2014 marked the 100th Anniversary of the Dominion of Newfoundland entering the Great War as well as the 75th Anniversary of the beginning of the Second World War. On October 4, 1914 the first contingent of the Newfoundland Regiment embarked for overseas duty on the SS Florizel. A smaller contingent of Newfoundland Royal Naval Reservists had left St. John’s for Halifax in September and another for Britain in November. During the course of the four-year war Newfoundlanders and Labradorians had served their country and that of Canada, Australia, Britain and the United States. Some 12,000 young men and women signed up for service. Over 1600 of the Newfoundland Contingent (including the Newfoundland Mercantile Marine) never returned home. Many of those who did return came back physically and emotionally damaged and leaned on organizations such as the Great War Veteran’s Association of Newfoundland (forerunner of the Royal Canadian Legion in Newfoundland) for support. During the 100th Anniversary of the Great War: We Will Remember Them Front Cover: Designed by Newfoundland artist Morgan MacDonald, the cover depicts the Newfoundland Government standard on the top which was featured on the Death Scrolls sent to the families of fallen soldiers and sailors of the Newfoundland Contingent. The Red Ensign left of the portrait of King George V was commonly flown during this period showing the Newfoundland Badge first used in the early 19th Century. This flag was our proud symbol and was flown from the mound of the Caribou in Beaumont-Hamel during construction as well as hoisted in the Amiens Cathedral, France to say thank you to the people of the Somme from the People of Newfoundland. The blue Forget-MeNots were our first flower of remembrance and have been brought back in recent years to commemorate ours especially during the July 1 commemorations. Newfoundland’s first day of remembrance was first observed in 1917 to remember our tragic losses at Beaumont-Hamel. The Caribou pictured here is one of six commissioned after the war by the Newfoundland Government, this one overlooks the battlefield at BeaumontHamel. Caribou photo courtesy of Frank Gogos: Section of soldiers Courtesy of Provincial Archives of Newfoundland and Labrador Back Cover: Meal time for the famous Blue Puttees at Pleasantville, September 1914. This photo was taken very near the location of the Royal Canadian Legion Provincial Command office and Branch 56 today. Courtesy of Provincial Archives of Newfoundland and Labrador VA 37-15-1
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