West African Soldiers in Burma

Dr Oliver Owen explores the fascinating story of the soldiers from West Africa who served in the Burma campaign.

During the Second World War, West African soldiers played a significant and often under-appreciated role in the Burma campaign. Primarily recruited in British colonies, such as Nigeria, the Gold Coast (now Ghana), Sierra Leone and The Gambia, they formed part of the Allied effort to combat the forces of Imperial Japan in Southeast Asia.

In harsh conditions – beset by disease, monsoons and rough terrain – these soldiers engaged in some of the toughest fighting undertaken in the entire conflict, resisting and then pushing back their Japanese enemy. Yet despite their bravery, discipline and effectiveness, the contributions of West African soldiers have only recently begun to receive broader historical recognition.

Dr Oliver Owen will explore the new experiences these soldiers encountered far away from home, as well as the impact this had on post-war decolonisation and independence movements across West Africa, where many future leaders and nationalists were shaped by their wartime service.

About the speaker

Dr Oliver Owen is a Departmental Lecturer in African Anthropology at the University of Oxford. Olly's research interests centre on political anthropology and the relations between governments and publics in West Africa.

Olly has a specific interest in Nigeria’s Second World War veterans. This has resulted in a prizewinning short film, co-produced with the ‘Guardian’ newspaper, and ongoing work in Nigeria and with the Nigerian diaspora to interpret and showcase soldiers’ songs that are held in the Imperial War Museum’s collections.