On the Edges of Whiteness: Polish Refugees in British Colonial Africa during and after the Second World War

During World War II, nearly 20,000 Poles sought refuge in British African colonies, including Uganda, Tanganyika, Kenya, and Northern and Southern Rhodesia. On the Edges of Whiteness explores the relationships between refugees, British administrators, and African neighbors, highlighting the experiences of survival and cultural dislocation during global conflict.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 306 pages
Publication date: 01 May 2023
Publisher: Berghahn Books

From 1942 to 1950, nearly twenty thousand Poles sought refuge from the ravages of war-torn Europe in camps nestled within the British African colonies, including Uganda, Tanganyika, Kenya, and Northern and Southern Rhodesia. On the Edges of Whiteness unravels their extraordinary tale, tracing the intricate, multifaceted connections that emerged between refugees, their British administrators, and their African neighbors. While intervening in critical historical debates spanning academic disciplines, this book also provides an accessible and captivating account of survival and the profound cultural dislocation amidst global conflict.

Introduction:
The Second World War witnessed the displacement of millions of people, as nations were ravaged by conflict and violence. Among those who sought refuge were nearly twenty thousand Poles, who found solace in camps within the British African colonies. These camps, located in Uganda, Tanganyika, Kenya, and Northern and Southern Rhodesia, provided a temporary haven for those fleeing the horrors of war.

Refugee Experience:
The refugees who found themselves in these camps faced a myriad of challenges. They were often separated from their families, and many experienced trauma and hardship as they struggled to adapt to their new surroundings. However, they also formed strong bonds with their fellow refugees, creating a community that helped them survive the difficult conditions.

British Administration:
The British administration played a crucial role in the management of the camps. They provided essential services such as food, medical care, and housing to the refugees, and worked to ensure their safety and well-being. However, their approach to the refugees was often characterized by a mix of compassion and bureaucracy, with policies that sometimes failed to meet the needs of the people they were meant to serve.

African Neighbors:
The African neighbors of the camps also played a significant role in the lives of the refugees. They welcomed them with open arms, providing them with food, shelter, and support. However, the relationship between the refugees and their African neighbors was not always harmonious, as cultural differences and tensions emerged.

Cultural Dislocation:
One of the most significant challenges faced by the refugees was the cultural dislocation they experienced. They were uprooted from their homes and communities, and forced to adapt to a new way of life in a foreign land. This process was not easy, and many refugees struggled to find a sense of identity and belonging in their new surroundings.

Survival:
Despite the many challenges they faced, the refugees in the British African colonies managed to survive and thrive. They created a vibrant community that celebrated their culture and traditions, and continued to hold on to their sense of identity. They also played an important role in the development of the African colonies, contributing to their economic and social growth.

Conclusion:
On the Edges of Whiteness offers a unique perspective on the experiences of the Poles who sought refuge in the British African colonies during the Second World War. It sheds light on the complex relationships that developed between refugees, their British administrators, and their African neighbors, and provides an accessible and memorable account of survival and cultural dislocation amidst global conflict. This book is a valuable contribution to the study of refugee history and the broader history of the British Empire.

ISBN-13: 9781800739123