The Battle of Bamber Bridge and its legacy

Ye Olde Hob Inn, the battle took place on the street outside. Pic: Blog Preston

When American soldiers were stationed in the UK in World War II, they didn’t just bring their rations and weapons, they also brought Jim Crow. Despite the looming threat of Nazi troops, White Americans were insistent on enforcing segregation whilst overseas. This caused tensions to boil over one day in Bamber Bridge. But what happened and why should you know about it?

Echoes of Jim Crow Across the Sea

The Jim Crow Laws were in full force in America during World War II. These laws went as far as segregating White and Black people in public places and a ‘one-drop’ policy which stated if someone had ‘one drop’ of blood from a Black person they were classed as ‘Black’. These beliefs and laws were deep rooted, so much so that when American troops were stationed abroad, American Military Police (MPs) were sent with them to enforce the Jim Crow laws.

A plaque commemorating the Battle of Bamber Bridge

Resistance brews in Bamber Bridge

When the American soldiers were stationed in Bamber Bridge, they tried to enforce segregation in the village insisting that the public houses have separate spaces for White and Black people. Instead the locals in Bamber Bridge actively stood against the MPs wishes, with ‘Ye Olde Hob Inn’ even putting up a sign saying, ‘Black Troops Welcome’. The locals welcomed the Black, US troops, insisting that they were fighting for the same cause and just like them, they were just trying to look after their families. Britain was not free of racism at this time but that is also what makes the locals’ actions notable.

Tensions smoulder

Despite Hitler’s continued threats, the US MPs appeared more concerned with keeping Black troops in line. The difficulties between the White and Black troops continued to build, especially after the Detroit riots on 20^th-22^nd June 1943. These were caused by a combination of racial tensions and economic and social inequality in America. Of those killed, 25 were Black and nine were White. Word of these riots reached the UK and many of the Black soldiers were enraged, they were fighting Fascism overseas, on behalf of the US, and yet they were still contending with racism at home.

A match is lit

On 24th June 1943, Private Eugene Nunn, a member of the 1511th Quartermaster Truck Regiment, a predominantly Black unit responsible for delivering materiel to Eighth Air Force bases, returned to Bamber Bridge after completing a supply run to a neighbouring barracks. He stopped at ‘Ye Olde Hob Inn’ for a drink and was confronted by two MPs. His crime? Wearing his field uniform not his dress one. As the MPs moved to arrest him, around a dozen villagers came to his defence. The MPs were forced out of the pub, but not before a bottle was thrown at them. Angered by the apparent disrespect, the MPs returned with reinforcements and weapons, including a machine gun. The Black troops retreated to their barracks and talked about what to do, they decided to raid the armoury and mount an attack of their own. As they moved back towards the pub, they warned the villagers to stay inside their houses so that they were not caught in any crossfire.

Battle of Bamber Bridge Commemorative Plaque — A plaque commemorating the Battle of Bamber Bridge and providing information about it for visitors. Pic: Blog Preston

The aftermath

The White MPs and Black troops soon met and a five-hour gun battle ensued, during which around 400 shots were fired. The next morning, the body of Private William Crossland, a member of the 1511th regiment, lay in the street. He had been shot in the back and killed. He was later buried in a US military cemetery in Cambridge.

After the fighting, 35 of the Black troops were court martialled and 28 were convicted of mutiny with Eugene Nunn also being found guilty of resisting arrest. Their sentences ranged from three months to 15 years. No White MPs were charged.

Many of the sentences were later reduced or overturned and US Air Force commander General Eaker told his staff that “90 percent of the trouble with Negro troops was the fault of the whites”. The battle seemed to cause the US forces to take racism in their ranks more seriously. However, when soldiers returned home many did not tell their families as they continued to live in a segregated America. Additionally, it wasn’t until 1948 that President Harry Truman signed the Executive Order 9981 which led to the desegregation of the army.

Commemorations and articles about the battle inside Ye Olde Hob Inn. Pic: Blog Preston

The legacy and recognition

The Battle of Bamber Bridge is gaining more attention, being featured in the film ‘The Railway Children Return’ and their 80^th Anniversary celebration was on the front page of the Washington Times. I recently had the pleasure of meeting Clinton Smith, Chair of the Preston Black History Group, and he spoke about their dedication to bringing more attention to the battle, its circumstances and its impact. During the event, hosted by ‘Preserving Preston’s Heritage’, Clinton also shared that until last year William Crossland’s great niece did not have any details about her uncle’s death. As part of a Channel 4 documentary, she shared his story and visited his grave.

The actions of locals in Bamber Bridge predate many Civil Rights movements in Britain and the battle also shines a light on the appalling racism African American soldiers endured whilst fighting for their country. So next time you find yourself in Bamber Bridge, or raise a glass in ‘Ye Olde Hob Inn’, remember the night it became a battleground and honour the legacy of those who stood against injustice.

If you would like to find out more about the Battle of Bamber Bridge, the Preston Black History Group has a range of resources available.

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