1941: Newfoundland

Development of the naval and air bases for the United States brought relatively boom conditions to Newfoundland after years of severe depression. Although the base at Argentia was by no means completed at the end of 1941, tremendous progress had been made since the first American contingent landed in January. Many hangars, piers, boathouses, maintenance shops, storehouses, hospital facilities, and barracks were completed, and the huge air base took form. This work provided thousands of jobs for native Newfoundlanders at good wages. There was some dissatisfaction, however, at the fact that most of the skilled work was done by men brought from the United States who were paid at a higher rate than the Newfoundlanders. Through an arrangement made with the British Government, American supplies brought to the bases pay no duty. This also caused some disappointment on the island, but Newfoundland newspapers have, in general, supported the arrangement as a war necessity.

In view of Newfoundland's increased importance in the defense of the Empire, the British Government announced on July 9, that the term of Vice Admiral Sir Humphrey Thomas Walwyn as Governor had been extended for one year from that date. Sir Humphrey had first been named Governor of the Crown Colony on Jan. 16, 1936, for a three year term which subsequently was extended.

Special congratulations were extended to the people of Newfoundland during the year by Prime Minister Winston Churchill because the island had contributed proportionately more men to the war effort than any other part of the British Empire. On several occasions Newfoundland had exceeded its quota in recruiting drives for men to join the armed forces.