 04/05/1944
Service No: 135135
Additional information: Son of the Venerable Francis Lee Merry, B.A. and Mary Graham Merry, of Port of Spain, Trinidad.
Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead
Grave/Memorial Reference: Lot 7. Block F.
Cemetery: RED DEER CEMETERY

Name: NUNEZ, GEORGE ALBERT
Initials: G A
Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: Pilot Officer
Regiment/Service: Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
Unit Text: 9 Sqdn.
Age: 32
Date of Death: 01/05/1943
Service No: 146436
Additional information: Son of Albert and Georgiana Nunez; husband of Olive Adella Nunez, of St. Joseph, Trinidad.
Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead
Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 132.
Memorial: RUNNYMEDE MEMORIAL

Name: PHILIPPS, ROBIN GORDON
Initials: R G
Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: Flight Sergeant
Regiment/Service: Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
Unit Text: 183 Sqdn.
Age: 21
Date of Death: 28/01/1944
Service No: 1397461
Additional information: Son of Henry Browne Philipps and Marie Irene Philipps, of Port of Spain, Trinidad, British West Indies.
Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead
Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 221.
Memorial: RUNNYMEDE MEMORIAL

Name: RAWLINS, KENRICK WYVILLE
Initials: K W
Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: Flying Officer
Regiment/Service: Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
Unit Text: 139 Sqdn.
Age: 27
Date of Death: 13/08/1943
Service No: 134366
Additional information: Son of Charles and Mary Rawlins, of Princes Town, Trinidad, West Indies.
Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead
Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 129.
Memorial: RUNNYMEDE MEMORIAL

Name: ROTHER, LOUIS ANTHONY
Initials: L A
Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: Sergeant (W.Op./Air Gnr.)
Regiment/Service: Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
Age: 29
Date of Death: 25/10/1943
Service No: 1399303
Additional information: Son of Carl Robert and Emperatriz Rother, of Port of Spain, Trinidad.
Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead
Grave/Memorial Reference: Grave 1240.
Cemetery: LOSSIEMOUTH BURIAL GROUND

Name: SMALL, CHARLES WALTER RANDOLPH
Initials: C W R
Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: Sergeant (Pilot)
Regiment/Service: Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
Age: 20
Date of Death: 01/10/1944
Service No: 605558
Additional information: Son of Charles and Constance Small, of Cocorite, Trinidad.
Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead
Grave/Memorial Reference: Block B. Lot 16a.
Cemetery: ARVIDA PROTESTANT CEMETERY

Name: URICH, GEORGE DAVE
Initials: G D
Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: Flight Lieutenant (Pilot)
Regiment/Service: Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
Unit Text: 18 Sqdn.
Age: 26
Date of Death: 16/05/1944
Service No: 132304
Additional information: Son of Herman Paul and Kathleen Elaine Urich, of Port of Spain, Trinidad.
Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead
Grave/Memorial Reference: Coll. grave III. K. 17-18.
Cemetery: CASSINO WAR CEMETERY

Name: WILSON, JOHN DALTON
Initials: J D
Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: Flying Officer
Regiment/Service: Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
Unit Text: 208 Sqdn.
Age: 22
Date of Death: 03/07/1943
Service No: 120659
Additional information: Son of John Wolseley Wilson and Gwladys Wilson, of Port of Spain, Trinidad.
Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead
Grave/Memorial Reference: 3. B. 9.
Cemetery: BEIRUT WAR CEMETERY

[cinco]

wow
thanks guys
how about sharing a list of books that we can look for that contain these beautiful nuggets of information about our history?

[Greypatch]

respect xtech and spike..


will look for the books suggested.

all viewers on this page, registered and broswers please feel free to contribute

we need to learn and inform others of our rich history.

We also need some tobago history in this thread.

[.:PROZAC:..]

I feel all the stuff I crammed at school is so pointless and wtered down now.
I don't know of any hidden bits but I know a little of where I grew up and how it got its name. Maybe you all know of how the place you live got its name.
Up to 1994 there were indentrured labourer barracks in the original condition in Barrackpore. They were bulldozed and the land claimed by whatever act it was for construction of a local Police Station.
I would go for driving practice on the runway in Clarke Road used by the Americans in WWI and all through the 'oil field road' from bpore to penal you can see the remains of what was once an immcualtely manitned Golf Course and club houses.

[xtech]

there was also a huge Gulf Course in Bennet Village Santa Flora

[SmokeyGTi]

loving the mascot!

I supposed to see some indentureship documents from my in-laws soon, i'll try to get pics, i won't be able to scan them.

[Yeo]

WOW! Lots of stuff I was not aware of.. Thank you for the info!

[idlemind]

buh i thought Yeo and Dragist used to pitch marble with some ah dem fellas

[Yeo]

[xtech]

Chinese in Trinidad and Tobago
The First Arrivals: 4 March, 1853
Those landed numbered 432. Eight were sent to hospitals, and the remainder distributed on estates in the Counties of St George’s, Caroni, Victoria and St Patrick, in detachments varying in number from 16 to 33; of the eight sent to hospital five ultimately survived and were assigned in the same manner as the others.

