Credit: Netflix
Entertainment
The Six Triple Eight is Netflix’s new female-led Second World War drama starring Kerry Washington
By Amy Beecham
8 months ago
2 min read
Kerry Washington’s latest Netflix project is an inspirational true story of the first and only Women’s army corps unit of colour to serve overseas during the Second World War.
From Christopher Nolan’s epic Dunkirk to biographical thriller The Imitation Game starring Benedict Cumberbatch as Alan Turing, stories about the frontlines of the Second World War rarely focus on the plight of women. But all that is – thankfully – about to change.
Enter: The Six Triple Eight, Netflix’s newest based-on-a-true-story drama. Written and directed by Tyler Perry, the film stars Kerry Washington as Major Charity Adams, the commanding officer of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion.
“The Six Triple Eight is inspired by the first and only Women’s army corps unit of colour to serve overseas in WWII,” the official synopsis reads. “Despite facing racism and sexism – and gruelling working conditions – they were committed to serving their country with honour and distinction. Given an extraordinary mission and united in their determination, these unsung heroes delivered hope and shattered barriers.”
Credit: Netflix
What is the true story behind The Six Triple Eight?
Based on the WWII History Magazine article ‘Fighting A Two-Front War’ by Kevin M Hymel, the story centres on Major Charity Adams, the commanding officer of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion.
The 6888 was the first and only Women’s army corps unit of colour to be stationed in Europe during the Second World War. When they were deployed to Europe in February 1945, the 855 women in the 6888th were handed a backlog of 17 million pieces of mail, some labelled with incorrect or incomplete addresses, and asked to ship it out in six months. Their motto? “No mail, low morale.” The task bore high emotional stakes: the families of servicemen at home had not received word from their loved ones in months. Working in three eight-hour shifts, the women of the 6888th set out to work.
Credit: Netflix
Still, they faced almost insurmountable odds. Despite the importance of their responsibilities, the battalion was put in segregated housing and relegated to poorly maintained buildings often lacking light and heat. Through sheer will and ingenuity, they remained undeterred, creating a community of their own, complete with a mess hall, hair salon and refreshment bar. Within 90 days, they had accomplished their mission — in half the allotted time.
Credit: Netflix
Is there a trailer for The Six Triple Eight?
The 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion contributed to the war effort in a unique and truly inspirational way, bringing hope to the front lines in the face of racial discrimination and a vast, unfamiliar country divided by global conflict.
“A lot of people do not want us to succeed,” Washington says as Captain Charity Adams in the film’s new teaser. “We have the most to prove.”
Watch it for yourself below.
When will The Six Triple Eight be available to watch?
Just in time for the long, lazy days of the Christmas break, The Six Triple Eight will stream on Netflix on 20 December.
Images: Netflix
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