2nd Battalion, The Royal Newfoundland Regiment

2nd Battalion, The Royal Newfoundland Regiment
The Armoury
O'Connell Dr
Corner Brook NF A2H 6J3

Who are we

This is an Infantry Battalion with an Regimental HQ and one company. The RHQ and 1 Platoon are located in Corner Brook, NL while the other platoons are located in Grand Falls and Stephenville. Lieutenant Colonel John MacDonald currently commands the unit.

Where are we

Corner Brook, Stephenville, Grand Falls-Windsor, NL

What we do

We are a Reserve infantry battalion.

When we train

Thursday evenings (7-10 pm), and selected weekends.

Recruiting Contact

1-877-5-GO ARMY Ext 5

Orderly Room Contact

709-637-4589/4588

History

THE ROYAL NEWFOUNDLAND REGIMENT is one of the oldest Regiments in Canada. It was the only Colonial Regiment to receive the prefix "Royal" during the First World War, and the first in the history of the British Army to receive such an honour during hostilities. The Regiment was also the first Canadian Regiment to receive the Queen’s, and Regimental Colours.  It has the distinction of bearing on it’s Regimental Colour the Battle Honour “Gallipoli” which no other Regiment in North America carries.

Newfoundlanders have served their Sovereign on many occasions. The first full-time Regiment to be raised was in 1780. This Regiment lasted until 1783 under the title of H.M. Newfoundland Regiment of Foot. Again in 1795 a Regiment was embodied, entitled The Royal Newfoundland Regiment of Fencible Infantry and played a prominent part during the War of 1812.  Covering themselves with glory from such battles as Lundy’s Lane, York (now Toronto), Stoney Creek (now Hamilton), Lake Erie, Michillmackinac, Niagara, Chrysler’s Farm, Ogdensburg, Fort Erie and many others.

In 1824, The Royal Newfoundland Veteran Companies were raised from veterans of the Napoleonic Wars and the War of 1812. This unit garrisoned Newfoundland until 1870, having changed it's title in 1841 to The Royal Newfoundland Regi2011-10-24.C. formed themselves into two companies of the Royal Canadian Rifles and were disbanded with the rest of the Regiment in the fall of 1870.

In World War I, from Gallipoli to Ypres, the Regiment fought with distinction and earned a reputation as fierce and steady fighters in innumerable actions. The steady advance of the Regiment at Beaumont Hamel; against great odds. They executed the attack, that is now considered  one of the most outstanding exploits in British Military History.  Greater than the Charge of the Light Brigade, this magnificent exhibition of disciplined courage, devotion to duty and superb steadiness, will forever shine as one of the greatest deeds of The Royal Newfoundland Regiment. The title “Royal” was bestowed in recognition of the Regiment’s part in the battle of Cambrai.

On October 24 1949, almost 30 years after it was disbanded following the First World War, authority was granted by King George VI to remuster The Royal Newfoundland Regiment, as a Militia Unit of the Canadian Forces. Today as Citizen Soldiers the men of the Regiment are proudly and efficiently doing a job of real importance in their community and for the security of the nation by serving on Humanitarian Assistance, Peacekeeping and peace support Operations throughout the world.

Recently the regiment completed a Pilgrimage to France and Flanders returning for the first time as a regiment since it fought there 90 years ago. A ceremony was conducted at all 5 Caribou Monuments and at the Ricketts VC action site.