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: […]
Sewing Kit
This khaki sewing kit was carried by soldiers during the First World War and Second World War. They were also known as “Housewife” or “Huswife”. Continuing a growing trend starting in the 18th and 19th centuries, these compact sewing kits became standard army issue for soldiers to carry. They enabled the repair to uniforms as […]
Captain Eric Chafe #52
Captain Eric Chafe #52 was a Blue Puttee and one of The First Five Hundred of the Newfoundland Regiment. Having enlisted on September 2nd, 1914, he went on to serve throughout the First World War. “The award of the Military Cross to 2nd Liet Eric C. Chafe, of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment, has been granted. […]
Dr. Cluny Macpherson
Dr. Cluny Macpherson was a physician and soldier, born in St. John’s, Newfoundland in 1879. Macpherson’s involvement with the St. John Ambulance Association eventually led to the creation of the St. John Ambulance Brigade in St. John’s with three divisions. Members of the Brigade enlisted in the Newfoundland Regiment in World War I, which prompted […]