The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador today announced that after nearly a decade of collective efforts, a sixth bronze caribou monument has been installed in Gallipoli, Turkey, thereby finally completing the Trail of the Caribou.
This monument honours the Royal Newfoundland Regiment’s involvement in the Gallipoli Campaign 1915-16, the only regiment from North America to do so during the First World War. The monument’s completion is a key legacy project of the Honour 100 initiative, which was established in 2012 as the province’s commitment to First World War commemorations. Completing the Trail of the Caribou is an important milestone in Newfoundland and Labrador’s First World War story; the project was undertaken for $245,000.
The bronze caribou weighs approximately 1,500 pounds and measures approximately 10 feet from the nose to the back and approximately eight feet from top to bottom. It has been placed 25 metres northwest of the Hill 10 Cemetery in Gallipoli, which is the resting place for eight Royal Newfoundland Regiment soldiers, including Private Hugh McWhirter of Humbermouth, Bay of Islands, the Regiment’s first casualty at Gallipoli.
Due to the ongoing global pandemic, a formal unveiling event did not occur in Gallipoli. However, the Provincial Government plans to hold an official commemoration ceremony and dedication of the monument once travel restrictions ease.
The Trail of the Caribou extends throughout northern France, Belgium, and Turkey at significant sites to the Royal Newfoundland Regiment. Bronze caribou monuments are established at Beaumont-Hamel, Masnières, Gueudecourt, Monchy-le-Preux, Kortrijk and now, Gallipoli, to signify the Regiment’s contributions and sacrifices near these communities.
Quotes
“Completing the Trail of the Caribou is an historic moment for Newfoundland and Labrador. The installation of the final caribou is the culmination of a tremendous effort made by many over a number of years. Much gratitude to the Government of Canada and the Republic of Turkey for recognizing the significance of the caribou monument to the people of Newfoundland and Labrador, and allowing us to properly pay tribute to the Royal Newfoundland Regiment’s service and sacrifice.”
Honourable Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador
“Today marks a significant milestone in the Royal Newfoundland Regiment’s First World War story. The Trail of the Caribou is a lasting legacy to honour all those who served, and particularly the 22 who are buried on Turkish soil. Many thanks to all who played a role in the completion of this historic project, including Turkish officials who worked with us over the last number of years to ensure the success of the project.”
Honourable Steve Crocker
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation
“The Regimental Advisory Council appreciates the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, Elinor Gill Ratcliffe and Susan Patten’s support for making it possible to complete the Trail of the Caribou. With the approval of the Government of Turkey, the final caribou has now been installed at Gallipoli where the Royal Newfoundland Regiment landed in 1915. We look forward to the formal dedication of the monument, joining the five others in France and Belgium when conditions permit.”
Ron Penney
Past Chair, Royal Newfoundland Regiment Advisory Council
“Soldiers of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment fought with valor and honour in the First World War – and their sacrifice must never be forgotten. The Trail of the Caribou recognizes their contributions to the Gallipoli Campaign and will ensure their legacy endures.”
Honourable Seamus O’Regan Jr.
Minister of Natural Resources and Member of Parliament for St. John’s South-Mount Pearl
“This project has been near and dear to my heart as a Royal Newfoundland Regiment historian and enthusiast. It’s been a tremendous honour to lead the team responsible for replicating and installing the caribou, and finally being able to properly pay tribute to the Regiment’s time on the Gallipoli Peninsula.”
Frank Gogos
Project Manager InnovativeNL Engineering and Project Management
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Media contacts
Meghan McCabe
Office of the Premier
709-729-3960
meghanmccabe@gov.nl.ca
Kathryn Summers
Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation
709-729-4819, 699-9048
kathrynsummers@gov.nl.ca
Ron Penney
Past Chair, Royal Newfoundland Regiment Advisory Council
ronaldp@nl.rogers.com
Ian Cameron
Office of the Minister of Natural Resources
613-447-3488
ian.cameron@canada.ca
Frank Gogos
InnovativeNL Engineering and Project Management
fgogos@innovativenl.ca