No 2 Construction Battalion

The military power and history of Canada cannot be understood without considering the achievements of Black Canadians who were involved in various military fields throughout Canada’s history. Working as healthcare professionals, laborers, armed forces personnel, fighter pilots, and captains, Black Canadians have greatly contributed to Canada’s freedom. One group that cannot be forgotten is the 2nd Construction Battalion, whose history has been highlighted in recent years.

In 1916, the British Empire was urgently looking for new recruits specifically in the fields of construction and forestry. These recruits were needed to build bases, fortifications, and communication routes such as bridges, railways, and roads. The first labor battalion was formed and deployed overseas to support the army. However, the idea of introducing Black men to the workforce was met with great reluctance during the construction of the second battalion.

Given the racism and prejudices of the time, many believed that the average Black man was unfit for combat. There were doubts about their strength and loyalty to the nation. One individual who had reservations was Major General Willoughby Gwatkin, the Chief of the General Staff of Canada. Despite his own opinions, he decided to introduce Black members to a second construction battalion to fulfill the needs of the British Empire for additional troops. His idea was to recruit an entirely

Le bataillon a été officiellement reconnu et autorisé en tant que partie de la Force expéditionnaire canadienne le 5 juillet 1916. Basé en Nouvelle-Écosse pour le recrutement et l’entraînement, ce bataillon était sous le commandement du lieutenant-colonel Daniel H. Sutherland. Plus de 700 soldats noirs ont servi dans le bataillon.