Gault’s Light Infantry: Raising the Patricias in 1914

Published on by Canadian Centre for the Great War1 Comment

For over a century, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry has been one of the most celebrated regiments in Canadian history, in part for its earned reputation as “first in the field.” [1] Privately founded and raised by Montreal businessman A. Hamilton Gault, the regiment would bear the name of the Governor-General’s daughter, Princess Patricia. In an effort to “be in the field within weeks,” however, the requirements for recruitment were strict and only the best would be selected. [2]

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A ‘White Man’s War’ No More: Black Volunteers in the CEF

Published on by Canadian Centre for the Great War2 Comments

At the outbreak of the Great War, Canadians from Nova Scotia to British Columbia flooded to the recruiting offices as a patriotic fervour swept across the nation. A large number of Black volunteers, however, were turned away from what they were told was a “white man’s war.” [1] As we enter February and make an effort to recognize and remember the too-often neglected history of Black Canadians, I thought we would take this opportunity to shed light on what was described as “one of the best kept secrets in Canadian military history.” [2] According to Calvin W. Ruck, it is one of Canada’s best kept secrets because many Canadians are unaware that roughly 600 Black soldiers served in Canada’s first and only all-Black Battalion during the First World War.  Continue reading “A ‘White Man’s War’ No More: Black Volunteers in the CEF” →