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Military Service
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Military Service Record
The Port Albert Project has been able to acquire the complete service record of Private Thomas Mercer, who was tragically killed in action on 11 April 1916.
Memorial Cross
When Mrs. Margaret Mercer received the Memorial Cross from the Government of Canada, for the loss of her son Private Thomas Mercer, it came in a box that was printed as per the above. She is believed to be wearing it in one of the photos submitted by our visitors.
Those Who Served
Over the years, Port Albert has unselfishly offered up her young men to serve in the armies of both Newfoundland (as part of the British Empire) and Canada, during 2 World Wars and also in peacetime operations. In addition, one young man chose to serve his country (prior to 1949, Newfoundland was considered a country in her own right) as a member of the prestigious Newfoundland Constabulary. As feedback continues to be received, we are discovering that more and more young men from this once isolated Newfoundland outport have served their country with military and police service, some to the level of having paid the supreme sacrifice.
Our Military Connections
When the Great War broke out in August 1914, little did the world know that so many of its inhabitants would become involved in "The War To End All Wars". Although the fields of conflict were mostly limited to continental Europe, men and women from the largest cities and towns, down to the smallest farms and fishing villages the world over, were plunged into this great fight. Port Albert was no exception.
Seven young men volunteered to fight for King and Country. Four would not return. Three gave their lives on the battlefields of Europe, while the fourth young man to be lost to the war, died in the old General Hospital in St. John's while on active military duty. All gave their lives that we might enjoy peace and safety today. To all these brave souls who stepped up and did their duty, we honour your sacrifice and your memory. To those who paid the ultimate price, we are eternally grateful. From a generation which never got to know you personally, we say thank you. Your sacrifice was not in vain, nor will your memories ever be forgotten.
Records available at Newfoundland's Grand Banks show that the above referenced young men of Port Albert volunteered to go overseas and fight in a war that was not theirs. They are listed in order of their Royal Newfoundland Regiment or 2nd Battalion Canadian Pioneers regimental numbers. Veterans Affairs Canada contains a registry of information about the graves and memorials of more than 116,000 Canadians and Newfoundlanders who served valiantly and gave their lives for their country. Alternatively, the Commonwealth War Graves Commission lists all known Commonwealth soldiers who gave their lives for the price of freedom.
The only known record of anyone from Port Albert having served during the Second World War was that of Samuel Mugford. Mr. Mugford shipped overseas in 1939 and returned safely from the war 6 years later, living out his final years in Hampden, NL to the age of 80.
There are no records of anyone from Port Albert having served in the Korean conflict, however if you have any information to the contrary, we would be more than pleased to have it and post it here on our website. Also, if anyone has any photos of any of the above mentioned men and would be willing to share them with our visitors, please contact us.
Around the turn of the 20th century, the nearby community of Beaverton (no longer in existance) was established as a whaling station, where whales taken from local waters were processed into oil, whale bone and fertilizer. When World War 1 broke out, one of Beaverton's young sons voluntered for service, joining the Newfoundland Navy. After the war, he became a resident of Port Albert, and as such we would like to include 3011 John Pelley amongst those who served their country so unselfishly during some very dark days.