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historic sites
Commonwealth War Graves Commission Cemetery During the 1939-1945 war, air-reconnaissance planes and military defense forces were based at Gander, which was the headquarters of an anti-aircraft regiment of the Royal Canadian Army. The Commonwealth War Graves is located 3.5 km east of Gander. It was set up near the airfield for the burials of casualties, mainly airmen who died in crashes in the area during the war. It contains 100 war graves. 95 of these graves are those of airmen, of whom 76 belonged to the Royal Canadian Air Force, 8 to the Royal Air Force, 2 to the Royal Australian Air Force, 5 to the Royal Air Force Ferry Command, and 4 to the British Overseas Airways Corporation. Of the 6 soldiers buried in the remaining graves, five belonged to the Royal Canadian Army and 1 to the British Army. The Commonwealth War Graves Commission was established to mark and maintain the graves of the forces of the Commonwealth who died in the two World Wars. Their graves, carefully marked and maintained in perpetuity, serve as a constant reminder to us of the ideals and sacrifices made by the men and women of Canada and the Commonwealth on our behalf. The Silent Witnessess Memorial
Also located near the Silent Witnesses Memorial is the Cross of Sacrifice. Crafted from the remains of the emergency door of the ill fated DC8, the cross bears the inscription "Rendezvous With Destiny" - the motto of the 101st Airborne Division. Surrounding the cross are planted 256 native trees - a living tribute to each of the crash victims. The grounds have become known as "Peacekeepers Park" and are
maintained by generous donations of visitors to the site. Take time out
to visit this tranquil area and experience the peaceful atmosphere. |
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Although our country was not subject to direct enemy attack during World
War II, 6,395 of our servicemen gave their lives in Canada in the performance
of their duties and now lie forever in the soil. With them rest many of
their commonwealth brethren - a reminder to us that the rigors and dangers
of battle are but part of the final price of victory.
The Silent Witnesses Memorial is located eastbound on the Trans Canada
Highway approximately 4 kilometers from Gander. It is a park dedicated
to those individuals who lost their lives in the 1985 Arrow Air Crash
at that site. It was erected in response to the desires of many of the
directly affected families throughout the United States. The memorial
is funded by the Newfoundland Masonic Fraternity and their Ladies Auxiliary.
It embodies a true sense of community oneness and will permanently demonstrate
the concern of the citizens of Gander for this sad and tragic loss.