Finding Home: A Windrush Story

by Alford Gardner

Alford Dalrymple Gardner is one of the few living passengers to have travelled on the Empire Windrush. Now published for the first time, this is his stirring life story. On 24 May 1948, the Empire Windrush sailed from Kingston, Jamaica, to harbour at Tilbury Docks. It carried 1,027 passengers and two stowaways, and more than two thirds of them were West Indies nationals. On 22nd June 1948 they disembarked onto the docks, Alford Dalrymple Gardner was among them. Alford's story traverses both the uplifting highs and intolerant lows that West Indian migrants of his generation encountered upon travelling to Britain to forge out a life. From joining the British military during World War II to being forcibly deported back to Jamaica once it was won―only to come back to the UK when the government decided it needed him again―Alford witnessed milestone events of the 20th century that shaped the country he still lives in today. In the context of a supposedly 'post-Imperial' Britain where the lives of West Indian migrants hang precariously on the whims of the Home Office, Alford's heartening testimony is a celebration of those who endured hardships so that generations to come could call this place home.

320 pages, Paperback

Published October 3, 2024

About the author

Alford Dalrymple Gardner was a Jamaican-born "Windrush generation" emigrant and co-founder of the first Caribbean cricket club in Britain.

Reviews

[Jenny Sanders · Rating 3 out of 5]

I know very little about the Windrush story so thought this book would help. Written by a Jamaican who left his homeland to join the RAF in the second World War and who later returned on that ship, this personal account gave me some insight into the period and the challenges faced by those who accepted the invitation to come.

[Tom · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good insightful read about Gardner's life experiences, being born in Jamaica and moving to England. Worth a read if you're interested in the famous Windrush story.