The First Black Britons : Review (Jamaica)

The First Black Britons is a wealth of information and historical discovery, delivered (to-camera) in a warm and ‘to-the-point’ style: the result of painstaking research, backed by dedicated and talented contributions from artists, technicians, educators and countless others (a huge debt of gratitude is owed to Historical Consultant, Prof. Roger Norman Buckley for his friendship, ready advice and support).
Ten years in the making, ‘The First Black Britons’ is a unique window on Jamaican heritage, and a powerful showcase for Jamaica’s leading actors and film-makers. Shot on location at historic landmarks Port Royal, Morant Bay Court House, and
Up Park Camp, the film boasts fine dramatic performances from Winston ‘Bello’ Bell, Carl Davis, Jerry Benswick, and, Miss Zandrian Maine. Their brilliant portrayals are captured by the sensitivity, skill and artistry of Director of Photography, Richard Lannaman, and his long-time collaborator, Sound Recording genius, Don MacGregor.

A 57-minute running time is divided into 3 x 18 minute stories:

Story 1 - 'Slaves In Red Coats':
How the government of abolitionist Prime Minister, William Pitt (the younger) secretly purchased a slave-army to defeat French and Napoleonic forces in the Americas.

Story 2 - 'The Queen's Gentlemen':
How Britain's first African army won the personal favour of Queen Victoria and carved a unique status for themselves as a new class of citizen - 'Black British'

Story 3 - 'The Prodigals Return':
How West India Regiment soldiers - 'the sons of slaves' - exacted bloody revenge on the 'Chiefdoms' that sold them into captivity, returning to West Africa to win 2 Victoria Cross medals, in a 'Boy's Own Adventure' of imperial conquest.


Anyone have more information on story 3. Did these negroes in the West India Regiment really see service in West Africa as " exacting bloody revenge".

Will black men be used in Africa fighting Africans in the future. What's changed in 100 years. The role of African Carribean regiments in European wars of conquest in Africa was not as benign as some would have you beleive.


Any more info appreciated.