Repatriation of an unknown Newfoundland First World War soldier
Recognizing Newfoundland’s contributions
During the First World War, Newfoundland was a separate dominion of the British Empire and not yet part of Canada. Once Britain declared war on Germany in August 1914, Newfoundland—like Canada—was automatically at war. Its soldiers served primarily in the Newfoundland Regiment. The Royal Newfoundland Regiment was formally known as the Newfoundland Regiment until late 1917, when the unit received the official Royal designation.
In 2024, the Government of Canada will repatriate the remains of an unknown Newfoundland First World War soldier from northern France.
The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador will unveil a tomb at the Newfoundland National War Memorial for the remains of an unknown soldier. The tomb will represent Newfoundlanders and Labradorians from all branches of service who have no known grave. The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador have designed the tomb in collaboration with it partners.
The Royal Canadian Legion–Newfoundland and Labrador Command, Veterans Affairs Canada, Canadian Armed Forces and the Commonwealth War Graves Commission are partners supporting this initiative.
For more details, please consult the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador website.
Events
Below is a list of events being held in both Canada and France.
Events in Canada
28-30 June 2024
Lying-in-state of an unknown Newfoundland First World War soldier
Confederation Building
100 Prince Philip Drive
St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador
The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador will publish the hours of access and visitor guidelines on its website closer to the event date.
1 July 2024 at 10:30 a.m.
Official ceremonies to mark the 100th anniversary of the Newfoundland National War Memorial, including the reinterment of the remains of an unknown Newfoundland First World War soldier
National War Memorial
92 Water Street
St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador
The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Royal Canadian Legion–Newfoundland and Labrador Command will host a ceremony to mark the centennial anniversary of the National War Memorial in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador.
The remains of an unknown Newfoundland First World War soldier will be reinterred in a custom-designed tomb. This tomb will represent Newfoundlanders and Labradorians from all branches of service who have no known grave.
These ceremonies are open to the public. For more details, please visit the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador website.
Events in France
25 May 2024 at 11 a.m.
Transfer ceremony for the repatriation of an unknown Newfoundland First World War soldier
Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial
Auchonvillers, France
The Government of France will transfer the remains of an unknown Newfoundland First World War soldier to the Government of Canada.
The Government of Canada and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador will host this special ceremony, which is open to the public.
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