Corporal/Bombardier James “Jim” Steele
It is with regret that we announce the passing of another one of ours. A true gentleman and soldier. James “Jim” Steele came from a family of servicemen (his father James and uncle Owen served with the Royal Newfoundland Regiment in the First World War). Jim joined the Newfoundland Regiment in October 1943 at the […]
Hadow’s Maps
Leading up to “Z-Day”, the Great Push, several raids were conducted on German trenches. The objective: to capture German prisoners for information/identification. The Royal Newfoundland Regiment participated in two of the eight raids that occurred. The first, was June 26th; a Monday. With the artillery bombardment on German trenches leading up to the Great Push, […]
Pte. James Patrick Joe #1630
James Patrick Joe was a Mi’kmaq from Conne River. He enlisted June 15, 1915 at the age of 21. Pte. Joe went on to serve at Beaumont Hamel where he was wounded, and again wounded on September 6th, 1916. He served until he was demobilized June 6th, 1919. Pte. James Patrick Joe passed away in […]
Gunner (Reverend) Wesley Oake
Gunner (and later Reverend) Wesley Oake was born and grew up in Beaumont, Notre Dame Bay. He joined the Regiment in 1941: spending a year in the militia and then joining the 166th Newfoundland Field Regiment. Gunner Oake saw active duty in England and Italy (Naples and Casino). After the Second World War Gunner Oake […]
166th NFLD Field Regiment, R.A. Flag
The main flag of the 166th Newfoundland Field Regiment, R.A. The crest is that of the Royal Artillery. The two mottos on the flag are: Ubique = “Everywhere” Quo Fas et Gloria Ducunt = “Where Right and Glory Lead”. The flag pictured above is the second flag of the 166th. The flag in the museum’s […]
Faith Carried With You
Every soldier brought something with them from home, whether a token from family, community, or faith. These had to be small, something to fit in a pocket, a bag, or around their neck. Items like this were symbols of why they fought, and what gave them the drive to keep fighting. They sought solace and […]
Lt. Col. Arthur Burgess
Arthur Burgess was born on June 12th, 1895 and raised in Baine Harbour, Newfoundland. He was the fourth son of James Edward and Lydia Burgess. The family owned a business called Baine Harbour Packing Company. In 1916, at the age of 21 and caught up in the fervour of the First World War commencing two […]
Ceremonial Swords
Ceremonial swords symbolize authority and power. They are worn with dress uniforms at special events or ceremonies; a military wedding is one such example. Over time, there has been a change in what these swords are crafted with. Today, ceremonial swords are made using precious metals which makes them significantly less effective in actual combat […]
German “Sawtooth” Mauser Rifle Bayonet
While many bayonets were issued during the First World War, one of the more brutal ones is the S98/05, nicknamed the “Sawtooth” or “Sawback” because of its serrated side. Two versions of this bayonet were created: one with the serrated backside and one without. The Sawtooth was designed as a tool to clear brush and […]
Mug and Utensils
Utensils and mug belonging to Cpl. Walter L. Thistle #215 during his time as a POW in the POW Camp in Grosborn, Prussia (now Poland) in 1918. Thistle created the mug from C & E Morton tin which housed either cocoa or jam. It is engraved with his name and the date of his capture: […]