West Indian Recruits at RAF Hunmanby Moor, Filey: 1944
by Audrey Dewjee
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On 11 July 1944 The Times reported the arrival of West Indian recruits to RAF Hunmanby Moor in Filey. The station was housed in what was later to become Butlin’s holiday camp.
The two thousand men took part in their initial twelve weeks of training at Filey and then moved on to operational stations all over the UK. There was a second intake at Filey of a further 2,000 men in November 1944. In total over 5,500 West Indians were recruited for ground crew duties in the RAF before the end of the War. The final intake did their initial training at RAF Melksham in Wiltshire. |
The Times, 11 July 1944
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June 1944, West Indian airmen with the congregation at Reighton Chapel (Filey & Hunmanby Mercury, 25 June, 1994)
Can you help us add to the story?
Despite the fact that a reunion event took place in Filey in 1994, few people are aware of the men's wartime presence. Could you help by providing any reminiscences of these men? Do you have any photographs from the time or any letters received from the airmen after they left the area? Are you one of the airmen or a descendant who could supply any anecdotes or memories of those days?
If you can help with photos and/or information, please click on the submit button below. Thank you!
Despite the fact that a reunion event took place in Filey in 1994, few people are aware of the men's wartime presence. Could you help by providing any reminiscences of these men? Do you have any photographs from the time or any letters received from the airmen after they left the area? Are you one of the airmen or a descendant who could supply any anecdotes or memories of those days?
If you can help with photos and/or information, please click on the submit button below. Thank you!
LINKS
Read our full story about the West Indian Aircrew who flew with the RAF in the local area HERE
Images from the Imperial War Museum, London
Read our full story about the West Indian Aircrew who flew with the RAF in the local area HERE
Images from the Imperial War Museum, London