Why aren't black soldiers represented at D-Day memorial events?

Answer 1

Given the segregated nature of American society at the time of WWII, and of the armed forces, there were significantly fewer Black sevicemen than white ones and they were often relegated to secondary roles. Black sailors could only serve as cooks and mess stewards. Although there were black army combat units, most black units were in support roles such as transport. As a result, there were few, if any, black men who participated in the Normandy landings. Answer In Stephen Ambrose's book "Pegasus Bridge" there is a reference to two black men being in the British airborne company that glider-landed to seize the Ranville and Bénouville bridges.

I have no more details beyond what is recorded there, or on how unusual that would be in the home British army at the time.

Answer 2, I am French and I live in Normandy. I teach at the University of Caen. There were a few black veterans at D Day memorial events in Normandy but I was shocked not to see any representation of black troops in the many exhibits since there were apparently 18OOO black soldiers at Normandy Beach on D Day. The people in charge of the Muséee pour la Paix told me they were deeply sorry but they have no pictures,letters or anything representing black soldiers. The representatives of the city of Caen and region gave me the same answer. They would like to exhibit documents if they can find any. If I can help gathering information from veterans' families, even stories orally passed on, I will be more than glad to transfer them to the appropriate authorities. In any case I intend to do research on the issue at the archives of St Lô. As a French person I have felt immensely grateful all my life to all the soldiers, black and white, who came to fight in Normandy.

ANSWER 3

Colour has nothing to do with commenorating war

Answer 4

Color had a great deal to do with it. My father served on Normandy beach. His group was tasked with supplying the allied forces just after the landing. The only time they were asked to fight was in obvious "suicide" missions. The black soldiers response was usually " I'll go where ever you go" Officers and politicians did not respect or value them, except the Tuckegee Airmen.

Ans 5 - I won't get into why they aren't represented - but there were definitely NOT 18,000 black troops on D-Day. I think there is a '0' too much there as there were black troop in a Barrage Balloon Battalion, an Artillery Battalion, and some Engineer Companies. Possibly 1,800 to 2,000 black troops in total on D-Day. Many more arrived on the following days as Truck Drivers and more Artillery and Engineer units.