Aerial view of a colorful, quaint town square featuring vibrant buildings, a central pathway lined with trees, flowerbeds, and benches. The clear blue sky and well-maintained greenery create a welcoming and peaceful atmosphere.

A Hero Home to Rest: The History of the Newfoundland National War Memorial

St. John’s is home to one of only two National War Memorials in Canada, which is also the location of one of the largest Remembrance Day ceremonies in North America. July 1st, 2024 marked the centennial anniversary of the Newfoundland National War Memorial, which saw the reinterment of the remains of the Unknown Newfoundland World War I Soldier.

Reconstruction of the War Memorial

Leading up to the centennial anniversary of the Newfoundland National War Memorial, a large restoration began at the site that was designated a National Historic Site in 2019 for its artistic significance and the fact that the memorial was inspired by John McCrae’s famous poem, In Flanders Fields.
The work began in early 2023 when archaeologists created a desk-based archaeological assessment (DBAA), followed by the beginning of the excavation of the site. The excavation unearthed several items, including ceramics such as creamware, painted pearlwares, mortared stone drains, and two sections of a cobble street, amongst many other things dating back as far as the 18th century.
Additionally, portions of a mortared stone and brick wall were discovered during the excavation and identified as the brick-faced retaining wall enclosing the Custom House from 1847 to 1892. The Custom House was a government building whose staff oversaw managing the import and export of products into and out of St. John's Harbour.
The restorations concluded in July 2024 with the final addition of the remains of an Unknown Soldier from the First World War, just in time for the Remembrance Day ceremonies, which take place at the National War Memorial every year on July 1st.

Return of the Unknown Soldier

The journey to return the Unknown Soldier began at the Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial in Auchonvillers, France. On May 25, 2024, at 11:00 am, the transfer ceremony took place where the Government of France transferred the remains of the Unknown Soldier to the Government of Canada. Upon returning to Newfoundland, the Unknown Soldier followed a ceremonial route from the airport, passing several historic sites linked intrinsically to Newfoundland and Labrador’s First World War military history. From there the public was able to pay their respects to the Unknown Soldier as the remains would lie in state for three days. On July 1st, the remains of the Unknown Soldier were brought to its final resting place at the Newfoundland National War Memorial where it was entombed to represent all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians who lost their lives in conflict, especially those with no known graves.

A large stone monument features multiple bronze statues of soldiers in various poses. At the top stands a robed female figure holding a sword. Floral wreaths sit at the base. Colorful buildings line the background under a clear blue sky.

A stone staircase leads up to a statue of a person raising an arm, surrounded by lush greenery. Behind the statue, colorful buildings line the street. The sky is partly cloudy, with sunlight illuminating the scene.

Before. Photo by Blair Temple, 2023

History of NL in WW1

Prior to joining Canada in 1949, Newfoundland was previously a self-governing dominion of the British Empire. During World War I, around 12,000 Newfoundlanders and Labradorians enlisted to fight alongside allies Great Britain, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the United States. Of these soldiers, more than 1,700 of them tragically lost their lives, with more than 800 having no known grave.

The Blue Puttees

Following the start of World War I, the Newfoundland Regiment was swiftly formed and trained. Newfoundland residents showed a strong sense of patriotism, and many hurried to enroll. Over 12,000 Newfoundlanders, out of a population of roughly 240,000, would enlist during the conflict. They would be referred to as the "Blue Puttees" because of the color of the leggings of their uniforms. The Blue Puttees were sent to the Western Front of France in the spring of 1916, where they would fight in the Battle of the Somme.
The heroic sacrifice from troops of the Newfoundland Regiment during the Battle of the Somme is still celebrated today. Every year on July 1st, the province's residents take a moment to honor those who sacrificed so much to preserve the freedom and tranquility that we continue to enjoy today.

Significance of War Memorial

The Newfoundland National War Memorial is one of only two national war memorials in Canada and has served as a solemn reminder for a century of the heroic services made by Newfoundlanders and Labradorians during wars since World War I. The memorial is located in downtown St. John’s, across from the harbour where troops would depart and return from war. Its placement represents Newfoundland’s wartime achievements on both land and sea.
Standing on a granite pedestal, the female allegorical sculpture—also known as Victory, Liberty, or the Spirit of Newfoundland—was created by British sculptors Gilbert Bayes and Ferdinand Victor Blundstone. High over her head, in her left hand, she carries a fiery torch, which is the memorial's highest point. The flame represents freedom and emphasizes it as the primary driving force behind Newfoundland's wartime achievements. She is holding a sword in her right hand, which symbolizes Newfoundland's allegiance to the British Empire and its readiness to serve during World War I. The sword is positioned below her waist but not quite dropped, ready for battle, to show that Newfoundland was and is prepared to fight for independence and liberty even after the war is finished.
To establish a concrete link between Newfoundland and Labrador and those who served both domestically and abroad, the female sculpture rises above four lifelike bronze figures of a soldier from the Royal Newfoundland Regiment, a lumberman from the Forestry Corps, a fisherman from the Mercantile Marine, and a sailor from the Newfoundland Royal Naval Reserve. Below the statues on the monument's façade are five plaques honoring Newfoundland and Labrador's involvement in several wars. The original 1924 plaque honoring First World War casualties is located in the middle. Later additions included plaques honoring individuals who lost their lives in the Second World War, the Korean War, Afghanistan, and the War of 1812.
As you stand before the Newfoundland National War Memorial Site, you feel the weight of the weight of history and the pride of a province that remembers. Whether you are drawn here to pay your respects or simply take in the view, this is a place where stories of the past inspire gratitude and reflection for generations to come.

---

To share your experience with us, tag us on Instagram @newfoundlandlabrador and use #ExploreNL.