Black Yanks: Defending Leroy Henry in D-Day Britain

During World War II, an African American soldier named Leroy Henry was sentenced to death in D-Day Britain after being accused of cowardice. A new drama called "Black Yanks" tells the story of his campaign to clear his name and reveals the racial tensions and the 'special relationship' between the US and UK at the time.

Format: Hardback
Publication date: 11 April 2024
Publisher: The History Press Ltd

Black Yanks is a captivating tale that delves into the remarkable journey of an African American soldier from Missouri who found himself on death row in D-Day Britain. Set against the backdrop of the most audacious sea-borne invasion ever attempted, the drama unfolds over a tumultuous six-week period. As the buildup to D-Day intensifies, Leroy Henry's story takes center stage, offering a unique perspective on a pivotal moment in history. Through his experiences, we gain insight into the complex interplay of race, the "special relationship," and the collective identity of the British people. This alternative timeline unveils a more daring wartime society, concealed tensions in Anglo-American relations, and the moment when the British tabloid press discovered its voice.

Ultimately, Leroy Henry's court martial and the principles it represented sparked a groundbreaking decision-making process at the highest military echelons. Kate Werran has uncovered a wealth of archival material to shed light on the untold story of the first significant, yet overlooked, victory in the civil rights movement. This remarkable tale has remained hidden for nearly eight decades, until now.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781803993522