The legacy of the No. 2 Construction Battalion (No. 2 CB) – the first and only all-Black battalion-sized formation in Canadian military history – was commemorated by 4 Engineer Support Regiment (4 ESR) at 5th Canadian Division Support Base Gagetown on February 20, 2024.
Amidst racism and discrimination, the No. 2 CB performed their service to Canada with honour and dignity during the First World War. 4 ESR is proud to be responsible for the perpetuation of the No. 2 CB and took the lead in the organizing the event.
The event included a screening of a documentary about the No. 2 CB and panel discussions for the integration and understanding of Black culture in the military environment.
During the panel discussions, topics such as the future integration of Black culture in the military, working towards understanding Black culture, and better ways to make the Canadian Armed Forces more inclusive were examined.
Such events represent the continued culture change within the Canadian Armed Forces to become a more inclusive work environment and progress in our path to reconciliation with our nation’s past.
