Telegram with Windrush passengers’ skills

A telegram to Mr Cummings, Colonial Office in London, from Mr Smythe about passengers on the Windrush, 6 June 1948. Catalogue ref: CO 876/88 

  • Why do you think this telegram was sent? 
  • What skills do the passengers have? 
  • What information is not provided? 

Transcript

[Stamp: Central Telegraph Office London Office London 6 July 1948]

POST OFFICE TELEGRAM

136 W 1355 6 EMPIRE WINDRUSH

PORTISHEAD RADIO 59/58

= CUMMINGS COLONIAL OFFICE WELFARE DEPARTMENT KINNAIRD HOUSE PALLMALL LONDON, S.W.

= From Smythe Empire Windrush STOP 350 without any arrangements for accommodation. Preference for employment reported to be skilled engineers, 50 Builders 50 Ex-factory workers, 50 Farmers, 30 Mining, 30 to re-enlist RAF [Royal Air Force] 50 Army STOP. Remainder no preference regarding accommodation suggest you contact disembarkation authorities Southampton 060955 + O.C. Troops ++

CT 350 50 50 50 30 30 50 25       060955

Return to Commonwealth migration since 1945