Canada, Commonwealth. A Second War Newfoundland Volunteer Service Medal Group to E. Squires, RAF

A Defense Medal, in silver, full size, light wear, very fine. 

A Newfoundland Service Medal, in bronze, full size, rim numbered 4266, original ribbon with horizontal brooch, light wear, dark patina, extremely fine. Contained in the original case of issue, a red leatherette exterior, with silk lid marked ROYAL MINT, and brushed felt base, measures 90 mm (w) x 110 mm (l) x 20 mm (d), minor wear, extremely fine. 

A War Medal, in silver, full size, light wear, very fine. 

A Royal Air Force Service and Release Book, named to E. T. SQUIRES, service number NFD/1344325, containing multiple pages with Squires’ information, creased, several pages showing wear, near very fine. 

A copy of a black and white photograph, presumably of E. Squires in uniform. 

Footnote: Edward Thomas Squires was born in Glover Town, Newfoundland on February 24, 1919. He moved to the United Kingdom in 1938, and was employed with the Forestry Commission. He enlisted in the RAF on March 12, 1941, ultimately serving until discharged on March 7, 1946. He returned to Newfoundland in 1946, and then went back to the UK in 1950. Squires died in 1999. 

During the Second World War, Newfoundland occupied a vital strategic position in the North Atlantic, making it an important centre for Allied naval and air operations. Military bases established at places such as Gander, Goose Bay, and Argentia supported convoy protection, anti-submarine patrols, and transatlantic flights. Thousands of Newfoundlanders served in the armed forces or worked in wartime industries, while the rapid expansion of military construction and employment brought significant economic growth after years of depression. The wartime boom also strengthened Newfoundland’s ties with Canada and the United States, contributing to the political and economic changes that eventually led to Confederation with Canada in 1949.