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Resilience and Determination to Serve: The Story of Canada’s No. 2 Construction Battalion

  • Feb 16, 2023
  • History
  • 6 minute read

This Black History Month, we’re celebrating Black military history in Canada with a coin that honours No. 2 Construction Battalion—the largest all-Black battalion-sized unit in Canadian military history.

The members of No. 2 Construction Battalion served with distinction, and were willing to risk their lives to preserve the very rights and freedoms that weren’t always afforded to them before, during, and after the First World War.

Discover their story, and the importance of preserving and honouring our country’s military history— especially that of those whose stories have often been overlooked.

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Credit: Black Cultural Centre of Nova Scotia

This Black History Month, we’re celebrating Black military history in Canada with a coin that honours No. 2 Construction Battalion—the largest all-Black battalion-sized unit in Canadian military history.

The members of No. 2 Construction Battalion served with distinction, and were willing to risk their lives to preserve the very rights and freedoms that weren’t always afforded to them before, during, and after the First World War.

Discover their story, and the importance of preserving and honouring our country’s military history— especially that of those whose stories have often been overlooked.

Nine members of the No. 2 Construction Battalion band with instruments
Nine uniformed No. 2 Construction Battalion officers, Rev. Dr. W. Andrew White seated in the middle
Four Canadian servicemen working on lumber operations
2023 $20 Fine Silver Coin – Commemorating Black History: No. 2 Construction Battalion

Kwame Delfish, Artist

This coin pays homage to not only the Black men who were originally recruited for No. 2 Construction Battalion, but to all those who were declined an opportunity to enlist in the military because of their race. While some men were successful in their military pursuits, it didn’t come without fight. As a result of the racism they endured, most would not be allowed to face combat alongside their fellow countrymen. The desire to fight for their country, regardless, demonstrates the bravery, selflessness, and honour of No. 2 Construction Battalion. The existence and accomplishments of these men is another part of Canadian history that is to be acknowledged, celebrated and honoured—forever. I hope I was able to capture these honourable men in a way that represents their strength and resiliency, while also raising awareness about the critical role that No. 2 Construction Battalion had in the Canadian armed forces.

Kwame Delfish, Artist
No. 2 Construction Battalion servicemen, November 1916
Kathy Grant