No. 2 Construction Battalion Badge- Nova Scotia, Canada
This cap badge was an identifying symbol of the No. 2 Construction Battalion, a Canadian Expeditionary Force that served in World War I. It was the only Canadian battalion of black soldiers at the time.
Although Canada had been self-governing for over fifty years, it was still part of the British Empire and was immediately called upon to provide troops. When Great Britain declared war on Germany in August 1914, hundreds of black Canadians arrived at military recruiting stations to serve their country. However, the Department of Militia and Defense deferred to the judgment of individual officers, and most officers refused to enlist black soldiers. Many were told this was “a white man’s war.” One Nova Scotia man was bluntly informed that “we do not want a checkerboard army”.
After two years of petitioning, the first and only all-black battalion in Canadian history was approved July 5, 1916. Its chaplain, Captain William A. White, was the first and only black commissioned officer in the British military. Headquartered in Nova Scotia, the battalion had permission to recruit in all provinces. In March 1917, the battalion was deployed to France where they produced timber and repaired roads.
Detachable hat badges were a common uniform element for the British military in World War 1, often identifying the soldier as a member of a particular ship or unit. Each unit was allowed to design their own badge, often including patriotic symbols and images relating to their unique duty. The No. 2 Construction Battalion badge depicts a royal crown, maple leaves, and construction equipment.
