Royal Newfoundland Regiment Museum opens at CFS St. John's

Lines of faded military uniforms and memorabilia related to the Royal Newfoundland Regiment were unveiled at a new museum in Pleasantville in St. John's Wednesday. 

Lt.-Gov. Frank Fagan and military officials were on hand for a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the W. Anthony Paddon Building on Wednesday morning. 

For six months, a committee has worked towards the opening of the museum at Canadian Forces Station St. John's. The museum serves to educate the public on the history of the regiment.

Guests at the opening got to see some of the displays featuring artifacts from the Regiment's history.

One of those items is a British helmet from First World War with noticable battle damage.

"It was actually dug up in the battlefield near Beaumont-Hamel, the same battlefield where the Newfoundlanders advanced," said museum committee chair Frank Gogos.

"If you look at the damage to the helmet, you can be very sure that the person who was wearing it was killed."

The event also included a special presentation to the museum for its collection of a rare medal received for gallantry at Beaumont-Hamel.   

The exhibit includes those owned by Company Sgt. Maj. Stewart Dewling, who served with the regiment for six years — longer than any other soldier in its history.

"They are one of only two sets that were awarded to a Royal Newfoundland Regiment soldier at the advance near Beaumont-Hamel on July 1," said Gogos.

"In terms of our medal collection, this is right up there with some of the best that we have. We're really proud to have accepted this into our collection."