My history hero: Commonwealth secretary-general Baroness Scotland chooses Ulric Cross (1917–2013)
Commonwealth secretary-general Baroness Scotland chooses Ulric Cross as a history hero
In profile
Ulric Cross was a Trinidadian jurist, diplomat and navigator who served in RAF Bomber Command during the Second World War, reaching the rank of squadron leader. He later studied law in London, had a distinguished career as an international jurist and judge, and served as high commissioner for Trinidad and Tobago to the UK, 1990–93.
When did you first hear about Ulric Cross?
He was from the same generation as my father (I was born in Dominica), so I’ve known about him for as long as I can remember. He was one of a number of extraordinary Caribbean statesmen of that time, and I was lucky enough to get to know him through family and other contacts.
What kind of man was he?
I’ve always thought of him as an exemplar of the Caribbean man: he was tall, dashing, charming, brave and, what’s more, had a brilliant mind. He regarded every challenge as an opportunity rather than an obstacle. He was a great Pan-Caribbeanist and Pan-Africanist, believing in collaboration between all people of African descent, as well as a proud supporter of the Commonwealth. He was also a great tennis player – you took on Ulric at your peril, and he was still beating young men in his nineties!
What made him a hero?
He displayed great fortitude, fearlessness and spirit when he volunteered to serve in the RAF at the height of the Second World War. At a time when many people unfairly thought a black person could not be a leader, he proved them wrong. He rose through the ranks to become squadron leader, helping change perceptions. He later became an innovative, reforming jurist, rewriting constitutions, and did excellent work as both a judge and attorney general. All his life, he sought to create a more just society.
What was Cross’s finest hour?
The daring, determination and professionalism he showed as a member of the RAF’s elite Pathfinder Force. He helped perfect techniques for precision bombing over Nazi Germany, flying low over enemy territory, dropping devastating bombs, then climbing sharply to avoid the blast – putting his life at risk each time. He flew 80 missions as navigator of a Mosquito fighter-bomber, so was delighted when the Commonwealth Gates were opened in 2002: a long overdue memorial to all those soldiers, sailors and airmen from Africa, the Caribbean and the Indian subcontinent who fought – and died – for Britain in two world wars. In truth, though, every hour of his life was his finest hour.
Can you see any parallels between his life and your own?
We both came from big families – he was one of nine children, and I’m one of 12 – and we both became judges and parliamentarians. Lastly, he was a Commonwealth high commissioner, and I’m the secretary-general.
What would you say to him if you could meet him?
If I saw him now, I would thank him for his public service over the years, and for being such an inspirational figure.
Baroness Scotland was the first black woman to be appointed a Queen’s Counsel and to hold the office of Attorney General for England, Wales and Northern Ireland. She is now secretary-general of the Commonwealth.
This article was first published in the December 2023 issue of BBC History Magazine
Authors
York Membery is a regular contributor to BBC History Magazine, the Daily Mail and Sunday Times among other publications. York, who lives in London, worked on the Mirror, Express and Times before turning freelance. He studied history at Cardiff University and the Institute of Historical Research, and has a History PhD from Maastricht University.
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