Dominicans, Irving Andre and Gabriel Christian, have released an e-book version of their publication, For King & Country: The Service & Sacrifice of the British West Indian Military in 2009.
The book is now available online in e-book format, and can be read on electronic devices. That work was published because the authors felt there was a yawning gap in the public consciousness of the epic role played by the British West Indian military in nation building.
For King & Country teaches us of the 1802 revolt of the 8th British West Indian Regiment at Dominica’s Fort Shirley, whose freedom struggle led to the first mass emancipation of slaves in the British Empire in 1807. We learn of the legendary Trinidad born Royal Air Force (RAF) Squadron Leader Phillip Louis Ulric Cross, DSO, DFC, who passed away on October 4, 2013. He accomplished 80 successful missions over the battle scarred skies of Europe during the RAF/Allied air campaign against Nazi Germany.
Launched to coincide with Remembrance Day as commemorated among the Commonwealth of Nations, and Veterans Day in the United States, the new e-book spotlights the dedication of those who sacrificed much for the freedoms we now enjoy. The books outlines the war service of West Indian leaders such as Jamaica’s Chief Minister Norman Manley; Barbados’ Prime Minister Errol Barrow; St. Vincent’s Prime Minister Milton Cato; Jamaica’s Prime Minister, Michael Manley; and renowned Dominican born Pan Africanist historian Dr Edward Scobie. The service and sacrifice of Dominican born RAF aviators who lost their lives in WWII, such as Harold Cherberd Bryant (DFC), L.A. McKoy, and Osmunde St. Clair Alleyne are noted for posterity. The effect of the World War II conflict on the West Indies is retold in the words of British Army soldiers Wendell Christian and Twistleton Bertrand.
In conclusion, the book speaks to the need for the annual Remembrance Day events in the former British West Indies to embrace – not only the soldiers from the colonial period – but the heroic efforts of those role models who resisted slavery, and advanced West Indian nationhood. By that virtue, our people can be inspired to more meaningful lifestyles rooted in civic leadership, honor, volunteerism, and a sense of duty toward the building of productive communities.
With issuance of this e-book, the reading public from across the globe can grasp a better understanding of the foundations of West Indian nationhood. Andre and Christian founded www.pontcassepress.com in 1992 to publish Dominica/Caribbean history and literature. To date their press has published, or assisted in the publishing of, twenty seven titles. The e-book can be found at: http://shelfwise.
Editor’s note: Andre is a judge in Ontario, Canada and Christian is an attorney who practices in Maryland, USA. The two have co-authored at least three books.
Seriously If you’re going to sell a book to the masses… put it on Amazon.
Congratulations! Great opportunity for more individuals to learn the role that our Caribbean veterans played in nation building. Educators in particular should encourage as a must read, especially given the easy access through ebooks.
Congratulations, Irving and Gaibu!
As two of the busiest and most accomplished active Dominican jurists, I find it amazing that you guys continue to find the time and work as a team to produce such momentous work.
The e-book is a significant advance in Dominican literature. With only two surviving veterans from the Legion, you are capturing the waning wave of interest in the great wars. This effort will help transform the Legion infrastructure into celebration of our anti-colonial heroes and noble retired people who served this country long and well.
May we harness the wisdom and residual energies of our still-vibrant retired people, no longer for King, but in the service of country and statesmanlike nation-building.
Hip, hip, hip……!!!!
Why is it we giving chavez our highest award in Dominica and we have people like Gabriel Christian and Irving Andre who do so much more?
Once again well done, congratulation these are the role models we need. keep it up