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Prime Minister Sir Robert Borden to train and recruit an army for overseas service. At the time, Canada had a regular army of only 3,112 men and a fledgling navy.[1] However, within a mere two months, Canada could boast of an army of over 32,000 men as men flocked to recruiting stations. Most of the militia trained at CFB Valcartier, just north of Quebec City and within two months the First Contingent, Canadian Expeditionary Force, was on its way to England in the largest convoy ever to cross the Atlantic Ocean.
1915 military parade in Toronto
Participation
600,000 men and women participated in the war by enlisting as nurses, soldiers and chaplains.[2] In general, non-whites were not welcomed into the military. When blacks from Sydney, Nova Scotia volunteered their services, they were told, "This is not for you fellows, this is a white man's war."[3] Nonetheless, some segregated units were formed. In 1915, Aboriginal Canadians were allowed to enlist and accepted into a 114th battalion as well as others. In total, about 3,500 Aboriginal Canadians would serve with the Canadian Forces, but this figure has been disputed.[4] The Canadian Japanese Association in British Columbia put forward a volunteer reserve force of 227 men, some of whom were later admitted into the military. The No. 2 Construction Battalion included black soldiers from both Canada and the United States, the latter having crossed into Canada in order to participate.[3] The over one thousand Black Canadians who served would continue to be segregated during their tour, both on ships and in camps.[3] The CEF included over 2,000 Black and West Indians who were not segregated or part of No 2 Construction Battalion. Records can be found at Library and Archives Canada.
Canadian Corps
Canadian soldiers resting in a trench
Main article: Canadian Corps
The Canadian Corps was formed from the Canadian Expeditionary Force in September 1915 after the arrival of the 2nd Canadian Division in France. The
1915 military parade in Toronto
Participation
600,000 men and women participated in the war by enlisting as nurses, soldiers and chaplains.[2] In general, non-whites were not welcomed into the military. When blacks from Sydney, Nova Scotia volunteered their services, they were told, "This is not for you fellows, this is a white man's war."[3] Nonetheless, some segregated units were formed. In 1915, Aboriginal Canadians were allowed to enlist and accepted into a 114th battalion as well as others. In total, about 3,500 Aboriginal Canadians would serve with the Canadian Forces, but this figure has been disputed.[4] The Canadian Japanese Association in British Columbia put forward a volunteer reserve force of 227 men, some of whom were later admitted into the military. The No. 2 Construction Battalion included black soldiers from both Canada and the United States, the latter having crossed into Canada in order to participate.[3] The over one thousand Black Canadians who served would continue to be segregated during their tour, both on ships and in camps.[3] The CEF included over 2,000 Black and West Indians who were not segregated or part of No 2 Construction Battalion. Records can be found at Library and Archives Canada.
Canadian Corps
Canadian soldiers resting in a trench
Main article: Canadian Corps
The Canadian Corps was formed from the Canadian Expeditionary Force in September 1915 after the arrival of the 2nd Canadian Division in France. The