Remembering Canada’s War Dead
Updated: Aug. 06, 2019
Canada has seven official Books of Remembrance, each housed under protective glass in the Memorial Chamber of the Peace Tower, located on Parliament Hill in Ottawa. The books are a record of the names of Canadians who have lost their lives in military service since 1884 – more than 118,000 names in all.
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First World War Book of Remembrance
The largest of the seven books, with more than 66,000 names. Completed in 1942, it rests on an altar that was a gift from the British Government.
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Second World War Book of Remembrance
Contains over 44,000 names, and was placed in the Memorial Chamber on Remembrance Day in 1957.
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Newfoundland Book of Remembrance
Commemorates the men and women of Newfoundland who gave their lives in defence of freedom during the First and Second World Wars, before Newfoundland became a province. Includes over 2,300 names and was installed in 1973, with a replica placed in the Confederation Building in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador.
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Korean War Book of Remembrance
There were more than 1,500 Canadian casualties in this conflict (1950-1953), including 516 who lost their lives.
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South African War/Nile Expedition Book of Remembrance
Commemorates Canadians who died during the South African War (1899-1902) and the Nile Expedition (1884-1885), the first time Canada took part in a war overseas. There are 283 names listed.
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Merchant Navy Book of Remembrance
Commemorates the men and women of the Merchant Marine who gave their lives while serving Canada at sea during the First and Second World Wars (more than 2,100 were killed in the two wars). Dedicated in 1993.
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In the Service of Canada The Seventh Book of Remembrance
This book lists the names of those who have given their lives to Canada since October 1, 1947. To date 1,566 members of the Canadian Forces are commemorated in the Seventh Book.
