No. 2 Construction Battalion

[Blue Puttees]

No. 2 Construction Battalion portrait.

[Bill A]

Not sure about the identification of this fellow as No 2 Construction Bn. The badge is not the shield shape as No 2 wore. He also is wearing battle patches of one of the front line battalions. No 2 Construction was mainly absorbed into the Canadian Forestry Corps. They did not have the type of battle patches as worn by this soldier.
I am not sure what leads you to attribute this image to No 2 Construction, other than the fact the soldier is black?

[whizzbang]

My best guess from the size and shape of the maple leaf and the battle patch (square over rectangle) would be 21st Battalion. 25th Battalion badge is also similar in shape but battle patch is a triangle over rectangle. Cheers, Ian.

[Blue Puttees]

I stand corrected, this soldier is not from the No. 2 Construction Battalion. He is not wearing their shield shaped hat badge or shield shaped collar insignia. Thank you Bill.

What other units did black soldiers serve with?

Did black soldiers serve with the 21st or 25th Battalions?

[whizzbang]

Here's an interesting example:

Private Jeremiah Jones Presentation of the Canadian Forces Medallion for Distinguished Service
It was with great honour that Peter presented the family of Private Jeremiah Jones' with the Canadian Forces Medallion for Distinguished Service. Today was a celebration of Private Jeremiah Jones' brave and unselfish contribution to winning the battle of Vimy Ridge during the First World War. He single-handedly neutralized a German machine gun bunker and captured those who survived his grenade attack. Jones was later injured during the Battle of Passchendale. He, along with 15 other Black soldiers in the 106th Battalion, Nova Scotia Rifles, were assigned to the Royal Canadian Regiment, and saw action on the front line.
"Today's ceremony is another bittersweet chapter in the history of the Canadian military and its relationship with the black community.For countless years, the heroic acts and deeds of our black soldiers, sailors, air men and air women and civilian employees have gone unnoticed and unrecognized.I want to say thank you to Jeremiah Jones and his family for their sacrifices for Canada.His tale of bravery, courage and gallantry is finally being justly recognized.All Canadians should be proud and humbled that this man from Truro fought for the freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law which we enjoy today" said Minister MacKay.
Jeremiah Jones was born in Truro in the 1860's, enlisted with the 106th Battalion of the Canadian Overseas Expeditionary Force on June 19th, 1916 and was discharged on May 8, 1918.For his act of heroism, Jones was recommended for the Distinguished Conduct Medal by his commanding officer. Due to social attitudes of the time, Mr. Jones was never received the Distinguished Conduct Medal he so rightfully deserved. In recent years The Last Post Fund erected a new grave stone for him and the Town of Truro funded and erected a sculpture of Jeremiah Jones in recognition of his importance to their town's history.


Unfortunately, it seems that at least until 1916 black men were not welcomed by the CEF, even though a number volunteered. In 1916 the 106th Bn did accept black soldiers and the 2nd Construction Bn was established specifically for black soldiers, though all but one of their officers was white.

Based on the above citiation, and considering Blue Puttees photo, it seems likely that black soldiers were also sent to other batallions as reinforcements later in the war.

Cheers, Ian.

[Bill A]

I have images showing blacks in several battalions. The racist attitudes of the day precluded blacks from being officers and often saw them as only suitable for certain tasks. As manpower demands trumphed discrimination, blacks were accepted into the fighting battalions. The same for other "racial" groups. First Nations had many famous soldiers including Francis Pegahmagabow. Japanese and Sikhs served in front line battalions, but it appears Chinese were only allowed as labour corps.

[Kathylvorg]

Hi thank you for the posts stating that you had pictures of Black soldiers in other battalions. Where can they be found on this site?

[Bill A]

I am not sure if they are posted on the Forum. They are in many different galleries and data bases.