Nov 30

Nov 30 The Black Pilots of WWI

When it comes to remembering war veterans, little attention is given to the Black military service men and women, who despite the racism, served honourably and achieved historical moments to be recognised. This article profiles Black World War I pilots whose pioneering achievements are too often forgotten.

Who were the Black pilots of World War I?

Sergeant William Robinson Clarke

Born in Jamaica, in 1895, William volunteered for the war at age 19. In 1915, he joined the Royal Flying Corps (RFC) and started out as a mechanic. In 1916, Clarke was accepted to train as a pilot. A year later he got his wings, along with a royal air club certificate and promotion to sergeant. This personal achievement, made Clarke the first Black person to fly for Britain during a time when the British Army would deny Black soldiers combat-roles alongside white comrades in arms. After , William journeyed back to Jamaica and became a president for the Jamaican branch of the Royal Forces Association.

Eugene Bullard

Eugene was the first African-American military pilot who flew for France. Born in 1895, Bullard grew up in the racist Jim Crow South. Eventually, in 1912, Eugene moved to France, after hearing laws were less discriminatory against Black people.. In 1914, Bullard joined the French army, but after a while, experienced injuries and was taken off the battle ground.

Yet, still determined to serve in the war, Eugene enlisted in the French flying service despite his race and injuries. He achieved something that was unachievable in America due to racist segregation in the Navy. However, this is not to say that racism didn’t exist in France. Historian Richard S. Fogarty notes that French military leaders often stopped African soldiers from winning merited promotions, which makes Bullard’s attainment so remarkable

In 1917, Eugene received his pilot wings and flew 20 combat missions during the war. Following his honorary discharge in 1919, Bullard was made a Knight of the Légion d'honneur by General Charles de Gaulle, who called him a "true French hero".

Eugene returned to America for a short while, where he was met with the same racism that drove him away and no recognition of being a war hero. He soon returned to France, living the remainder of his life there. Sadly, it wasn’t until after he died in 1961 that his home country acknowledged his accomplishments and honoured him posthumously.

Ahmet Celikten

Ahmet was one of the first African Muslims to pilot an aircraft in the history of aviation. Mixed with Turkish and Nigerian descent, Celikten was born in Turkey, 1904. In 1914, he began his air cadet training and by 1916, graduated and got his wings. He travelled to Germany for advanced training in Berlin and was promoted to the rank of captain as the war intensified. Ahmet flew reconnaissance and bombing missions for the Ottoman Empire and was one of the first Turkish pilots in its history to fly a bomber plane. As an aviation pioneer, Ahmet received several honours including the Ahri aircraft medal.

World War II Veterans

An online living war memorial for British World War II veterans features Sam King, from Jamaica, who served in the Royal Air Force as an aircraft engineer and later became a founding member of the Notting Hill Carnival. Black people served in World War I and World War II, yet are side-lined in discussions surrounding war veterans. We hope this piece educates about the exceptional Black pilots in these wars.