FIRST WORLD WAR
Hard Work and Danger

1: Identity (VISUAL ART)

Create a coat of arms for the Newfoundland Forestry Companies (NFC) that incorporates dominant images of its history and its contributions.

2: On Stage (PERFORMING ARTS)

Recreate an NFC single performance or a full concert at the Bruce Garden Tea Room (see “A Concert at Dunkeld”). Performances can include reading or reciting poetry, music sung or played on instruments, artwork, and so on. For example, you might choose to sing or recite “The Glories of Newfoundland” by D.H. Bruce. Turn your performance event into a fundraiser and donate the proceeds to the Red Cross.

3: In the News (NARRATIVE WRITING)

Create a class newspaper using images of the NFC and stories from its work in Scotland. Consider including such things as letters, photographs, drawings, statistics, and reports from social and sporting events.

4: Sports Hall of Fame (BIOGRAPHY)

Create a short video in the style of a sports hour that introduces some of the games the members of the NFC would have played overseas during the First World War. Feature some actual top athletes, such as Sergeant Andrew F. Ball (NFC #8320). The individual games might include tug-of-war, log chopping, log hurling, and others related to the foresters’ skills.

5: Radio NFLD (PODCAST)

Conduct an interview in which a host talks with two foresters from the NFC. Prepare questions that would encourage the interviewees to describe and discuss their experiences with the NFC and to reflect on the daily routines of living in Scotland during the First World War. During the interview, include questions that prompt reflections on what they miss from their homes in Newfoundland or Labrador.

6: Support Those Who Serve: Reach Out (ACTIVE CITIZENSHIP)

Create a care package for a member of the Canadian armed forces from Newfoundland and Labrador who is now serving overseas. Include a short letter with your package.

7: Can’t See the Trees for the Forest? (DISPLAY)

Create a display that showcases the different types of trees harvested in Newfoundland, Labrador, Scotland or England and what lumber from each would have been used during the First World War. Compare those uses to what the wood can be used for now.

8: “Wow, That’s Incredible!” (VISUAL ART)

The Meritorious Service Medal was created in 1845 to recognize men (and they were all men, then) who had spent significant years in military service. More than two years after the start of the First World War, its purpose was changed. Starting in 1916, it began to be used to honour “acts of gallantry or meritorious conduct” that had been performed by those who were in service but “not in the face of the enemy,” according to The Rooms. Fourteen members of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment and three members of the Newfoundland Forestry Companies were awarded the Meritorious Service Medal in the First World War and were announced in the London Gazette (https://www.therooms.ca/thegreatwar/in-depth/commendations). Sergeants Andrew F. Ball (NFC #8230), Enos Lane (NFC #8115) and Philip Morey (NFC #8209) are the foresters who received the Meritorious Service Medal. Research what they did to deserve this honour. Design an art piece that is either two-dimensional (for example, a painting) or three-dimensional (e.g., a sculpture) to represent their achievements.