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MUTINY! British West Indies Regiment, Taranto, Italy
MUTINY! British West Indies Regiment, Taranto, Italy
Between 50 and 60 servicemen from The Bahamas, Barbados, Dominica, Guyana, Grenada, Jamaica and Trinidad were tried for their part in the disturbances at the Cimino camp, Taranto, Italy. (see 5718 Jeremiah Blake for timings). They forfeit their medals having been discharged under Para 392 xi (for misconduct) or xii (for having been sentenced to penal servitude). One serviceman was executed. The disquiet arose after negative responses to a respectful petition from soldiers of the 1st and 2nd battalions, who were mainly from professional backgrounds. The petition dated 2nd August 1918, supported by the Hon. J C Lynch, Chair of the Recruiting Committee, pointed out that soldiers from white regiments had received a pay increase whereas soldiers from 'native' regiments were specifically excluded. (BWIR was not a native regiment). In addition black soldiers had not been permitted to rise through the ranks, despite good recommendations. When nothing came of the earlier petition, a further petition dated 6th December 1918 was signed by the Sergeants of the regiment with 180 names attached. Brigadier-General Cyril Darcy Vivien Cary-Barnard was base commandant, and according to some accounts, the men had been refused leave to enter town. Also includes men who forfeit medals for reasons not connected to the mutiny. // It wasn't until 21st February 1919 that a telegram was sent to the Colonies granting full benefits of the relevant Army Orders to the British West Indies Regiment. A documentary with oral testimonies (© 2018 Copyright Sweet Patootee) is available to stream or download at https://vimeo.com/ondemand/160987
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