Lives of the First World War

"On July 5, 1916, the No. 2 Construction Battalion was formed in Pictou, Nova Scotia—the first large Black military unit in Canadian history. Recruitment took place across the country and more than 600 men were eventually accepted, most from Nova Scotia, with others coming from New Brunswick, Ontario, the West and even some from the United States. The Black Battalion’s chaplain was Reverend William White, who had also played a leading role getting the unit formed. He was given the rank of Honourary Captain—one of the few Black commissioned officers to serve in the Canadian Army during the war." (Veteran Affairs Canada) The community acts as a conduit to other links about the men who are listed on the nominal roll. A digital copy of the roll is available at http://novascotia.ca/archives/2construction/default.asp

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