Gander Heritage Memorial Park

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Thursday, March 15, 2012

Let's Make A Park


Gander Heritage Memorial Park Committee pitches memorial park idea to community groups and the town

This is the presentation made by Dr. Colleen Mercer-Clarke, Landscape Architect, on February 23 2012 to the Town of Gander and representatives of other interested local organizations on the proposed Gander Heritage Memorial Park.



You can view this Park Presentation PDF in a new window by clicking on this pop-out icon or on the same icon in the upper right hand corner of the above preview..

Carol Walsh / February 2012

Click here to read the related news article in the local Gander newspaper The Beacon.


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Wednesday, March 14, 2012

"Sergeant Gander" / Gander's Unsung Hero



Courtesy of Artist Anne Mainman & Newfound Friends (U.K.)


It is without doubt that Gander’s greatest fame came from its beginning as being the largest airport in the world in the 1940’s and it’s role during the Second World War. WWII veterans; their children and grandchildren visit the town each year. Their greatest interest lies in this historical airport. Through our streets, being named for great aviators, to the viewing of artifacts and displays at the North Atlantic Aviation Museum or visiting The Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery, they seek to find the past told to them by their fathers and grandfathers. We can boast of many heros who were the pioneers of aviation but many stories have yet to be told of the military men and women who were stationed here during WWII.

One of those stories, however, is known around the world. He is the massive war dog, Sergeant Gander, Regimental Mascot of the Royal Rifles of Canada who were stationed at Gander in 1941. Sergeant Gander’s story came to light when the Hong Kong Veteran’s Commemorations Association, insisted that his name be included on their Wall of Valour in Ottawa. In 2000 “Gander” was posthumously awarded the English Dickin Medal for Gallantry (equal to the human Victoria Cross). This valiant and brave animal gave his life to save seven of his wounded comrades during the battle of Lye Mun on the island of Hong Kong in 1941.

Sgt. Gander’s story is well publicized and can be accessed throughout the world. Books has been written about this courageous animal who was born at Gander and was a family pet before being adopted by a contingent of the Royal Rifles of Canada.

Philip Doddridge, National President, Hong Kong Veterans' Association wrote during the summer of 2010:


“I speak on behalf of all Hong Kong Veterans and especially us who were members of the Royal Rifles of Canada and were so fortunate to have adopted that magnificent dog, Pal, whom we re-named "Gander". He soon became everyone's pet, following us on manoeuvers, and being present at all important functions.

His final act of bravery has endeared him forever in the hearts of all Hong Hong Veteran and his legend has become the subject of books and magazine stories.

The posthumous award of the Dicken Medal is little reward for his sacrifice in battle when he harassed the enemy, and finally gave his life to save many of his human comrades.

We are grateful for this further recognition of our famous dog, and pleased beyond compare that it should occur in the place of his birth.

His name engraved on the Memorial Wall in Ottawa is testimony to the respect he has earned from all Hong Kong Veterans. We wish you success.”


It is deserving that “Sergeant Gander” now returns to his hometown.

Former students of Gander who regard themselves as the first children of Gander and having grown up in the 40’s and 50’s at the Airport adopt this project with pride as a gift to all future children of Gander.

Carol Walsh / March 14, 2012


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The Gander Heritage Memorial Park / Conceptual Sketch






Situated on the corner of Lindbergh Road and Airport Boulevard, in the very heart of the Town, the park forms the only real common area in the Town. It is envisaged as a place of quiet thought and contemplation; a need to provide a sheltered and welcoming location for existing and proposed memorials and the aviation heritage of Gander.

The main entrance is located off Airport Boulevard but will also be accessed from the “runway walkways” from Lindbergh Road. At the apex of the runways and elsewhere are the memorials to those who have given their lives in the defense of others.

The cenotaph area and walkways are lined with two-toned concrete paving stones. The size of the area is favourable to accommodating military ceremonies.

A lifesize monument of a “sitting” Sergeant Gander accompanied by his “standing” soldier handler is positioned to the left of the cenotaph. They are portrayed as being on alert, vigilant and in a sentinel position for the cenotaph.

An additional long, low granite wall will be positioned within the park to commemorate many of Gander’s aviation disasters and historical events, The Wall will bear inscriptions of past military conflicts and air disasters in Gander.

In addition, the Airmen’s Memorial Wall to the 125th Newfoundland Squadron of the Royal Air Force will be positioned to the left of the cenotaph at the south end of the site. This monument is approximately 10’ high at its center and 20’ in width. This monument was formally located at the North Atlantic Aviation Museum.

The walkways are designed to replicate the present airport runways in that they are close to their approximate positioning. Storyboards will identify and chronicle each memorial.

Great consideration has been given to the retention of present foliage and trees. Plantings would focus on low maintenance and hardy species that are visually pleasing and contribute to the context of the Park. Park benches, lighting, flora will help in making the site appealing to the general public as a place of quiet solitude and calm.

About the Project / Mercer Clarke, FCSLA / 2012


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Site Drawing






Walkways are positioned in the direction of the present airport runways. They extend so that all areas of the park are accessible to all monuments and storyboards. The cenataph area and walkways will be constructed of two toned concrete paving stones.

About the Project / Mercer Clarke, FCSLA / 2012


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Project Description


The proposed Gander Heritage Memorial Park is a project of former students who attended a school reunion in Gander in 2010.

Prompted by the need to leave some type of lasting legacy in the Town, it was decided that the Reunion’s Organizing Committee would transfer its focus to seek a suitable project that would be of a permanent nature and be available for public viewing as well as contributing to the wartime history of Gander’s unique part in that effort.

The erection of a statue of the Newfoundland war dog, “Sergeant Gander” and his contribution to the defense of Hong Kong Island in 1941 was determined to be an appropriate and fitting project that would be attractive to today’s children as well as representing a gift from the early children of Gander.

The statue would be positioned at the present cenotaph site and would be a life-size monument of the dog sitting with his soldier handler.

It was soon determined, however, that the present site was in need of major renovation and restoration. In order to accomplish any renewal of the area, the Committee realized that a transformation needed to take place. A landscape architect was engaged to plan and design a new concept that would not only encompass the cenotaph but would also be attractive to residents and visitors as a place of retreat and reflection. The “park” would also include other monuments, tributes, etc. relating to Gander’s role in aviation history.

The cost will be in the range of $250 to $350 thousand dollars and fund raising will hopefully come from provincial and federal programs, organizations within the Town and through public contribution. It is anticipated that site preparation may start as soon as the summer of 2012.

About the Project / Carol Walsh / March 14, 2012


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