The Black men who came to Britain to volunteer met with a mixed response, as did Black residents. The Manual of Military Law classed these men as 'aliens', even those that were British subjects, and the number of aliens who could enlist in a regiment was limited to one for every 50 British subjects. As a result, some Black men successfully enlisted, whereas others were turned down by recruiting officers.

Egbert Watson, a Jamaican, settled in London's Camden Town before the war, and worked as a leatherworker. In January 1916 he enlisted as a gunner in the Royal Garrison Artillery and served in France for two months, until he was invalided out at the end of 1917 suffering from epilepsy and myalgia. You can read more on Egbert Watson in the catalogue record (PRO) WO 364/4505 available at The National Archives.

Another Jamaican, Alonzo Nathan, was a seaman who lived in Cardiff before the war, and enlisted in the Army Service Corps. In May 1916 he transferred to the British West Indies Regiment which was formed in October 1915 in response to pressure from the West Indian colonies. After the war, Nathan returned to sea. You can read more in the catalogue record (PRO) WO 364/2665 available at The National Archives.

His compatriot, James Slim, was not so successful, despite enlisting in the Coldstream Guards, and was discharged on War Office instructions after only 48 days' service. As he was physically fit and his conduct was good, it seems likely that objections were raised about the recruitment of Black men into this prestigious regiment. You can read more in the catalogue record (PRO) WO 364/3753 available at The National Archives.

Black men were allowed to become privates in the army, but military regulations barred Black men from becoming commissioned officers. GO Rushdie-Gray, the Jamaican government veterinary officer, was recommended by Governor Manning for a commission in the Army Veterinary Corps. Despite his qualifications and his endorsement by the Jamaican governor, the army rejected him, the official explanation being that he was 'too Black'!

But there was one notable exception to the exclusion clause. Walter Tull, a professional footballer for Tottenham Hotspur and Northampton Town and the son of a Barbadian carpenter, served as a 2nd lieutenant in the Middlesex Regiment until he was killed in action in March 1918. However, in 1915 a Royal Proclamation resulted in the formation of the British West Indies Regiment, and most Black men who enlisted in Britain, whether of West Indian origin or not, were allocated to the regiment. Some Black men already serving in other British regiments were also transferred to the BWIR. The Colonial Office compiled regular lists of these men, and these provide important information about their countries of origin and residence in Britain before enlistment.

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