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Our journey today begins in Unicorn Cemetery near Vendhuile, just outside St Quentin at the headstone of Lt. David Clemetson.  The wealthy son of Jamaican banana traders, he enlisted into the Army from Cambridge University and served with the Pembroke Yeomanry.  Commissioned as an officer, he can, perhaps, lay claim to being the first black officer to serve in the British Army.  History points to Walter Tull, the former professional footballer as holding this honour, but Clemetson's case is compelling.

In this episode we look at the views held by the British military establishment about black soldiers, hear the story of 2nd Lt George Bemand who was forced to lie about his heritage to gain a commission, and the man refused a commission even though his application was supported by the Governor-General of Jamaica on the grounds that he was "too black".

Despite these challenges, men like George Bemand, Walter Tull, and David Clemetson broke through the barriers of prejudice, and sadly all paid the ultimate price.  This is their story.

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