A fascinating and rare image of a party or similar celebration of mostly African-American CBIers at the American Red Cross club in Calcutta. While the numerous shoulder insignia leave no question that these are CBI veterans (see blow-up below), the time of the event is a mystery. Many African American CBIers where stationed in WWII, working at the docks, in road construction, or as drivers on the various roads into China. On the reverse of the photograph is simply the name "Sam King." On the stage in the back, the band is called "The Tent City Jumptet."
This was at a club for African-American soldiers in Calcutta, set up no later than 1943, by the American Red Cross. Ruth Renner, an ARC volunteer, wrote home about the club and the Tent City Jumptet on March 8, 1943 (published in the Chappell Register, Chappell, Nebraska, Thursday, March 25, 1943). Ruth Renner gives high credit to the "colored servicemen" for adapting well to life in India, and to their participation in the club, and their contributions to organizing it and running it. "...Many civilian families are regular guests at club functions. By families I mean the gamut of age from babes in arms, wee toddlers, small boys and girls, young men and women, to fathers and mothers and grandparents. The soldiers are 'natural hosts' and treat all of their guests with respect and true friendly hospitality. They have their own orchestra, newly organized and named 'The Tent City Jumptet', Real Harlem rhythm."
Ruth Renner and the club (apparently called the Cosmos Club, and situated at the Dalhousie Institute, Dalhousie Square) is mentioned in an American Red Cross publication in the CBI:
Calcutta To Have Second Amcross Club
The projected club for colored troops in Calcutta is at last underway. A building has been requisitioned and pending its acquisition and remodeling, plans proceed for entertainment of the troops. A staff has been appointed which will function until the colored Amcross personnel expected from the States arrives.
In charge of activities is Ruth Renner who worked with many of the men in this area before when she organized a similar club in the theater. Assisting her are Mrs. Rosalind Foo and Mrs. Vera Chatterjee.
Ruth is busy laying her plans for community parties, for the restaurant and soda fountain which will be set up in the new club, the information desk and games. If the projected site is available, there will be tennis, badminton and baseball on the spot. An orchestra is also being organized composed of men from various units.
The first venture under the Renner organization was a dance held at Dalhousie Institute, September 29th. U.S. and Amcross flags, colored balloons and palms were the decoration motifs and the 24 door prizes were a highlight. Cigarettes were awarded to the men and hankies with an embroidered red cross to the girls. About 250 men were present. The boys presented their own variety entertainment.
A second party was held October 8. This was a family affair at which bingo was featured. Only a short time was devoted to dancing.
(From ARC LIGHT, October 10, 1943; courtesy of https://cbi-theater.com/arc_light/arc101043.html )
The Cosmos Club was renovated again right at war's end, and this much brightened and enhanced facility was used by African-American soldiers in large numbers as they awaited disposition to return to the US (The Future Outlook, Geensboro, NC, Nov. 17, 1945, page 3).
(MUCH gratitude to E. Rogers who provided excellent info that is helping us reconstruct the story behind this image and people in it!)