ATTRACTIONS

Gander is Golden
Festival of Flight
Aviation Museum
Airport Historic Displays
Historic Sites
Kittiwake Coast

historic sites

Commonwealth War Graves Commission Cemetery
The Silent Witness Memorial

Commonwealth War Graves Commission Cemetery

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.

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.

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The Silent Witnessess Memorial

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.

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.

Click here to view photos from the 20th Anniversary Arrow Air Memorial Service.

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