The First Month of Estate Work

During the first month matters went on smoothly on most estates; the proprietors anxious to promote this new immigration, allowed the Chinese to take their own way, seldom exacting anything like a full day’s labour from the new immigrants, while at the same time, the latter were allowed pay and rations like seasoned labourers in full employment. On some estates, however, they showed their temper before three weeks had passed, refusing to work, and insisting on full rations in terms of their agreements, which stipulated that no man should be mulcted in either allowance or pay, unless he were more than 14 days sick continuously. As the Chinese are not proverbially deficient in cunning, they in many instances laid up during 14 days, and turned out on the 15th, turning in again on the 16th for the remainder of the month, and then claiming all the privileges of those who had done a full month’s work. Finding that no immediate punishment followed this unfair conduct, and that in consequence of cases being in all directions postponed, from the non-ubiquity of the single interpreter whom chance had vouchsafed the colony, they stuck work almost entirely on several estates, and only showed symptoms of industry as they gradually found that, though slow, the punishment for insubordination was more or less sure. On every estate it was explained to them that they might go at once on the current rate of wages, which admitted of the most industrious doubling their rate, as per agreement, or adhere to the latter, provided always the day’s labour consisted of nine working hours; it was further explained, that after the first three months they should be placed on money wages, entirely I conformity with the ordinance…

Work Ethic

The majority objected to any arrangement except their own pleasure, and hence constant complaints from the employers, and occasionally a good deal of turbulence on the part of the employed. As exceptions to the general rule it must be stated that on seven of the 18 estates where the Chinese per Australia were assigned, their behaviour was good, giving every satisfaction to the employer by their industry and docility, in fact they are there considered in every point of view as the best immigrants hitherto imported.

On nine more estates, at this moment, they are behaving well and working better, encouraging the hope that, as they gradually acquire knowledge of the language and manners of the country, their value as a labouring population will increase. On the remaining two estates they are working very indifferently, and much reduced by sickness. The Chinese, per Australia, have now been here almost nine months; on the number originally signed, namely 429, the casualties amount to 51, of these 31 have died on three estates where fever prevailed this last year in a malignant form.

The Second Arrivals: April 23rd, 1853

The second ship, namely the Clarendon,… landed 251 immigrants, of whom two were sent to hospital and turned out incurable. The remainder, apparently in the finest health, were assigned to 12 estates; some little difficulty occurred in the apportionment, as the turbulence of their countrymen, per Australia, had made the planters doubtful as to either the safety or propriety of employing them. The Clarendon men were from the vicinity of Canton, and though less bulky than those per Australia, who are from the Fokien district, appear smarter and more civilized. They turned out much more difficult to control, and refused to work more than four or five hours at the most on upwards of eight estates out of the 12. They now understand their position somewhat better, and with the exception of one estate are improving. The deaths amount to 17 on 249 assigned.

[Mr. Red Sleeper]

^^What about the 2005 "Third Arrival immigrants"??

[xtech]

not history as yet.........

[idlemind]

no no u guys have it wrong... the Third Arrival wasnt and will not be documented

[Mr. Red Sleeper]

^point...


went into 5 bunkers in chaguaramas years ago....we actually opened one that was locked and from the general condition of all of them, it appeared that after the last users, few if any people were present or even know of his existence. Unopened bottles of wine, 1944 news papers, etc, etc.
none of the items were removed for obvious reasons by us but what was removed was a couple gallons of gasoline from the bush covered, away from site gas line that we found along the way...
very, very, interesting, but somewhat frightening mission.

[xtech]

^^^
I have been into a few bunkers but i had no lights with me to see inside clearly.

FROM THE GENERAL REGISTER ALL INDIAN IMMIGRANT SHIPS TO LAND HERE
http://www.natt.gov.tt/uploadedFiles/East%20Indian%20Immigration1.pdf

[Mr. Red Sleeper]

[xtech]

Tobago ferry
1965

Click for full-size.

[Mr. Red Sleeper]

Inter Island Fairy
Present

[Conrad]

[Redman]

[d spike]

Here is a choice piece of local history. Bartholomew de las Casas recounts this incident concerning Trinidad in 1513 in his writings:

Two Dominican priests were landed in Trinidad to bring Christianity to the natives. They were well received by the Indians, and lived among them, learning to communicate.

However, life was disturbed when a Spanish ship anchored and the crew came ashore. They were welcomed by the natives, who were pleased to introduce the crew to the priests. The crew had the priests explain to the Indians that a display of gifts was prepared on the deck of the ship. The head of the tribe, his wife, and many others went to the ship to see the display. When the Spaniards decided they had enough people on board, they set sail for Santo Domingo to sell their newly acquired slaves.

The Amerindians on shore, realizing what had happened, accused the two priests of being part of the plot. The religious pleaded innocence and begged for their lives. They were spared under one condition, they get in touch with Santo Domingo and get the prisoners returned.

When a ship appeared on the horizon, the Indians allowed the priests to contact the captain. The priests begged the captain to see about the release of the captives. That failed, as the prisoners were already sold, and the Councillors of the Royal Audiencia themselves had bought some.

After eight months had passed – the priests had asked for a four month stay of execution – the Indians got fed up waiting, and proceeded to cut the throats of both priests. It is quite likely that all this took place in the village of Conquerabia, the present site of downtown Port-of-Spain.

[xtech]

sounds just like modern day POS.............. kidnapping and murder nothing new

[geodude]

great info tuners, keep it coming

[buzz]

[Jeromecmham]

You may be interested in this site http://www.caribbeanaircrew-ww2.com/ which attempts to list all Caribbean Aircrew in WW2 and this site I set up which attempts to list all the West Indians killed/died in both World Wars - http://caribbeanrollofhonour-ww1-ww2.yolasite.com/

[SMc]

just revisited this thread and read all 12 pages..excellent work!! I want more.

[Sequel]

did bwia really have a 747?

[Rory Phoulorie]