We Remember Them
VICTORIA VOLUNTEER RIFLE CORPS, VANCOUVER ARCHIVES, AM54-S4-: MIL P79
Though many Black Canadians served in the wars, they were not initially welcome. Throughout World War I, World War II, and the interwar period, visible minorities encountered discrimination time and time again in the Canadian military. The Royal Canadian Airforce (RCAF), for example, did not allow visible minorities to enlist until January 1941, sixteen months after the start of the World War II. Even then, visible minorities could not enlist as aircrew nor groundcrew. They could only enlist in general duty trades such as drivers, cooks, and clerks.
The RCAF favoured those of European descent in the recruitment process, and there were government-approved restrictions to support this policy. In March 1942, the RCAF shifted its policy regarding the enlistment of visible minorities, but only slightly. Candidates of visible minorities had to meet the educational and fitness requirements and then stand before a Selection Board of the Recruiting Centre that would decide whether they would work well in the aircrew culture. By the time some visible minority RCAF candidates had the necessary education and fitness, the war was over.
Systemic racism in both the military and society at large did not deter countless Black Canadians from enlisting, serving in the military, and working in manufacturing positions at home that produced vehicles, weapons, and ammunition.
Black history advocates credit the enlistment of Black Canadians in the First and Second World Wars as a catalyst to changing white Canadian’s prejudices against their community. The perseverance and dedication exhibited by Black Canadians during this period is a testament to their resilience and character and their stories are important pieces of Canadian history.
THIS IS THE RAF CAP WORN BY EUSTACE W. HEATH, NATIVE OF BARBADOS, ENLISTED IN TRINIDAD. HE SERVED DURING WWII AS A TRAINING OFFICER FOR GLIDER PILOTS. HE LIVED IN COQUITLAM.
In January 2021, the Coquitlam Heritage will be launching an online exhibit honouring the history of BC’s Black communities. The exhibit artifacts will include a Barbados uniform from the Caribbean aircrew in the Royal Air Force (RAF). The well-kept uniform consists of a cap, a great coat, a jacket, and creased trousers and was donated to Coquitlam Heritage by E. W. Heath, who wore it during his time enlisted in Trinidad.
This brief overview cannot capture the entire scope Black Canadians’ experiences in the military during wartimes. Stay tuned for our online exhibit, We’ve Been Here All Along for more information.