Fighting Jim Crow in Lancashire: Remembering the Battle of Bamber Bridge 1943-2023

Abstract

In June 1943, African American troops based in the UK village of Bamber Bridge mutinied against the Jim Crow segregation conditions imposed in the European theatre of World
War II and found support from local residents. Following international news coverage of the events held in Lancashire to mark the 80th anniversary of the battle in June 2023, this
commemorative booklet honours their joint fight against racism. It features historical reflections on the conflict, a map of key locations and pictures of memorabilia from the battle,
extracts from the 1943 and 1944 court martial records, photos from the commemorations and ceremonies, insights from writers and directors of dramatic recreations of the mutiny, and a DVD and transcript of the documentary Community Memories of the Battle of Bamber Bridge. Scholars at the Institute for Black Atlantic Research at the University of Central Lancashire have produced this booklet in collaboration with Preston Black History Group, South Ribble Borough Council, StudioCanal, the US Embassy in London, the UK Ministry of Defence, and the US Defense Department.