When the First World War broke out, Canadian black men wanted to serve their country by joining the armed forces as their fellow whites did, but faced a long uphill battle. In spite of official Canadian government policy—which clearly stated black volunteers could be accepted—many suffered rejection.
After two years of perseverance and tireless lobbying by black community leaders—assisted by supportive whites—the government authorized a black unit, allowing patriotic blacks an opportunity to serve King and Country.
Formed on July 5, 1916, with headquarters at Pictou, the construction unit built and repaired trenches, roads, bridges and railways, among other tasks. No. 2 Construction Battalion became the first and only black unit ever established in the Canadian armed forces. - John Boileau, HistorianOn July 8, 2017 at the deCoste Centre along the Pictou waterfront we held our 24th annual commemoration and remembrance ceremony. Despite the damp overcast skies close to 200 people showed up to take part including many Canadian Forces and RCMP personnel. The event started with an honour parade along Caladh Ave. adjacent to the monument.
This year's keynote speaker was Lieutenant
Commander Paul A. Smith, CD, Commanding Officer - Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship
SUMMERSIDE. LCdr Smith shared detail about his recent historic visit to Western Africa and the impact it had on him and the link between Sierra Leone and Nova Scotia. Remarks were also given by various dignities including Douglas Ruck, son of the late Senator Calvin Ruck, who brought the story of the Battalion alive in his book "The Black Battalion - Canada's Best Kept Military Secret".
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(l-r) Russell Grosse, Dolly Williams, LCdr Paul Smith, Sgt, Craig Smith,
Anne Simmons, Bernadette Hamilton-Reid and Douglas Ruck
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To learn more about the No. 2 Construction Battalion, be sure to visit our extensive exhibit on the second floor of the Black Cultural Centre. Truly an inspiring legacy.
- Russell Grosse
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