Canada’s first and largest all-Black military unit marks 110th anniversary

Members of the all-Black No. 2 Construction Battalion are shown in this historic photo. (Submitted by the Black Cultural Centre of Nova Scotia)

The first and largest all-Black military unit in Canadian history is marking it’s 110^th anniversary.

The No. 2 Construction Battalion was formed on July 5, 1916, during the First World War. The unit was headquartered in Pictou and Truro, N.S., and recruited more than 600 men from across Canada.

“Despite facing widespread discrimination, many Black Canadians stepped forward to volunteer for service in the Canadian Army during the First World War,” said Veterans Affairs Minister Jill McKnight, in a shared statement Saturday.

“From its formation through the end of the war, approximately 800 Black men from Canada, the United States and the British West Indies were associated with the Battalion and served honourably in support of Canada’s war effort.”

The unit was formed because Black Canadians were often denied the right to enlist and fight on the front lines due to the racism of the time. They were often deployed for dangerous non-combat labour which included timber harvesting, road building, reinforcing trenches as well as much more.

Despite their sacrifices, members of the Battalion were not entitled to any recognition once they returned home, with many facing the same discrimination as when they left for the war. The Battalion would be disbanded in September 1920 and would not receive public recognition until decades later.

The Canadian government held an official apology parade and ceremony for the No. 2 Construction Battalion on July 9, 2022 in Truro.

“Today, the legacy of No. 2 Construction Battalion is reflected in a Canadian military that is integrated and diverse, and that empowers the best in all its members. While the circumstances of service have changed, the values of professionalism, duty and dedication to Canada continue to define those who wear the uniform,” said National Defence Minister David McGuinty, in a shared statement.

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