HMT Empire Windrush

The Empire Windrush arrived at Tilbury on 22 June 1948, carrying 493 passengers from Jamaica wishing to start a new life in the United Kingdom. The passengers (including one stowaway) were the first large group of West Indian immigrants to the UK after the Second World War.

When the people from the Windrush arrived at port, they were faced with discrimination and racism because of the colour of their skin. Some people now call the Windrush a new journey for them as they all went through the racism, but in the end, came out just as equal as everyone else.

Before 1948, the ship, under the name of Monte Rosa, had been used for cruises in pre-war Germany, and then as a German troopship and prisoner transport ship, before being captured by the British and taken as a war prize. She continued to be used as a British troopship after 1948, but sank in the Mediterranean Sea in March 1954 after a sudden and catastrophic fire in her engine room, just off the coast of Algeria.

HMT Empire Windrush Media

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  Monte Cervantes, one of Empire Windrush's sister ships

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  Monte Cervantes' engine room

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  A torpedo-equipped Bristol Beaufighter of 144 Squadron, an aircraft of the type the squadron used to attack Monte Rosa

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  Aerial photograph of the burning Empire Windrush, taken after she was abandoned, 28–29 March 1954

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  HMS Saintes in 1946

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  Windrush Square, London, in 2006

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  Hamburg Süd container ship Monte Rosa (2005)