Historical Events tagged with "newfoundland"
Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.
Royal Newfoundland Regiment Tomb of Unknown Soldier
At the centennial ceremony of the Dominion of Newfoundland National War Memorial, the Commonwealth War Graves Commission allowed the entombment of a soldier from the Royal Newfoundland Regiment, creating an unprecedented second Canadian Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. This significant moment took place in Newfoundland, where military dignitaries, veterans, and families gathered to honor the memory of those who served. The entombment symbolizes the collective remembrance of the sacrifice made by the soldiers during the World Wars and other conflicts.
Continue ReadingZachary Turner Murdered by Mother in Newfoundland
Zachary Turner, a one-year-old boy, was murdered in Newfoundland by his mother, Allan Schmegelsky, who had previously been granted custody despite facing a murder trial for the death of Zachary's father. The case garnered national attention and raised serious questions concerning the judicial system's handling of custody and bail decisions. Zachary's tragic demise led to significant public outcry and became the subject of the documentary film 'Dear Zachary', further shining light on the case and its implications for Canadian law.
Continue ReadingArrow Air Flight 1285R Crash in Gander
Arrow Air Flight 1285R, a McDonnell Douglas DC-8, crashed shortly after takeoff from Gander International Airport in Newfoundland. The flight was transporting 256 people, including 236 members of the United States Army's 101st Airborne Division returning from peacekeeping duties in the Sinai Peninsula. Tragically, all on board perished in the accident, raising serious questions about safety protocols and aircraft conditions.
Continue ReadingOcean Ranger Drilling Rig Capsizes in Storm
The Ocean Ranger, a semi-submersible drilling rig, sank during a fierce storm off the coast of Newfoundland. The storm's high waves and strong winds overwhelmed the rig, leading to its tragic capsizing. This incident resulted in the loss of 84 workers, making it one of the deadliest offshore oil rig disasters in history, deeply impacting the oil industry and regulations surrounding offshore drilling safety.
Continue ReadingTerry Fox Begins Marathon of Hope in Newfoundland
Canadian athlete Terry Fox embarked on his Marathon of Hope in St. John's, Newfoundland, aiming to raise awareness for cancer research. Despite battling osteosarcoma, which had led to the amputation of his right leg, he began running across Canada to inspire hope and funding for cancer research. The journey would take him over 5,000 kilometers, symbolizing resilience against adversity.
Continue ReadingInauguration of Churchill Falls Hydroelectric Project
The Churchill Falls Generating Station, the largest single-site hydroelectric power project in Canada, was inaugurated in Newfoundland and Labrador. This monumental project, which began construction in 1967, was developed by the Churchill Falls (Labrador) Corporation Limited. It featured fourteen turbines with a combined capacity of 5,428 megawatts, symbolizing a significant leap in harnessing renewable energy sources in the country. The station is nestled in the remote wilderness of Labrador, where the Churchill River flows, making it a pivotal asset for both regional energy demands and exports.
Continue ReadingJune Hurricane Devastates Gulf of St. Lawrence
In June 1959, a rare hurricane struck Canada's Gulf of St. Lawrence, causing extensive damage and resulting in the deaths of 35 people. The storm, which originated as a tropical cyclone in the Atlantic, intensified and changed course unexpectedly, making landfall in Eastern Canada. Coastal communities faced severe flooding and destruction as high winds and torrential rain impacted the region. The unexpected timing and intensity of the storm caught residents off guard, leading to a catastrophic loss of life and property.
Continue ReadingNewfoundland Becomes Canada's 10th Province
Newfoundland joined the Canadian Confederation, marking a significant political shift in the region. The decision was ratified through a referendum where the majority voted in favor of joining Canada. With its entry, Newfoundland became the tenth province of Canada, following a prolonged period of economic struggles. Its integration was officially celebrated in St. John's, the capital, highlighting the cultural unity and aspirations for better governance under the Canadian federal system.
Continue ReadingU-69 Sinks SS Caribou Off Newfoundland
The German submarine U-69 torpedoed the Canadian passenger ferry SS Caribou near Port aux Basques, Newfoundland, in 1942. The attack resulted in the sinking of the ferry, leading to the loss of 137 lives that included both crew and passengers. The incident highlighted the vulnerabilities of North Atlantic shipping routes during World War II and the significant threat posed by German U-boats.
Continue Reading