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A Glimpse of Buxton's Military Past |
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Throughout Canada’s history, Black Canadians have taken their places on the battlefield in defence of their country. They have proudly aided in the defence of the nation in great wars and in small. From the American Revolution, the War of 1812, the rebellion in 1837, the First & Second World Wars, to the Korean War they have served, as they continue to do with the Canadian Forces throughout the world in defence of freedom.
But for Blacks, the privileges of wearing the uniform and defending our country in time of war came only after winning other battles against discrimination and rejection to enlist on grounds of race and colour. Even though they demonstrated patriotism, honour, loyalty, courage and devotion to duty, they were often denied their right to defend their country based on account of colour. They did not give up and demanded their right as Canadian citizens, to stand with others on the field of honour and they succeeded. Throughout this arduous struggle, they have helped change Canada into the multi-cultural accepting country it is today and the people of Buxton were involved in this effort for equality.
One of the first accounts of Blacks questioning the recruitment practices of the Canadian Military was in World War I, when a letter dated Nov. 6th, 1914 was sent from Buxton school teacher Arthur Harding Alexander to the Minister of Defence, Col. Sam Hughes, asking why coloured men were being refused enlistment at recruiting stations, as he saw it being for no other reason than for the colour of their skin, because he found them to be mentally and physically fit. (Letter and reply are printed below.) It seemed at the time the opinion was that White soldiers would not eat, sleep or fight beside Black soldiers. There were also those who had serious reservations about training Black men to shoot and kill white men, even if they were the enemy. Other letters protesting the discriminatory practises of the recruitment centres were pouring in from all across Canada as Black Canadians demanded their right to enlist in defence of their country. Finally, as a result of these efforts, the No. 2 Construction Battalion was formed, an all Black unit with White officers.
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George Bolivar Shreve; Arnold & Sidney Black (circa WWI) |
Among the Buxton men who enlisted in World War I are Sydney Prince, Roy Burriss, Harvey Travis, Sidney, Charles and Arnold Black, Robert Crosby, Fred Parker, George B. Shreve, Edward and Thomas Robbins and Charles Travis. It is interesting to note, George B. Shreve who looked much younger than he was enlisted at the age of fifty-nine claiming that he was forty-five, he also wrote patriotic poetry urging others to join the fight. Edward and Thomas Robbins would both die of influenza during the epidemic of 1918 while in camp.
WW I ended in 1918 and for two decades there would be for the most part world peace, but war would again erupt in 1939 with the beginning of World War II. During this war Canada had no restrictions against Blacks enlisting and the regiments were integrated while the U.S. regiments were still segregated. Over thirty of North Buxton’s men would serve Canada during this war. Edgar Shreve, Shirley Rhue, Lawrence Brooks, Lester Brown, John Arthur Alexander, Philip Alexander and Ron Alexander were among them.
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(top) Laverne Robbins |
The later three being the sons of Arthur Harding Alexander who wrote the letter questioning recruitment practises in 1914. Lawrence Brooks died overseas, Shirley Rhue, was reported missing in Prince George B.C. and his parents would go their graves never knowing what happened to their youngest son. Edgar Shreve was wounded and taken prisoner, but did return home. John Arthur Alexander and Lester Brown of the Queens Own Rifles Of Canada were D-Day Veterans. Both men were wounded in battle and both would recover and return to civilian life after the war. They would also bring back with them and carry the scars and shrapnel as silent painful reminders of fighting with Hitler’s feared S.S. soldiers and the ravages of war.
This article is not meant to be a complete history of the involvement of North Buxton’s men during times of war, but rather a short glimpse of what is known. Many stories of war remain untold and many more will remain unknown, written in blood on the battlefield.
Part of Canada's Military Past
These letters & others are included in the History of
The No. 2 Construction Battalion
This collection can be found at http://alts.net/ns1625/conbat2a.html
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Arthur Alexander's copy found at the Buxton Historic Site & Museum. The original is in Public Archives of Canada, Ottawa |
Letter: November 6, 1914
To Sir Sam Hughes
Minister of Militia and Defence
Ottawa, Ontario
Dear Sir:
The colored people of Canada want to know why they are not allowed to enlist in the Canadian militia. I am informed that several who have applied for enlistment in the Canadian expeditionary forces have been refused for no other apparent reason than their color, as they were physically and mentally fit.
Thanking you in advance for any information that you can & will give me in regards to this matter I remain yours respectfully, for King & Country.
Arthur Alexander,
North Buxton, Ontario
Reply: Nov. 20th, 1914
To Arthur Alexander, Esq.,
North Buxton, Ontario
H.Q. 297-1-21
Sir,
The Honorable Minister of Militia and Defence has duly received your letter of 6th instant enquiring about coloured people not being allowed to enlist in the Canadian Militia for Overseas Expeditionary Force.
Under instructions already issued, the selection of Officers and men for the second contingent is entirely in the hands of Commanding Officers, and their selections or rejections are not interfered with from Headquarters.
I have the honor to be,
Sir,
Your obedient servant,
(signature illegible)
Lt.-Col.
Military Secretary.
Website created June 2008; updated November 2009; by Lori Gardner