Black Tarantulas

The units depicted here represent part of the 81st West African Division, ‘The Black Tarantulas’, receiving an air drop of supplies while serving with the 14th Army in Burma. Formed in Nigeria in March 1943, the division was composed of units from the Gambia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone and the Gold Coast (now Ghana). Arriving in India in August 1943, it soon acquired a formidable reputation for its ability to wage war in the extremely difficult conditions of Burma. The 3rd (West Africa) Brigade was detached to the Chindits, intended to garrison jungle bases for the raiding columns. The remainder of the division took part in the Second Arakan campaign during 1944. At one stage, the division was so isolated in the jungle that it was dependent on air supply for nine months.

In a report made to the Commander-in-Chief West Africa, Major-General Woolner, commander of 81st Division, praised his troops morale and commitment as follows: 'It is impossible to express in words my gratitude to them for their irrepressible cheerfulness under all circumstances, or for their unfailing and enthusiastic support whatever I asked of them.’ During the war around 375,000 men and women from African countries served in the Commonwealth forces. Of these 3,387 were killed and 5,549 wounded. As well as the Far East, Africans took part in campaigns in the Middle East, North Africa, East Africa and Italy.