Branch 32 History Page
The History of the Royal Canadian Legion-Branch 32
Bay Roberts, NL, Canada
By Comrade Philip Wood
The Royal Canadian Legion's roots in Bay Roberts dates to 1922. However, with Newfoundland and Labrador still a colony under British rule, the original group of ex-service people joined the Great War Veterans Association. It would not be until 1949, when Newfoundland and Labrador joined Canada through confederation, that veterans became Legionnaires.
In November of 1953, veterans in the neighboring community of Port de Grave received a charter (Branch 30) forming a Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion there. The Branch though, never obtained its own building and instead met in the community's school. In March of 1954 veterans in the community of Bay Roberts received its own charter of the Royal Canadian Legion - Branch 32. In 1962 the Port de Grave Branch (30) merged with Branch 32 and returned its charter to Provincial Command. It is important to note also that Branch 32 also serves and takes in the communities of North River, Clarke's Beach and South River.
In November of 1959 Branch 32 Bay Roberts received a charter for the formation of a Ladies Auxiliary. The Auxiliary was a very vibrant group who were very resolute and committed to supporting the Branch. However, after being in existence for 44 years the auxiliary returned its charter in 2003 primarily due to declining membership and changes in membership requirements in the Legion itself.
The existing Legion building was obtained when Legion members purchased the old Seventh Day Adventist Church after the church had built a new building on the main highway in Bay Roberts. Prior to this purchase, Legion Meetings were held in Thomas Handigan's store and the old Courthouse, both of which are now gone and both of which were located on Water Street. It is interesting to note that the current Cenotaph sits where the old Courthouse was located. Since the purchase of the old church, through a series of grants and projects, numerous renovations and a variety of extensions have been made to the original building.
In May of 1997 funding and materials were obtained to begin construction of a Marina which would appropriately be called - Veterans Quay. With the Marnia built the Legion became even more of a focal point for many civic events that take place in the Town. Currently (2024) however, the Quay is in search of desperately needed funds to conduct necessary repairs as the North Atlantic waters over the years 'have not been kind' to the Marina.
The Bay Roberts Legion has always been active in its community and to this very day remains so. In addition to supporting Veterans and promoting Remembrance in many ways - Branch 32 supports schools providing scholarships and monies for their breakfast and lunch programs and the Helping Hand which supports people in need. Additionally, the Branch sponsors the local Cadet Corps, supports annually the TCP Health Foundation, the SPCA and the local swim club among other community groups organizations. The Branch is also very much involved in community celebrations such as Canada Day & Klondyke Days.
With a strong membership and committed members, Branch 32 of the Royal Canadian Legion is in a strong position in 2024 and going forward - 70 years after receiving its charter.
Note: On 30 October 1937 The Guardian changed names and is now known as The Bay Roberts Guardian.