Britain'S 'Brown Babies': The Stories of Children Born to Black GIS and White Women in the Second World War

This book recounts the little-known history of 2,000 babies born to black GIs and white British women in the second world war. The African-American press named them "brown babies," while the British called them "half-castes." Half of the children were given up to children's homes, but few were adopted due to racism and lack of family. The book presents the stories of over fifty of these children, contextualized in terms of government policy and attitudes of the time.

Format: Hardback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 17 May 2019
Publisher: Manchester University Press

This captivating book delves into a lesser-known chapter of history, shedding light on the lives of approximately 2,000 babies born to black GIs and white British women during the Second World War. The African-American press affectionately referred to these children as "brown babies," while the British labeled them as "half-castes." Within the segregated U.S. Army, black GIs faced strict restrictions on marrying their white girlfriends. Shockingly, nearly half of these children were placed in children's homes, although few found loving adoptive families due to perceived challenges and complexities. Regrettably, these children have received minimal scholarly attention, leaving gaps in our understanding of their experiences. This book aims to rectify that by presenting the compelling stories of over fifty of these children, contextualizing them within the broader framework of government policies and prevailing attitudes of the era. Written in a accessible and engaging style, the book weaves together heart-wrenching and uplifting narratives, accompanied by a wealth of photographs that vividly bring these historical figures to life. By exploring the lives of these forgotten children, this book offers valuable insights into the complexities of race, identity, and the impact of war on individual lives.

Weight: 498g
Dimension: 214 x 145 x 30 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526133267