Description
Mr. Estwick describes being racially targeted while on duty in South Africa, but also acknowledges his many friendships that resulted from his Air Force experience.
Sam Estwick
Sam Estwick was a native of Glace Bay, Nova Scotia. His memory of convoys passing the Cape Breton coast after the outbreak of war are vivid. Mr. Estwick aspired to become a pilot, but served overseas with the ground crew servicing Allied aircraft. Following the war, Mr. Estwick rejoined the regular force, working as a radar technician, and later as an instructor. He retired after 23 years, having attained the rank of Flight Lieutenant.
Transcript
Being black I went through several difficult situations. I don’t know, like, some of the Canadians can complain that we couldn’t play baseball some places. You had to play cricket instead. Do you complain about things like that? I went through South Africa where I couldn’t eat because I was black. Do I complain about that? I’m the British Empire, in uniform, but I couldn’t eat. Well I made some wonderful friends. The best and some of them are dead now and some I still keep in contact with. People that I think so much of. They’ve been wonderful. They’ve helped me in situations and they’re friends I’d never forget.