BLACK SOCIAL HISTORY: BLACKS IN THE BRITISH ARMED FORCES:

Black Soldiers life in the army was hard, but they frequently faced harsh conditions and received poor food and medical treatment. But Black and white soldiers weren't always treated equally. Records suggest that they were not always paid the same amount and that Black Soldiers weren't promoted in all regiments. These men like their white counterparts served untill they were completely exhausted as shown in their medical report. Black Soldiers probably shared feelings of pride and loyalty with their white comrades a few were awarded medals. One was James Goodwin of the 18th Hussars and 4th Dragoons who was awarded the General Service Medal and Waterloo Medal.

We can see that many Black men remain on sugar, cotton and cocoa plantation, others played a decisive role in the British Army. Black men might enlist despite the hardship of military life, to escape poverty or as a means of guaranteeing their freedom from slavery.  For many former slaves the issue was the future, joining the armed forces was a fight for their on liberty.