The dramatic story of one of the earliest successes of the Civil Rights Movement, Black Yanks re-examines the UK and USA's 'special relationship' in the build up to D-Day

Black Yanks is the story of how an African American soldier from Missouri ended up on death row in D-Day Britain – and the extraordinary campaign that set him free. The drama plays out over a tumultuous six weeks, set against a backdrop of the most audacious sea-borne invasion ever attempted.

As the build-up to D-Day escalates, Leroy Henry’s story unfolds, allowing us to view a pivotal point in history with an entirely new perspective: making race, the ‘special relationship’ and the British peoples’ collective powerful key considerations.

This fascinating, alternative timeline reveals an edgier wartime society, hidden tensions in Anglo-American relations and the moment the British tabloid press learned to roar. Ultimately, Leroy Henry’s court martial – and everything it stood for – provoked mind-blowing decision-making at the highest military level.

Kate Werran unearths a wealth of archival material to help disclose the story behind the first significant, if uncelebrated, win in the civil rights movement; a story that has been overlooked for nearly eight decades. Until now.

"

'as compelling as any TV crime drama'

"

'The author takes the complex threads of this culture and weaves them together expertly. The result is superb. A rich retelling of a vital episode in history.'

"

‘… a pivotal point in history with an entirely new perspective making race, the 'special relationship' and the British people's collective power key considerations.’

"

'It is a remarkable story, and one told with considerable flair...'

"

‘In describing the background, the trial, the subsequent British reaction to Henry’s being sentenced to death, Kate Werran illuminates changing British views and the longer-term influence on American Civil Rights.’