The article explores the significance of ships and planes in the context of events in the West Indies during the mid-20th century. It discusses the rise and subsequent collapse of the West Indies Federation, highlighting the role of the airplane in making federation possible by bridging the gaps between the islands. It also mentions the Empire Windrush ship that arrived in 1948 and became a symbol of a generation, and discusses the impact of the ship's arrival on shaping multicultural Britain.