Stumbling upon a piece of WWI history in Corner Brook

A family wants to mark the importance of a large rock wall built almost a century ago by two German prisoners of war in Corner Brook.

A 350-meter rock wall spans the boundary of the Bartlett family property in Corner Brook, and it tells an unusual story from the First World War. 

"It was quite a lot of work as you can see," says Frank Bartlett. "Some of the rocks are very large and heavy."

A century ago, two Germans were on a schooner in the Bay of Islands buying fish when they were captured and jailed for three years during the First World War.

"At that time we were under English rule and because the countries involved were at war with Germany, they were taken in as prisoners," said Bartlett. 

Bartlett's great-grandfather Isaac Bartlett was the RNC district inspector at the time. He let them out of jail daily to collect rocks and build the wall.

The prisoners went back to Germany three years later but wrote to thank Isaac Bartlett for his hospitality — and Mrs. Bartlett for her delicious rabbit pie.

Now Frank Bartlett wants this piece of history recognized because of the 100th anniversary of the First World War. He also believes the rock wall is unique in Canada.

Bartlett plans on selling the six acres of land surrounding the wall, but hopes future owners will keep the wall for another hundred years.