Government of Canada commemorates the National Historic Significance of Thomas Nangle
News Release
November 8, 2016 St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador Parks Canada Agency
Mr. Seamus O’Regan, Member of Parliament for St. John's South — Mount Pearl, on behalf of the Minister of the Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, Catherine McKenna, today recognized the importance of Thomas Nangle, as a person of national historic significance. A special ceremony was held this afternoon at Canadian Forces Station St. John’s in collaboration with the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada, the Royal Newfoundland Regiment, and the Royal Canadian Legion.
The Government of Canada is committed to connecting Canadians to significant people, places and events that contributed to our country’s rich and varied history. Having served as a Royal Newfoundland Regiment chaplain during the First World War, Thomas Nangle oversaw the acquisition of land at Beaumont-Hamel, France, for the purpose of preserving the war graves of Newfoundlanders who had fallen during the Battle of the Somme. He oversaw the creation of the “The Caribou Trail” by establishing five battlefield memorials at each of the main battlefields commemorating Newfoundland’s contributions and sacrifices during the war. He also played an important role in the creation of a national memorial unveiled in St. John’s in 1925.
As we near the 150th anniversary of Confederation in 2017, the Government invites all Canadians to experience and learn more about our environment and our history. Canada’s national parks, national historic sites and national marine conservation areas enable Canadians to experience their heritage in special ways and will play a big part in the celebration of Canada 150.
Quotes
“The Government of Canada is proud to recognize the people, places and events that shaped Canada and to commemorate Thomas Nangle as a person of national historic significance. We encourage Canadians to take the opportunity to learn more about his tireless efforts to commemorate the memory of the sacrifices of Newfoundlanders in the First World War and the places that signify those sacrifices.”
- Seamus O’Regan
Member of Parliament for St. John's South — Mount Pearl
Quick facts
- Thomas Nangle was ordained as a priest in 1913. After being denied his first request to enlist by the Archbishop, he was later authorized to join the British army’s chaplaincy after the tragedy at the Battle of Beaumont Hamel during the First World War.
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When the war ended, he returned to the priesthood and was assigned to St. Michael’s Parish on Bell Island in Newfoundland. He was later appointed as the province’s representative to the Directorate of War Graves and Enquiries and the Imperial War Graves Commission, where he would become a key figure associated with the commemoration of Newfoundland’s experience in the war.
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Created in 1919, the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada advises the Minister of Environment and Climate Change regarding the national historic significance of places, people and events that have marked Canada’s history.
Related product
- Backgrounder: Thomas Nangle (1889-1972)
Additional links
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Contacts
Ray Kenny
Newfoundland East Field Unit
Parks Canada Agency
709-772-2587
ray.kenny@pc.gc.ca
Media Relations
Parks Canada
1-855-862-1812
pc.media@pc.gc.ca
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