ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION, BRANCH 23, CARBONEAR - BRANCH HISTORY

    On November 15, 1950, 23 ex-servicemen from the Carbonear area met in the original Fire Hall for the purpose of forming a branch of the Royal Canadian Legion. This meeting was chaired by Comrade J. Homer with Comrade Jim Pike acting as secretary. Several meetings followed and on March 21, 1951, with 37 members present, the first executive was elected.

President Joseph Pike
Vice President John Hogan
Secretary Lloyd Powell
Treasurer Joseph McGrath
Chaplain Fred L. Butt
Sgt-at-Arms Hubert Clarke
Executive Committee Harry Slade, John Dunphy, Fred Earle, E. Pinksten, John Keneally

    Branch 23 held its first parade on July 1, 1951, marching to the Memorial Library for a Wreath Laying by Comrades Harry Slade and Joseph George.
On March 21, 1953, Branch 23 was presented its Charter by President Myles P. Murray, Newfoundland Provincial Command.

    Since that time, Branch 23 has been an active organization serving the Conception Bay communities from Carbonear to Bay De Verde and with the closure of Branch 6 New Perlican our area extended down the Trinity Bay coast to Heart's Content and back to Carbonear. The Branch has been instrumental in ensuring that all Memorial Parades are conducted in a dignified and professional manner. The Branch supports the youth of the area and is the sponsor for the Carbonear 589 Air Cadet Squadron and the Victoria 2615 Army Cadet Corp.

    In 1967-68 our own Branch building was constructed, having had several additions and renovations since. This building was built on the site of the first meeting. During the 1970s our War Memorial and Memorial Park was planned, completed and dedicated. On July 1, 2010 the Branch, in conjunction with the Town of Carbonear added a new monument dedicated to those brave men from Carbonear who paid the ultimate sacrifice during WWI and WWII.

     Each year Branch 23 sponsors 4 Memorial Services and Parades - 2 in Carbonear, 1 in Salmon Cove, 1 in Victoria.

Branch 23 is very proud of the fact that many of their members have served as the District Commander of District 2, as members of the Provincial Command Executive and many have served and continue to serve on the Board of Directors for Charwood Manor; our District Legion Manor.

    We are also very proud of the monetary contributions that we make to those who are in need and to those charitable organizations who seek our assistance. We continue to provide assistance to all area veterans and veterans' widows and their families,. We are always seeking to ensure that their needs are met.

Royal Canadian Legion
Branch 23,Carbonear
P.O. Box 544
Carbonear,NL
A1Y 1B9
( 709 ) 596-3691