Racism and Friendship

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.

Crew of six canadian soldiers in front of their tent.

Do I complain about that? I’m the British Empire, in uniform,

Mr.Estwick wearing his uniform.

but I couldn’t eat. Well I made some wonderful friends. The

A group of six servicemen in civilian clothing by barracks.

best and some of them are dead now and some I still keep in

Veterans parading on Remembrance Day.

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.

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.