A British school teacher made history today by being named the first-ever honorary member of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment Association.
Head Teacher Steph Neale from London was in Pleasantville this morning for the unveiling of the Beatrix Potter School Room at Garrison St. John’s.
Family members of the fallen soldiers and Nurse Bertha Bartlett, Head School teacher Steph Neale, CO 1st Battalion LCol Kyle Strong, members of the Regimental Association, Advisory Council, RNfldR museum and the Regiment attended. pic.twitter.com/Z8VFAFPpln
— Royal Nfld Regiment Association (@rnfldrassociatn) August 23, 2019
Neale says he had no idea that he was going to receive the honour.
His father was in the military, and as such, Neale says he understands that membership is quite an honour.
The room was named in recognition of the work Neale and his students have done, commemorating 17 soldiers and one nurse from Newfoundland who died in the Great War.
Since 2003, students at Beatrix Potter have conducted twice-annual remembrance services and placed poppies on the graves of Regimental soldiers who are buried in Wandsworth Cemetery next to the school.
(Submitted photo.)
Last year, students and faculty visited the province, participating in a number of commemorative events, including the annual Memorial Day parade.
The newly dedicated room will be used for training and teaching purposes.
