One of the most defining characteristics of the Great War was trench warfare and some of our activities have centered on a replica in Elliston. This replica was constructed to pay tribute to those Newfoundlanders and Labradorians that fought with the Royal Newfoundland Regiment during WWI, especially those from our region by the Discovery Shooting Club that has permitted us its use. This piece of recreated history opened on July 1st, 2014, at the Discovery Shooting Club just outside of Elliston. In 2015, Parks Canada filmed some scenes depicting the WWI era Royal Newfoundland Regiment and some video excerpts are below. In July of 2016, an event “Legacy of Remembrance” was held featuring Parks Canada and local interpreters making use of this trench.
By 2020 this replica had fallen into extreme disrepair. However, it was rebuilt as a cut-away trench with cement in the sandbags instead of sand/earth. This reiteration is not as accurate but will last as the cement will remain long after the burlap sandbags disintegrate. This reconstruction is the only example in Newfoundland, where rifles with live ammunition can be fired. It has been built above ground for ease of access and aims to provide the visitor with some small sense of what it may have been like. The public is welcome to view the trench and walk through it. While there be sure to step up on the "fire step" and peer over the parapet into what would have been "no man's land" on the battlefields of Europe. Keep in mind this is an active shooting club if anyone is present DO NOT go forward of the trench.
Parks Canada Filming in 2015 - Part 1
Parks Canada Filming in 2015 - Part 2
Parks Canada Filming in 2015 - Part 3
Parks Canada Filming in 2015 - Part 4
Legacy of Remembrance - Filmed in 2016
Map showing the location of the Discovery Shooting Club and recreated Great War Trench.
For a CBC news story on this trench, History buffs bring WWI to life in Elliston, Click Here.
