**** DND Media Release
Canadian Armed Forces Honour the No. 2 Construction Battalion
The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) continued to honour the legacy of No. 2 Construction Battalion, the only all-black formation in Canadian military history, during a parade on July 8 in Pictou, Nova Scotia.
The parade promoted the battalion’s legacy in conjunction with the Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia. 4 Engineer Support Regiment, based out of Gagetown, New Brunswick, who retains the historical link with No. 2 Construction Battalion, led the parade.
Quick Facts
- No. 2 Construction Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force, also known as the Black Battalion, was created on July 5, 1916, during the First World War. It was a segregated non-combatant unit, the first and only all-Black battalion-sized formation in Canadian military history.
- Throughout the war members of No. 2 Construction Battalion faced racism. They showed resilience, determination, and strength in the face of adversity. Following the end of the First World War, the unit was officially disbanded on September 15, 1920, without ceremony or recognition for their service or sacrifices on behalf of Canada.
- On July 9, 2022, the CAF acknowledged the contributions and sacrifices of the members of No. 2 Construction Battalion and their families at an official ceremony held in Truro, Nova Scotia.
- The CAF awarded of the “France and Flanders, 1917-18” Battle Honour to No. 2 Construction Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force in Ottawa, on June 1, 2022.
- 4 Engineer Support Regiment located at Canadian Forces Base Gagetown, New Brunswick, is the CAF entity responsible for the perpetuation of the No. 2 Construction Battalion.
- Currently, the Department is taking steps to implement the recommendations from the Minister of National Defence Advisory Panel on Systemic Racism and Discrimination. The Advisory Panel report will guide our future work to eliminate racism and discrimination in all forms.
- The CAF takes every opportunity to learn from the past and build a better, more inclusive Canada for all. As we continue, as a country, to confront systemic racism, discrimination, and xenophobia in all its forms, the No. 2 Construction Battalion story will play an important role in ensuring this injustice never happens again.
Associated links
National Apology Advisory Committee – Minister of National Defence Report
No. 2 Construction Battalion | VALOUR CANADA
Social Media
