Trinidad

Full Name 112 Crown Colony of Trinidad
Alliance Allies - Minor Member Nation or Possession
Possessing Power United Kingdom
Entry into WW2 3 Sep 1939
Population in 1939 476,000

Contributor:

ww2dbaseTrinidad, located just off South America, was a British Crown Colony since 1802 through the Treaty of Amiens. It was originally an agricultural colony (sugar cane, cocoa, among other products). In 1889, the nearby island of Tobago was placed within Trinidad's borders. In 1857, oil was discovered in Trinidad, and major oil drilling operation began in 1907. In 1925, Trinidad held its first elections for the local Legislative Council. In 1941, during WW2, German submarines were detected in waters surrounding Trinidad, which intended on attacking Allied shipping. US Army personnel arrived on the island in Apr 1941 through the US-UK Destroyers for Bases Agreement. In early 1942, plans for establishing major air presence on Trinidad began to take shape, and before long, units on Trinidad and elsewhere in the Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico regions could effectively stave off most German efforts at disruptions. After WW2, bases on Trinidad were disbanded by 1950. Trinidad and Tobago obtained self-governance in 1958 and independence in 1962.

ww2dbaseSource: Wikipedia

Last Major Update: Jan 2018

Facilities
Carlsen FieldNavy Base

Weather

WW2-Era Weather Data for Trinidad

Photographs

TBF-1 Avengers from the Carrier USS Essex dropping a practice torpedo from 150-200 feet, Gulf of Paria, Trinidad, 30 Mar 1943. Note the porpoising early Mark XIII torpedo.Airship hangar, Carlsen Field, Trinidad, 1940sF6F-5 Hellcat fighter of US Navy pilot Ensign John G. Fraifogl caught on fire upon landing during USS TiconderogaUSS Missouri resting at anchor in the Gulf of Paria off Port of Spain, Trinidad during her shakedown cruise, Aug 26, 1944. Note K-class airship overhead.
See all 6 photographs of Trinidad in World War II


Trinidad in World War II Interactive Map




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Visitor Submitted Comments

1. Brian says:
24 Sep 2018 06:45:21 AM

Hello. I am trying to trace back to WW2 to locate my Grandfather. His name was Albert Phillips and he was an american soldier. How do I go about getting information on records and names. My mom never got to meet him as he returned to the US. Any assistance and guidance.will be greatly appreciated.
2. Vincent says:
22 Nov 2018 02:44:25 AM

Hi Brian,

Sign up at http://www.ancestry.com and search for your Grandfather. I did a quick search of his name with Trinidad as the location and 20 entries came up. Hope that helps!
3. Claire Carrington says:
4 Apr 2022 10:23:58 AM

My father Willard Francis Carrington served in the second world. Do you have any pictures of him.
4. Anonymous says:
2 Jun 2022 04:22:35 AM

The Naval base in Chaguaramas did not close until 1963. I lived on the based from Jun 1962 to Sep 1962 and it was very much open when I left.
5. Kristen Moore says:
8 Nov 2022 09:33:18 AM

Heraldo Elton Gordon served in WW2, anyone has any pictures or information. He was among those who lost their lives at sea.
6. Miguel says:
24 Feb 2023 11:45:55 AM

My uncle was assigned to ANT GEN Depot 2 T'dad BWI in 1946 and I assume it was in Trinidad, British West Indies. I need more information on the ANT GEN Depot 2. Thank you very much.
7. Benecia Geroge says:
23 May 2023 03:14:24 AM

Anyone knows where I can gain info on my Grandpa his name was Rawlins Mitchell and he served in WWII as a mechanic in Holland through the British Army in Trinidad and later became an MP.
8. Elijah says:
15 Jun 2023 07:12:12 PM

Hi anyone know were I can find info of the bass that use to go underground in the war

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Trinidad in World War II Photo Gallery
TBF-1 Avengers from the Carrier USS Essex dropping a practice torpedo from 150-200 feet, Gulf of Paria, Trinidad, 30 Mar 1943. Note the porpoising early Mark XIII torpedo.
See all 6 photographs of Trinidad in World War II


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