Medal - Newfoundland's Part in the Great War

Newfoundlanders and Labradorians served on land, at sea, and in the air during the First World War. Some defended the home front, many more fought on the front lines at France, Gallipoli, and elsewhere. Others volunteered as loggers supplying timber products vital to the war effort, or as nurses in overseas military hospitals. Still more served as merchant mariners transporting essential goods to Allied countries.
A total of 8,707 men enlisted in the dominion's three services - the Royal Newfoundland Regiment, the Newfoundland Royal Naval Reserve, and the Newfoundland Forestry Corps. Another 3,296 joined the Canadian Expeditionary Force (CEF). These 11,988 men represented nearly 10 per cent of the dominion's total male population, or 35.6 per cent of all men of military age (between 19 and 35 years old). Smaller numbers also served in a variety of other forces, such as the Royal Flying Corps and the Royal Air Force.

At least 505 sailors from Newfoundland and Labrador were part of the merchant marine and worked on commercial vessels shipping passengers and cargo to Allied ports. There were also about 175 women who served overseas as graduate nurses or with the Voluntary Aid Detachment (VAD) - a corps of semi-trained nurses.

This medal, produced by Citadel Coins of Halifax Nova Scotia Canada, commemorates the 100th anniversary of World War I and Newfoundland's contribution. Pure silver and brass versions were also produced.