Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development
September 21, 2015
Commemorating Our First World War Story
Province Honours 100th Anniversary of Landing in Gallipoli
The First World War was a formative moment in the history of Newfoundland and Labrador. A century later it remains a story of courage, perseverance and pride. September 19, 2015, marked the 100th anniversary of the First Newfoundland Regiment's landing at Gallipoli and entry into the battle. As a part of the Honour 100 commemoration activities, 60 Newfoundlanders and Labradorians were in Turkey to mark the anniversary.
"The Provincial Government is committed to commemorating Newfoundland and Labrador's First World War story. During The Great War, more than 6,000 men joined the Newfoundland Regiment and more than 12,000 people served on the land, in the air, on the sea, and in nursing services. Their sacrifice started at Gallipoli and serves as an important part of our collective identity and of who we are today as Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. Their sense of duty shall never be forgotten and we are pleased to commemorate them through Honour 100 events."
- The Honourable Darin King, Minister of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development
More than a thousand Newfoundlanders landed on Kangaroo Beach during the night of September 19, 1915, and into the early hours of September 20. Gallipoli was the first of many battles that would earn the Regiment its renowned reputation as it went on to fight with distinction in Belgium and France. The Regiment earned the title "Royal" in 1917 for recognition of its exceptional service and sacrifice-the only regiment to be honoured this way by the British during the war.
"It is a great honour to be here, along with 12 other members of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment Advisory Council, and other Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the First Newfoundland Regiment's landing at Kanagaroo Beach, Suvla Bay on September 19, 1915. A number of us here today are relatives or descendants of the Regiment that served in the Gallipoli Campaign. This was the Regiment's first battlefield experience and they earned their first battle honours here before going on to serve at the Western Front and at Beaumont-Hamel."
- Ron Penney, Chair of Royal Newfoundland Regiment Advisory Council
The Honour 100 initiative is categorized into five pillars - Anniversaries, Legacy, Education, Provincial Outreach, and Research and Development. Working with the Royal Newfoundland Regiment Advisory Committee, Honour 100 represents the Provincial Government's commitment to commemorating Newfoundland and Labrador's First World War story.
QUICK FACTS
- September 19, 2015, marked the 100th anniversary of the Newfoundland Regiment's landing at Gallipoli and entering active combat.
- As a part of the Honour 100 commemoration activities, 60 Newfoundlanders and Labradorians were in Turkey to mark the anniversary.
- The province's First World War commemorations are designed to reach all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, young and old, to connect them to their community and provincial history and to honour our veterans, past and present.
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Media contacts:
| Tansy Mundon Director of Communications Department of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development 709-729-4570, 693-1865 tansymundon@gov.nl.ca |
Ron Penney Chair of Royal Newfoundland Regiment Advisory Council 709-682-3930 ronaldp@nl.rogers.com |
2015 09 21 10:45 a.m.