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.

Genres: Nonfiction

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

[M · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book explores the contribution of Caribbean men during the war, particularly those who served as RAF airmen, and how they were welcomed in Britain while in uniform, recognised for their service when the country depended on them.

The book goes on to examine what happened after the war, when many of these men returned to their home islands, only to later be encouraged to come back to Britain to help rebuild the country. This second arrival was met with a starkly different reception. Although their labour was essential to institutions such as the NHS and the railways, they were treated as outsiders, facing discrimination and hostility in daily life.

Alford’s experiences form a central part of the book. He arrived in Britain aboard the HMS Windrush, a moment that has since become symbolic of the wider Windrush generation. His settlement in Leeds and involvement in cricket highlight how community and belonging were created despite significant social barriers. The book also touches on the Windrush scandal, exposing the injustice faced decades later by people who had legally settled in Britain and contributed so much to the country.

A thoroughly enjoyable read!

[Sally Ellis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thought I should learn more about the Windrush history and this book is a interesting account and easy reading. I suspect the charactor of Alford that came across in his stories helped enormously with the challenges that were faced. It is a lovely account of a Jamaican upbringing, an RAF life in England during World War II and a subsequent life in Britain. I was sad to read Alford passed away quite soon after this book was published. Well worth a read to learn more about multi-cultural Britain.

[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.

[Nicola Carass · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great personal account