Remembering the first and only Black battalion in Canadian military history

By Nigel Gordijk  Monday, February 23, 2026

Audio documentary: Approximately 1,400 Black men served in the Canadian military between 1914 and 1918, having overcome efforts to exclude them from the war effort. To commemorate Black History Month, this is the story of their fight to receive fair treatment and equal opportunities, at home and overseas. It contains terms that were commonly used at the time, and shows some of the racism faced by Black Canadian soldiers.

Credits: Thank you to Peggy Plet and Kevin Lloyd Reid for their contributions to this tribute.

Learn more about the No.2 Construction Battalion at www.no2constructionbattalion.ca.

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