The tradition of military service by black Canadians goes back long before Confederation. Many black Canadians can trace their family roots to Loyalists who emigrated North in the 1780s after the American Revolutionary War, where American slaves were offered freedom and land if they agreed to fight for the British.
Black soldiers continued the tradition of military service during the War of 1812, helping defend Upper Canada against the Americans. Black soldiers also played an important role in the Upper Canadian Rebellion of 1837–1839.
Black volunteers also served with British forces away from home. One such man, William Hall, earned the Victoria Cross for his brave actions in India in 1857.
In the late 1850s, black settlers moved from California to Vancouver Island in pursuit of a better life. Some of the new immigrants organized the Victoria Pioneer Rifle Corps, an all-black volunteer force. It was the first authorized militia unit in the West Coast colony.
Victoria Pioneer Rifle Corps
Photo courtesy of Veterans Affairs Canada.
When the First World War erupted, many young black Canadians were eager to serve King and country. However, the prejudiced attitudes of the time made it hard for these men to join the military. Despite the barriers, they persisted, pressured the government and enlisted.
The No. 2 Construction Battalion was the first large black military unit in Canadian history. The Battalion’s chaplain, Reverend William White, was one of the few black commissioned officers to serve during the war. The Battalion was sent to France in 1917 to serve with the Canadian Forestry Corps.
In addition to the men of No. 2 Construction Battalion, some 2,000 black Canadians joined regular units, going on to give distinguished service that earned some of them medals for bravery.
Members of the No. 2 Construction Battalion in 1917.
Photo courtesy of Veterans Affairs Canada.
Photo courtesy of Veterans Affairs Canada.
Today, the dedicated service of black Canadians who fought in the First World War is remembered and celebrated as a cornerstone of the proud tradition of service to our country.
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