Introduction

As was the case in previous wars. Blacks played an active role in World War II. Unlike World War I no segregated units were formed during World War II and conditions for Blacks enlisting in the Canadian Armed Forces had improved. However, discrimination in the military persisted.

The presence of Blacks serving their country in World War I had to some extent broken down barriers of discrimination. This helped pave the way for Blacks to enter services such as the Royal Canadian Air Force in World War II.

After the war, Black veterans formed branches of the Canadian Legion. One such Montreal branch was named after a prominent member of the Black community, Dr. Gaspard.