Nº 2 Construction Battalion, C. E. F. National Historic Event
Pictou, Nova Scotia
Address :
Pictou, Nova Scotia
Recognition Statute:
Historic Sites and Monuments Act (R.S.C., 1985, c. H-4)
Designation Date:
1992-06-04
Other Name(s):
-
Nº 2 Construction Battalion, C. E. F.
(Designation Name)
Research Report Number:
1992-003
Importance:
Reflects the strong determination of Black men to overcome racism and contribute to Canada’s First World War effort
Plaque(s)
Existing plaque: On Caladh Avenue by Market Street, Pictou, Nova Scotia
This Battalion reflected the strong determination of Black men to overcome racism and contribute to Canada’s First World War effort. With battalions reluctant to accept Black people, Militia Headquarters formed in 1916 a segregated non-combatant unit. Volunteers from across Canada, the United States, and the Caribbean were based at Pictou and Truro, in Nova Scotia, and Windsor, Ontario, before going to Europe in 1917. They served primarily with the Canadian Forestry Corps in the Jura region of France, supplying lumber for the front and performing supporting tasks. The Black Battalion was disbanded in 1920.