Introduction

The military heritage of Newfoundland spans more than two centuries, from early colonial defence forces through two world wars to the establishment of the modern Newfoundland Armed Forces. Throughout this history, Newfoundlanders have demonstrated exceptional courage, professionalism, and dedication to defending their homeland and supporting allied operations.

Early Defence Forces (1795-1914)

Royal Newfoundland Fencible Infantry (1795-1802)

The first organized Newfoundland military unit, the Royal Newfoundland Fencible Infantry, was raised in 1795 during the French Revolutionary Wars. This force defended the colony against French privateers and naval threats, establishing Newfoundland’s tradition of locally raised soldiers protecting their homeland.

19th Century Militia and Local Forces

Throughout the 1800s, various militia and volunteer units were raised for local defence, particularly during the Napoleonic Wars and later conflicts. These formations, together with the Royal Newfoundland Companies and other locally raised units, laid the groundwork for Newfoundland’s military traditions and command structures.

The First World War (1914-1918)

The Royal Newfoundland Regiment

When war broke out in August 1914, Newfoundland immediately raised the Newfoundland Regiment as part of the Dominion’s contribution to the British Empire’s war effort. The Regiment distinguished itself in numerous engagements across multiple theatres:

• Gallipoli Campaign (1915-1916): The Regiment’s first combat deployment, serving with distinction at Suvla Bay
• Beaumont-Hamel (July 1, 1916): A defining national trauma, when the Regiment was virtually wiped out on the first day of the Battle of the Somme, with 733 casualties out of 801 men
• Western Front (1916-1918): Continued service in France and Belgium, participating in major offensives
• “Royal” Designation: In recognition of their service, King George V granted the Regiment the “Royal” prefix in December 1917 — the only regiment to receive this honour during WWI

Newfoundland Artillery

Two artillery batteries served with distinction:

• 66th (Newfoundland) Heavy Battery, RGA: Served on the Western Front with heavy artillery
• 166th (Newfoundland) Field Battery, RFA: Provided field artillery support throughout the war

By 1918, approximately 12,000 Newfoundlanders and Labradorians had served, with around 1,089 killed and many more wounded — a devastating loss for a population of only about 240,000.

Interwar Period (1919-1939)

Following WWI, the wartime Regiment was disbanded in 1919. Newfoundland maintained small constabulary and ranger forces, and veterans’ organizations preserved military traditions, even as economic difficulties limited formal military development.

The Second World War (1939-1945)

Newfoundland Forces

During WWII, Newfoundlanders served in multiple capacities:

• Royal Artillery: The 57th (Newfoundland) Heavy Regiment and 59th (Newfoundland) Heavy Regiment, Royal Artillery, served in North Africa, Sicily, Italy, and Northwest Europe
• Naval Service: Thousands of Newfoundlanders volunteered for the Royal Navy and related naval services, particularly in the Battle of the Atlantic
• Royal Air Force: Hundreds of Newfoundlanders served as aircrew in Bomber Command, Fighter Command, and Coastal Command, including in No. 125 (Newfoundland) Squadron
• Merchant Marine: Newfoundland merchant seamen played a crucial role in the Atlantic convoys
• Newfoundland Overseas Forestry Unit: Thousands served in the United Kingdom’s forests in support of the war effort

Strategic Bases

Newfoundland’s geography made it vital to Allied operations:

• US Bases (1941): Under wartime agreements, the United States established major facilities at Argentia Naval Air Station, Stephenville Army Air Field, and other locations
• Allied Air Bases: Allied air forces operated Goose Bay and Gander Airport as strategic airlift and ferry command hubs
• RAF Stations: RAF Ferry Command used Gander as a primary trans-Atlantic departure point for aircraft deliveries to Britain
• The Argentia Meeting (1941): Churchill and Roosevelt met at Argentia to agree the principles later known as the Atlantic Charter

RAF Newfoundland Squadron

No. 125 (Newfoundland) Squadron RAF was formed with Newfoundland government sponsorship and served with distinction in Fighter Command during the air defence of the United Kingdom and later operations.

Post-War and Constitutional Change (1945-1972)

Commission of Government Period (1934-1949)

During the Commission of Government era, Newfoundland maintained limited local defence and constabulary forces while hosting ongoing US and other Allied military operations. Planning for the restoration of self-government included consideration of reformed defence institutions.

Restoration of Dominion Government and NATO Founding (1949)

When responsible Dominion government was restored in 1949, Newfoundland began reconstituting its national defence structures:

• Newfoundland Defence Force established under Dominion authority
• NATO Founding Member: On April 4, 1949, Newfoundland became a founding signatory of the North Atlantic Treaty, hosting key NATO facilities at Argentia, Gander, and Goose Bay
• Intelligence Cooperation: Newfoundland developed close intelligence and security cooperation with traditional partners in the North Atlantic community

Transition to Republic (1972)

The proclamation of the Republic in 1972 formalized the command structure of the Newfoundland Armed Forces under civilian constitutional control, within a parliamentary republic framework.

Modern Armed Forces (1972-Present)

Force Development

Since the establishment of the Republic, the Newfoundland Armed Forces have developed into a modern, professional military:

• Royal Newfoundland Army: Professional land force with garrisons at Fort Hadow (St. John’s), Fort Rowley (Goose Bay), and Fort Forbes-Robertson (Grand Falls)
• Royal Newfoundland Navy: Maritime-focused navy with bases at HMNB Argentia, St. John’s, Corner Brook, and Nain
• Royal Newfoundland Air Force: Modern air force with RNAF Stations at Gander, Goose Bay, Stephenville, and Torbay
• Cyber Defence Command (2008): Established at Argentia and Gander for cyber defence and intelligence support operations
• Special Operations Command: Elite “Narwhals” unit for Arctic operations and specialised security tasks

NATO and Alliance Commitments

Newfoundland maintains active participation in NATO operations, Arctic security initiatives, and joint exercises with allied forces, while preserving full operational sovereignty over its military.

Current Organization

The modern Newfoundland Armed Forces maintain a strength of approximately 8,500 active personnel plus reserves, with sustained investment ensuring operational readiness and technological modernization.

Heritage and Tradition

The Newfoundland Armed Forces preserve and honour their military heritage through:

• July 1 — Memorial Day (Be