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