Lest We Forget - Volume 12 www.legionnl.ca 113 The Newfoundland Militia – Grand Falls Company In late 1940, authority was given to establish an unpaid volunteer “Auxiliary Militia” and the first such unit became the Grand Falls Home Guard Company. The role of the unit was to assist the Canadian Army in repelling any German nuisance raids which were deemed to be possible after Dunkirk. The unit was manned by men who, mainly because of age and or family responsibilities, were unable to join one of the fighting forces. Officers and NCOs came mainly from WWI Veterans and Officers of the CLB, CCC and Boy Scouts. Uniforms and rifles were supplied by the Newfoundland Government and much of the instruction came from Canadian Army Officers and NCOs at Botwood or Gander. In March 1943, the Newfoundland Militia, based mainly in St. Johnʼs and Bell Island, was re-designated the Newfoundland Regiment and the Home Guard Companies at Grand Falls and Corner Brook were designated Newfoundland Militia units. The Newfoundland Militia units were well motivated and considered to be very well trained. They remained in force until the end of hostilities with Germany. Picture above was taken in 1940 with the Grand Falls cenotaph as background. Through the trees can be seen the old Lady Northcliffe Hospital (presently known as the Central Newfoundland Hospital). Officers in front from left to right: Lt. W.J. Short, Lt. Henry Baird, Capt. George Hicks M.C. & Bar (Company Commander), Honorary LCol. Sir Vincent S. Jones (presenter of the original Jones Shield for hockey) and Lt. Ken Goodyear.
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