Jellicoe Scoon: A Caribbean Fighter Pilot in World War Two
Today I want to tell you about a remarkable man called Jellicoe Scoon. He
was one of the few Caribbean fighter pilots to serve in the Royal Air Force
during the Second World War.
Jellicoe Esselmonte Norbert Cecil Scoon was born on the 14th of November
1920 in Grenada. He grew up under British colonial rule. At the time opportunities
for Black men in military aviation were extremely limited. Before the war, the
RAF had operated a “colour bar,” which made it much harder for Black volunteers
from the colonies to enlist.
When Britain went to war with Germany in 1939, the need for men was urgent.
The RAF officially lifted the colour bar in October 1939, although
discrimination sadly did not disappear overnight. Even after the rule changed,
many Black volunteers still faced obstacles and prejudice when they tried to
join.
Like thousands of other Caribbean men, Scoon stepped in to fight against
Germany. Around 6,000 Black Caribbean men volunteered for the RAF. Most served
as ground crew, but a small number became aircrew. That makes Scoon’s
achievement even more significant.
Scoon began his aviation training in Trinidad, and in early 1942 he
travelled to Britain as part of a group of West Indian recruits.
He trained as a fighter pilot and went on to fly the legendary Supermarine
Spitfire with No. 41 Squadron RAF. Later, he flew the powerful Hawker Typhoon
with No. 198 Squadron RAF, an aircraft heavily used in dangerous ground-attack
missions.
Scoon became known for his flying style and he earned the nickname
“Midnight.” He had a reputation for flying extremely low. His adventurous
nature made him memorable, though it also brought him attention from his
superiors.
During training Scoon crashed and was injured. It could have ended his
flying career, but he persevered. Despite the dangers of war and the challenges
he faced, he continued serving and, in March 1945, he was commissioned as a
Flying Officer, a major achievement for a Black Caribbean serviceman at that
time.
After the war, Scoon settled in Bedford, where he died on the 9th of
November 1994, just days before his 74th birthday.
Jellicoe Scoon helped prove that bravery and skill had nothing to do with
race. His service also reminds us of the vital contribution made by Caribbean
volunteers during the war, a contribution that deserves to be remembered.
Had you heard of Jellicoe Scoon before today?
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