Life in the Mother
country
Growing up in the Caribbean all West Indians knew of the Mother Country. They were taught her history in school. English was their mother tongue. They were brought up with English values. When their mother needed assistance in two World Wars West Indians came in their thousands to provide any possible help they could. Both men and women conducted themselves with valour and dignity at all times. They were proud to wear their uniforms. They were proud to be British. Most of all they were proud to have the chance to come to their Mother in her hour of need. This was done out of love and respect between a mother and her children. When your mother calls you must do your duty. This relationship between a mother and her children must work both ways. When you need your mother she will look after you in your own hour of need. This was one of the reasons why so many West Indians came to these shores between 1948-1962. They needed help and thought their mother would look after them. The arrival of the SS Empire Windrush at Tilbury Docks on 22 June 1948 would put this relationship to the test.
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