World War II in the Caribbean

Our friend from St Lucia and creator of the WWII Log Book Project, Nick Devaux, joins us to talk about a truly forgotten front of World War II, the Caribbean Basin.

During World War II, the Caribbean played a significant but often overlooked role in the broader conflict. Its strategic position made it a critical area for military operations.

The Caribbean bordered vital sea lanes connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans through the Panama Canal, as well as shipping routes between the Americas and Europe. These routes were essential for transporting troops, raw materials, and supplies. The Axis powers, particularly Germany, targeted the Caribbean to disrupt Allied supply chains. German U-boats operated extensively in the region, attacking merchant ships and tankers carrying oil from Venezuelan and Trinidadian refineries to Allied forces. The Battle of the Caribbean, as this campaign became known, resulted in significant losses for Allied shipping.

Oil production in the Caribbean was another critical factor. The region’s refineries, especially those in Aruba, Curaçao, and Trinidad, were among the largest in the world. Protecting these installations from Axis attacks became a top priority. The United States established military bases in several Caribbean territories, including Trinidad, Puerto Rico, and the Bahamas, to guard refineries and shipping lanes. The British also strengthened defenses in their colonies, recognizing the importance of these assets to the war effort.

To secure the region, the Allies implemented agreements with local governments, many of which were colonial administrations under British, Dutch, or French control. The 1940 Destroyers-for-Bases Agreement between the United States and the United Kingdom allowed the U.S. to build military bases in British territories, providing critical infrastructure for anti-submarine warfare and air reconnaissance. These bases included significant facilities in Antigua, St. Lucia, and Jamaica.

The presence of American and British military personnel brought cultural influences and new ideas, fostering aspirations for greater political autonomy among Caribbean populations. Many Caribbean men who served in the armed forces or worked abroad during the war returned with heightened expectations for social and economic progress, contributing to postwar movements for independence and self-governance. In colonies like Trinidad and Jamaica, these changes helped lay the groundwork for decolonization in the following decades.

The Caribbean’s civilian population endured hardships during the war. German submarine activity disrupted trade, leading to shortages of food and essential goods. Rationing became widespread, and fears of invasion or sabotage created an atmosphere of uncertainty. In some areas, blackouts and other security measures were implemented to protect against potential attacks. Despite these challenges, Caribbean civilians contributed to the war effort through fundraising, volunteering, and production of war materials.

We’re grateful to UPMC for Life and Tobacco Free Adagio Health for sponsoring this event!