Empire's Children

"Suddenly light dawned, bells rang in my head and I looked at her in wonder as I understood what she had said... Not only did I understand what she said but I could answer her in English. "Aunt Audrey", I whispered "I don't like milk". " - Alice M

Latest Comments

By JusMe

I've just been watching Jenny Eclair on Empire's Children. Yes, a few years have passed, but it's a memorable series. However, I cannot believe the ignorance and arrogance shown by Jenny Eclair's comments and attitude. The British soldiers strip searching the Chinese women coming out of the camp was excusable simply because it needed to be done. Probably quite different, though, if it had been British women and Chinese soldiers! She (and the programme) have no idea of what those Chinese "communists" were fighting for. But did anyone else notice that they had turned against the British after the war against the Japanese, which was conducted in Malaya by the British and the Chinese communists. Notice - no Malay forces. Wonder why? They either acquiesced to the Japanese occupation, or actively collaborated. The only active jungle force against the Japanese was the communists, so many Chinese, after the massacres, particularly in Singapore, had no alternative than to join the guerrillas who happened to be communist. Many of those who joined had no interest whatsoever in being communist, but simply in fighting the Japanese. After the war, the British returned to rule, which the Malays gladly accepted, but the Chinese did not. After all, they had sacrificed for all the war years, fighting the Japanese in the jungles, and now wanted their independence. What choice did they have, other than now fighting the British? And yes, some were communists, but many were simply ethnic Chinese who had been hunted by the Japanese and were now asking the British for independence to control their own country. They were Malay born, not Chinese immigrants. Denied by the British, as the Malays were much more acquiescent of British rule. They'd shown their colours with the Japanese, after all. And Jenny Eclair, in her ignorance and arrogance, berates a Chinese historian over the grave of his father! She does say that those poor British soldiers didn't really have much choice in what they did, hunting the Chinese and decapitating them, or at least making use of the heads. Guess they were only following orders. Whoops, that argument's been used before. Great series, but unfortunate someone who should stick to slapstick had to be involved.

By mikeR

Wow ! That brought back memories! We travelled from Britain to Cape Town by boat and then drove up via Durban to S.Rhodesia and on to Nyasaland via the "Tete" road to spend our first few weeks in the country at the "Pig and Whistle Inn" just behind Gatto's garage in 1955. On and off the family, or what was left of it, was there until 1980 when I took up a newly offered job in London... but a lot happened in between!

By Marlyn

This story is very interesting and reflects many aspects of my own ancestral Indian indentureship. Although mine is about Guyana and Chris's is about Trinidad, they bear similarities. I totally understand the whole idea about ignorance of the British people when it comes to identifying a person. I have been called 'Paki' several times, even though I'm not 'Paki'! It's quite a moving story, and the videos engage with this. I hope one day to find my own family roots! Does anyone know how I could get records for Guyana? I have researched but they say Guyana has limited resources on indentured immigrants between 1838 onwards... and especially that far back! Hoping to look at some archives in London soon though. Thanks once again for this - it's very inspirational!

By IanTroup

I happened to stumble on Lincoln Serwanga's account of growing up in Uganda in the 1960's. I too ws born in Kampala Uganda in 1955 & was schooled there for the 1st 5 years of my life before being brought to Scotland where I entered boarding school for the next 12 years. Surprisingly I have many memories of my early childhood. My parents worked in Banking & were moved around the country quite a bit. We lived in Kampala, Jinja & Soroti amongst other towns. I can remember the night when the Coup kicked off in 1970 & we found ourselves in the centre of the troubles in Kampala in the dead of night trying to get home to Kololo hills. It was quite a time! I have even foound photographs of our old house on Google Earth! Isn't the Internet fantastic!!

By johnc

Is your grandfather WH Arden Wood? I trust you are aware of the work he did in leading the All India Committee for European and Eurasian Education to London in April 1911. I have necessary detail if you are interested. I am researching the establishment of a school that was a focus of this mission and his associate Rev John Breeden who became the Founding Principal of the school. The school is approaching its Centenary year and I would like to consolidate the data we have on the work done in England 1911- 1914, the support of the King, support of Lords Curzon, Roberts, Elgin, Minto, Lansdowne, Kitchner & Archbishops of Armagh, Canterbury and York. Generous financially support by Sir Robert Laidlaw MP enabled the construction of the school named Laidlaw Memorial (originally St George's Homes in South India) regards, johnc