Tag: 6888th Battalion

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Prince, King, and … Traitor?

For those of you who read our blogs, you may remember the one about Coco Chanel and her wartime activities (click here to read the blog, Coco Chanel: Nazi Spy or Collaborator?). Well, today’s blog touches on a similar theme only this time, we examine the Duke and Duchess of Windsor and their attitudes, sympathies, and activities with the Nazis that certainly raised suspicions about their loyalties to England.

Did You Know?

Did you know that I wrote a blog about the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion? (Click here to read the blog, The Ten Percenters).  It was the largest all-Black, all-female group to serve in World War II and its nickname was the “Six Triple Eight.” Not only were the soldiers presented with the herculean task of clearing a massive backlog of mail, but they were also met with discrimination at every turn. President Biden signed a bill in March authorizing a Congressional Gold Medal for the unit.

Romay Davis, 102, poses with a photo showing her in World War II. Photo by Jay Reeves (c. July 2022). AP Photo.
Romay Davis, 102, poses with a photo showing her in World War II. Photo by Jay Reeves (c. July 2022). AP Photo.

There are six surviving members of the Six Triple Eight. The oldest survivor, Romay Davis, 102, was recognized for her service at a ceremony at Montgomery (Alabama) City Hall. Romay said in an interview, “It isn’t mine, just mine. No. It’s everybody’s. The mail situation was in such horrid shape they didn’t think the girls could do it. But they proved a point.”

Yes, they did prove a point.

David, Prince of Wales, Edward VIII, Duke of Windsor, and Mrs. Simpson 

Born to the future King George V and Queen Mary as their eldest son, Edward Albert Christian Andrew Patrick David (1894−1972)⏤simply known as “David” to the family⏤became the Prince of Wales in 1911 after his father ascended the English throne. Despite a limited role in World War I, David learned to fly and took his first military flight in 1918.

Edward, the Prince of Wales in a post-World War I portrait. Photo by anonymous (c. 1919). PD-Copyright expired. Wikimedia Commons.
Edward, the Prince of Wales in a post-World War I portrait. Photo by anonymous (c. 1919). PD-Copyright expired. Wikimedia Commons.
Four of the five sons of King George V. From left to right: Prince George, Duke of Kent, King Edward VIII (later Duke of Windsor), Prince Albert, Duke of York (future King George VI), and Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester. Photo by anonymous (date unknown). PD-Expired copyright. Wikimedia Commons.
Four of the five sons of King George V. From left to right: Prince George, Duke of Kent, King Edward VIII (later Duke of Windsor), Prince Albert, Duke of York (future King George VI), and Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester. Photo by anonymous (date unknown). PD-Expired copyright. Wikimedia Commons.
Queen Mary (third from left) and her son, Edward, the Prince of Wales (third from right). Photo by anonymous (c. 1915-1920). Bain News Service. PD-No known copyright restrictions. Wikimedia Commons.
Queen Mary (third from left) and her son, Edward, the Prince of Wales (third from right). Photo by anonymous (c. 1915-1920). Bain News Service. PD-No known copyright restrictions. Wikimedia Commons.

The Prince of Wales was a handsome and unmarried man. His favorite pastime was partying and developing relationships with married women. Some have characterized his behavior during the interwar period as “reckless.” His father was disappointed and believed David would eventually ruin himself. Read More Prince, King, and … Traitor?

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The Ten Percenters

When we usually think about the contributions women made during World War II, it is typically nurses and “Rosie Riveters” who come to mind. While I’ve previously discussed women serving as foreign spies in the occupied countries (read Women Agents of the SOE here), cryptanalysts (read Unit 387 & Hillsdale here), and pilots ferrying planes from manufacturing facilities to domestic air bases (read Killed In The Service Of Her Country here ), there were other jobs equally important (and dangerous) to the war efforts which American women filled. While today we don’t agree with this, there were two fundamental beliefs at that time: women should not be allowed in uniform let alone go into combat and all troops had to be segregated. However, regardless of color and gender, many of the women who stepped up to volunteer for the military (the idea of drafting women was dropped immediately after it was suggested) filled roles which allowed more men to go into combat. Today, you will meet the only unit of all-female soldiers to be deployed overseas during World War II and it was an African-American battalion in the Women’s Army Corps.

Soldiers of the 6888th marching in formation. Photo by anonymous (c. 1945). PD-U.S. Government.
Soldiers of the 6888th marching in formation. Photo by anonymous (c. 1945). PD-U.S. Government.

Read More The Ten Percenters