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 volunteer force defended the colony against French privateers and naval threats, establishing Newfoundland’s tradition of citizen-soldiers protecting their homeland.

19th Century Militia

Throughout the 1800s, various militia and volunteer units were raised for local defence, particularly during the Napoleonic Wars and later conflicts. These formations 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 Royal 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): The most tragic day in Newfoundland history, 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, over 12,000 Newfoundlanders had served, with approximately 1,700 killed and many more wounded — a devastating loss for a population of only 240,000.

Interwar Period (1919-1939)

Following WWI, Newfoundland maintained a small militia force, though economic difficulties limited military development. The Regiment was stood down in 1922 but veterans’ organizations and reserve formations preserved military traditions.

The Second World War (1939-1945)

Newfoundland Forces

During WWII, Newfoundlanders served in multiple capacities:

• Royal Artillery: The 57th and 59th (Newfoundland) Heavy Regiments, RA served in North Africa, Sicily, Italy, and Northwest Europe
• Royal Newfoundland Navy: Volunteer Reserve personnel served with the Royal Navy, particularly in the Battle of the Atlantic
• RAF and RCAF: Hundreds of Newfoundlanders served as aircrew in Bomber Command, Fighter Command, and Coastal Command
• Merchant Navy: Newfoundland merchant seamen played a crucial role in the Atlantic convoys

Strategic Bases

Newfoundland’s geography made it vital to Allied operations:

• US Bases (1941): Under the Bases-for-Destroyers Agreement, the United States established major facilities at Argentia Naval Air Station, Stephenville Army Air Field, and other locations
• Canadian Bases: The Royal Canadian Air Force operated Goose Bay Air Base (later RCAF Station Goose Bay) and Gander Airport as strategic airlift and ferry command hubs
• RAF Stations: RAF Ferry Command used Gander as the primary trans-Atlantic departure point for aircraft deliveries to Britain
• The Argentia Conference (1941): Churchill and Roosevelt met at Argentia to draft 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 Battle of Britain and later operations.

Post-War and Independence (1945-1972)

Commission Government Period (1934-1949)

During this period, Newfoundland maintained limited defence forces while hosting ongoing US and Canadian military operations. Planning for restoration of self-government included provisions for reformed military institutions.

Restoration and NATO Founding (1949)

When responsible government was restored on March 31, 1949, Newfoundland immediately began reconstituting its Armed Forces:

• Newfoundland Defence Force re-established
• NATO Founding Member: Newfoundland became a charter member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, hosting NATO facilities at Argentia and Goose Bay
• Six Eyes Alliance: Joined the intelligence partnership with the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand

Transition to Republic (1972)

The proclamation of the Republic on July 1, 1972 formalized the command structure of the Newfoundland Armed Forces under civilian constitutional control, with the President as Commander-in-Chief.

Modern Armed Forces (1972-Present)

Force Development

Since independence, the Newfoundland Armed Forces have developed into a modern, professional military:

• 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: Blue-water 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 warfare and intelligence operations
• Special Operations Command: Elite “Narwhals” unit for Arctic operations and counter-terrorism

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 defence spending at 3% of GDP ensuring operational readiness and technological modernization.

Heritage and Tradition

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

• July 1 — Memorial Day (Beaumont-Hamel)
• Annual commemorations at the National War Memorial in St. John’s
• Regimental museums and archives
• Maintenance of battle honours from WWI and WWII
• Strong ties to allied forces and Commonwealth military traditions

For more information: Visit the National Documents Archive for historical white papers, or contact the Ministry of Defence and National Security.