The actor’s determination to narrate and executive produce the captivating four-part docuseries “Erased: WW2’s Heroes of Color” was fueled by this experience. The series, which premieres on Monday, just days before the 80th anniversary of D-Day, when the Allies landed on the coast of France on June 6, will also be accessible on Disney+ and Hulu.
The Allies were supported by over 8 million people of color during significant events like D-Day, Dunkirk, Pearl Harbor, and the Battle of the Bulge. This series delves into their experiences and sheds light on how they fared during these crucial moments in history.
Related posts
The 320th Barrage Balloon Battalion, an all-Black combat unit, and Force K6, an Indian regiment of mule handlers from the British army, played significant roles in two different historical events. The former fought on the D-Day beaches during World War II, while the latter attempted to evacuate at Dunkirk.
The series incorporates archival footage, interviews with descendants, soldier journals, and actor portrayals. This combination, according to Elba, creates a raw and emotional experience.
As I stepped into the narration booth and witnessed the powerful imagery, I couldn’t help but be deeply moved. The faces depicted in the pieces evoked a sense of curiosity within me, questioning whether my own grandfather could be among them. This personal connection made the experience truly resonate with me.
Doris Miller, a mess attendant aboard the USS West Virginia, is one of the remarkable stories highlighted in the series. After the Japanese attack at Pearl Harbor, Miller displayed incredible bravery by quickly rushing to an unattended anti-aircraft gun. He fearlessly fired at the enemy planes until he was eventually forced to abandon the ship.
Despite not receiving the same gunnery training as his white counterparts, Miller’s courage in battle earned him the Navy Cross. This was due to the fact that Black sailors serving in the segregated steward’s branch of the Navy were not given the opportunity to be trained in the use of firearms.
Director Shianne Brown, who directed the D-Day episode, expresses her gratitude and appreciation for the opportunity to shed light on the stories of the individuals involved.
During her episode, Waverly Woodson, Jr. was brought into the spotlight. He served as a medic and was injured by shrapnel during the landing on Omaha Beach. Despite his wounds, he dedicated the next 30 hours to providing medical care to the wounded and dying soldiers. Woodson himself remarked, “There’s no such thing as a color barrier in action.”
According to Brown, observation has proven to be incredibly powerful. He explains that in situations where someone’s leg has been blown off and they are in need of medical assistance, they are not going to refuse treatment.
Woodson, who passed away in 2005, has been posthumously honored with the prestigious Distinguished Service Cross. This notable recognition was announced on Monday by Senator Chris Van Hollen of Maryland.
Many soldiers of color who fought the Nazis in Europe returned to their respective homes—the Indians back to British colonization and Black Americans to bitter racism—and started advocating for change because of the experiences and accomplishments they had witnessed. It is worth noting that civil rights icon Medgar Evers was present at D-Day.
According to Brown, many of these individuals had never felt like they were treated as human beings until they went to Europe and were treated as such by the white population. It is difficult to comprehend the emotions they must have felt in that moment. After fighting against Hitler, the Nazis, fascism, and hate, they returned home only to face racial terror.
The filmmakers were deeply touched when they stumbled upon rare footage of a Black unit marching in central England before D-Day, as well as images of Black soldiers celebrating the downfall of the Nazis. Elba expresses his astonishment, stating, “It was truly remarkable to witness a Black man in Nazi Germany.”
Elba encouraged the directors and editors to immerse the audience in the action, taking inspiration from films like “Saving Private Ryan” or “Dunkirk.” This involved capturing realistic recreations of bombings in French villages, braving the ocean with heavy equipment, and showcasing soldiers enduring beach strafing.
He expressed his strong support for the filmmakers to fully embrace the opportunity. According to him, the film provides a fictional representation of the heroic acts performed by soldiers during that time.
The filmmakers aimed to depict the horrific and terrifying nature of combat, highlighting the unpredictable nature of casualties and the agonizing anticipation before deployment.
Elba explains that their intention was not to glorify the events but rather to depict the heroism in a relatable manner, similar to other films of this genre.
