On 28 February 1948, the shooting of protesting ex-service men led to looting and rioting in Accra and other major towns in the Gold Coast. The leadership of the United Gold Coast Convention (UGCC) sent a message to the Secretary of State of the Colonies Arthur Creech Jones in London, blaming Governor Creasey as the cause of the disturbance.[2] These leaders were arrested and detained; they become known as the Big Six.[3] The disturbance lasted for five days and the colonial government commissioned the Watson Commission to probe the cause of the disturbance.[4]
The reference of the commission was: "To enquire into and report on the recent disturbances in the Gold Coast and their underlying causes; and to make recommendations on any matter arising from the enquiry." The commission was made up of Aiken Watson (chairman), Andrew Dalgleish and Keith A. H. Murray.[1]
