On July 5th, 1916, the No. 2 Construction Battalion was formed in Pictou, Nova Scotia. The battalion, once known as the "Black Battalion" was the first segregated Black Military unit in Canadian Military History. In March of 1917, the 600 plus strong battalion began its journey overseas. In May of 1917, they were deployed to the Jura Mountains of France. 

As a Construction Battalion, the unit was assigned to non-combat support roles. Some of these responsibilities included building roads, railway tracks, bridges, and building trenches. When the unit was not engaged in construction activities, they defused landmines for units to be able to move forward in the area of operation and removed the wounded from the battlefield.

 

They helped move timber to the mills and transport the finished products to the railhead. These products would provide the lumber needed at the front for trenches and walkways. They also ran the support infrastructure such as the electrical plant and water system that supported the operations of the Canadian Forestry Corps units in their area. The wood and support were vital to the war effort. 

The men of No. 2 Construction Battalion (C.E.F) served Canada and her allies honourably throughout the history of their unit. These brave men fought racism and discrimination never allowing either to get in their way in their desire to serve their country. Their honourable service has paved the way for all BIPOC members serving in the Canadian Armed Forces. 

The No. 2 Construction Battalion (C.E.F) bursary shall be awarded to a BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, Person of Colour) person who is an active Canadian Armed Forces Member, or Veteran.

Bursary: $500