The Black Battalion facts for kids
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| Author | Calvin W. Ruck |
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| Original title | The Black Battalion (1916-1920) Canada's best kept military secret |
| Language | English |
| Subject | Canadian military history, Canadian Black history, civil rights |
| Genre | History |
| Publisher | Nimbus Publishing Ltd. |
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Publication date
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1987 |
| Media type | |
| Pages | 116 pp. |
| ISBN | 0920852920 |
The book The Black Battalion (1916-1920) Canada's best kept military secret tells an important story. It is about the No. 2 Construction Battalion. This was the only all-Black battalion to serve for Canada in World War I. The book was written by Calvin W. Ruck in 1987.
Its main goal is to remember the brave Black soldiers who fought in the Great War (1914-1918). Their military history was almost forgotten. Calvin Ruck was a respected leader. He was even a member of the Canadian Senate from 1998 to 2000. He also received the Order of Canada award for his work.
Contents
Discovering a Hidden History
In 1982, a special event happened. Nine Black veterans from World War I came together. This reunion was organized by the Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia. It was their first big public event.
Seeing these veterans inspired Calvin Ruck. He wanted to learn more about their history. Before his book, many people did not know about their important contributions to the war effort.
The No. 2 Construction Battalion
Calvin Ruck's book explains how the No. 2 Construction Battalion was formed. This group was made up only of Black soldiers. They volunteered to serve Canada.
About 500 Black soldiers came from Nova Scotia alone. This was more than half of the entire Black Battalion. It was the only Black battalion in Canadian military history. It was also the only Canadian battalion of Black soldiers to serve in World War I. Reverend William A. White led this special Battalion. He was the first Black officer in the British Empire.
About Calvin W. Ruck
Calvin W. Ruck was a very important person. In 1998, he was chosen to be part of the Senate of Canada. This is a major part of Canada's government. He also received an honorary degree from the University of King's College. This degree recognized his great contributions to society.
See also
- Black Canadian
- Military history of Nova Scotia
- Victoria Rifles (Nova Scotia)
- Captain Runchey's Company of Coloured Men
- Black Nova Scotians
