A Member of the Royal Air Force of ‘Indeterminate Race’

£12.00

Summary

  • Cy Grant’s life journey spans from British Guiana to becoming a pioneering black entertainer and one of the first West Indian aircrew officers in the RAF.
  • During WWII, he served as a navigator on the Avro Lancaster and was captured as a prisoner of war after being shot down over Holland.
  • His time at Stalag Luft 3 was marked by resilience and humor amidst adversity, highlighting both personal and systemic battles.
SKU: 9781846830181 Categories: , ,
Binding: Perfect Bound
Pages: 136Author: Cy Grant
 

Description

In the swirling mists of history, there lies a remarkable tale of bravery, camaraderie, and sheer determination. Enter Cy Grant, a man whose journey from the sun-kissed shores of British Guiana to the tumultuous skies of World War II is nothing short of extraordinary. While many remember him as the pioneering black entertainer gracing the BBC’s ‘Tonight’ in the late ’50s and early ’60s, few are aware of his audacious past as one of the first West Indian aircrew officers in the RAF.

In 1941, Cy joined the ranks of the Royal Air Force, taking to the skies as a navigator aboard the legendary Avro Lancaster. But fate had other plans. Shot down over Holland on just his third mission, he found himself in a harrowing ordeal as a prisoner of war. With a German newspaper mocking his race, Cy faced not only the brutality of captivity but the bitter irony of fighting for a country that still harbored prejudice.

What followed was two years of resilience and unbreakable spirit at Stalag Luft 3, where laughter became a lifeline amidst the grim reality of war. As the Allies advanced, Cy and his fellow POWs braved freezing marches, their will to survive tested to the limit. 

Join us, as we plunge into Cy Grant’s captivating narrative—a story told with modesty, charm, and an unyielding sense of humor. It’s a tale that not only illuminates the struggles of a remarkable man but also serves as a poignant reminder of the battles fought both in the air and on the ground. Buckle up; this journey is about to get thrilling!

Additional information

Weight0.307 kg
Dimensions23.4 × 15.6 × 0.8 cm

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