The Premier is offering the City of Canterbury in the U.K. his thanks on behalf of the people of Newfoundland Labrador for recognizing the Newfoundlanders involved in protecting the city in WWII.

Dane John Gardens, which dates to the 1500s and includes a mound that dates to the Roman era, recently underwent extensive restoration.

Included in the park is a commemorative “Newfoundlanders in the Garden” display paying tribute to the soldiers of the 59th Newfoundland Heavy Regiment, Royal Artillery and their role and sacrifice in WWII.

Members of the Regiment installed and manned coastal defence guns in the park to help protect the city of Canterbury and surrounding area.

Premier Tony Wakeham thanked the people of Canterbury, and paid tribute to Ian Kelly of the Regimental Advisory Council who was on hand in the House of Assembly.

“This permanent tribute recognizes the important role Newfoundlanders played in the defence of Great Britain during one of history’s darkest chapters. In 1940 and 1941, as Britain stood under threat of invasion, Newfoundlanders crossed the Atlantic to defend freedom and democracy.”