Riverview Memorial Park has a deep connection with Margaret Baizley and the Women’s Christian Temperance Union, thanks to Baizley’s leadership and efforts in raising funds for the construction of the South African War Monument. Established in 1902, Riverview Memorial Park stands as a testament to the determination of Mrs. Baizley and the Women’s Christian Temperance Union.
The park is a tribute to the valiant servicemen who fought in the South African War, specifically the 2nd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment recruited from New Brunswick. G Company comprised many ex-members of the renowned 62nd Saint John Fusiliers and earned recognition for their bravery during the Battle of Paardeberg in February 1900, which led to the surrender of Pieter Cronje’s forces. Four men from Saint John lost their lives during the South African War, with three of them dying on the day of Cronje’s surrender on February 27, 1900. The local South African War Veterans used to gather at Riverview Memorial Park on Paardeberg Day, reenacting the battle and charging entrenched African forces. Colonel Reginald Fendick revived this ceremony on February 27, 1999, after two decades of absence.
There were several memorials placed in the park, the South African War Monument, a drinking fountain, two smooth-bore cannons and a captured First World War German gun (all three melted down in 1942 for the Second World War effort). Between 1900 and 1925 there were 11 memorial trees planted in memory of South African War soldiers, as well as park organizers and supporters. In 2017, three trees were planted as memorials to other Veterans.
The Royal Canadian Regiment, 2nd Battalion at Canadian Forces Base Gagetown, perpetuates the unit which played a decisive role in the victory at Paardeberg. For decades the New Brunswick Boer War Veterans Association held their annual remembrance ceremony in the park. In 2015, at the 115th anniversary of this battle, the 2nd Battalion, Royal Canadian Regiment held a remembrance ceremony in the Park.
