On the perimeter : a reconstruction of the military geography of Newfoundland and Labrador during the Second World War, 1939-1945

• Main Author: Parrott, William Clarence
• Format: Thesis
• Language: English
• Published: Memorial University of Newfoundland 1993
• Subjects: Newfoundland
• Online Access: https://research.library.mun.ca/1078/; https://research.library.mun.ca/1078/1/Parrott_WilliamClarence.pdf; https://research.library.mun.ca/1078/3/Parrott_WilliamClarence.pdf

Since 1940 Newfoundland has witnessed a considerable change to its cultural landscape. One of the major contributors to these changes has been the military, especially during the years 1940 to 1945. Although the military has been a significant factor in the development of the landscape, the literature on this aspect of our historical geography is almost non-existent. This thesis is an effort to fill this lacuna and provide an understanding of the military geography of Newfoundland and Labrador during the Second World War and its enduring impact on the landscape. -- During the inter war years, there was no permanent military presence in Newfoundland. This was to change in 1940 when the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom made decisions for their own strategic and national interests, with little or no input from Newfoundland. The resultant military buildup extensively modified the Newfoundland landscape. The benefits, mainly in the form of social capital, are still evident throughout Newfoundland today. -- This thesis is structured in three parts. In part one the geopolitical reasons why the military forces of three foreign countries came to Newfoundland are documented. In part two the military geography of Newfoundland is reconstructed by documenting the spatial and temporal patterns of military activity on the landscape. The third and final part documents the significant and enduring impact of the military on the landscape of the province.