WWI British War Medal to No. 2 Construction Battalion - Famous African Canadian Family

WWI British War Medal named to: 931657 SPR. A. N. WARE. C.O.R.C.C.

Sapper Arthur Nelson Ware served in the Number 2 Construction Battalion - Canada's only all-black unit in the history of its armed forces. Arthur was born in Calgary on July 4th, 1897. He attested to the No. 2 Construction Battalion on November 25th, 1916. He served in the "Jura Group" with the Battalion for the duration of the war. His service file is brief, save for a bout of pleurisy and a minor punishment for "making away with iron rations."

Arthur was the son of a famous Black Canadian - the legendary Albertan cowboy - John Ware. Much has been written about John Ware and his exploits as a cowboy in Southern Alberta. He had been born into slavery in the USA (either the Carolinas or Texas, depending on the source consulted) and had made his way north to Alberta during a cattle drive in 1882. He settled in Alberta and married - raising a family and becoming one of the best-known and respected ranchers in the region. He has been the subject of a biography, films and even a recent children's book. Several locations in Southern Alberta bear the name "Ware" and are named after John. In 2012, Canada Post unveiled a stamp with his image along with one of Viola Desmond, to commemorate Black History Month.

Arthur's brother, William James Ware also served in No. 2 Construction Battalion - they have sequential service numbers. 

In the description are copies of a photo of Arthur in uniform, along with a photo of Arthur and his brother, William with their mother in ,sister. The original photographs held at the Glenbow Museum and Archives, are provided only for reference, and are not included in the sale.