Prior to the First World War, there were limited opportunities for Black men to become officers in the Canadian Militia. Officers were selected based on class and social status rather than merit. The Great War filtered the incompetent officers by either death or replacement. The war forced a push for a more meritocratic organization. In this process, a handful of Black men were given commissions as Canadian officers – on of these men was Captain (Capt), The Reverend (Rev) William Andrew White.
Capt Rev White was originally from the United States and came to Canada in 1903 to study Theology. He became the second Black person to graduate from Acadia University. After the formation of the No. 2 Construction Battalion (No. 2 CB) – an all-Black battalion – Capt Rev White enlisted on February 1, 1917. He would go on to serve as chaplain for No. 2 CB. He was the only coloured officer in the battalion.
Capt Rev White served Canada with dignity, having to combat discrimination throughout his time in the war. He worked diligently to take care of his soldiers’ well-being and was a pioneer within Canada’s military history.