Final Act of Remembrance

At the tail end of his illustrious 35-year military career, Major-General Paul Peyton is honoured to help shepherd the remains of an unknown Newfoundland First World War soldier home from Northern France.

"The people of Newfoundland and Labrador have a strong sense of community and a culture of contributing to the greater good. Bringing this soldier home honours all of the soldiers who never made it home. I am so happy to be given this opportunity."

Newfoundland was a British dominion separate from Canada during the First and Second World Wars. About 12,000 Newfoundlanders served during the First World War, with more than 1,700 killed in action. There are no known graves for about 800 of those killed.

On 1 July 2024, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador will unveil a tomb at the base of the Newfoundland National War Memorial. There, the remains of an unknown soldier from the First World War will be reinterred.

As the most senior serving member present at the event, Peyton will lay a wreath on behalf of the Canadian Armed Forces as the unknown soldier is laid to rest in the granite and labradorite tomb overlooking St. Johns Harbour.

It will be a full circle moment for Peyton, who spent five years as an army Cadet in his hometown of Goose Bay, Labrador before enrolling in the Canadian Armed Forces as an Armour Officer in 1989.

"A career in the military never takes you where you think it’s going to. You join for the adventure but you become a patriot."

In 1991 he joined Lord Strathcona’s Horse (Royal Canadians) where he commanded at the troop, squadron and regimental levels.

Peyton held the position of Commander, 5^th Canadian Division—the Canadian Army centered in Atlantic Canada and home to the Army’s specialized capabilities in 6th Brigade.

He served on regimental duty with reconnaissance and armour units both in Canada and abroad. Peyton holds a Bachelor’s degree in Military Arts and Science, a Master’s degree in Military Science and a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies.

He has commanded at every level within his regiment. Peyton credits his military career success to those who have surrounded him, his ongoing keen interest in other people and his skills to “communicate, listen and not pretend you know everything.”

“It’s been really rewarding to be part of an organization that puts others ahead of themselves.”

Peyton and his wife, Tiffany, who has supported his career since he deployed to Bosnia ten days after their wedding, have two sons, aged 24 and 27.

At the end of June, Peyton will be heading to Newfoundland and Labrador to take part in the ceremony to unveil the tomb of an unknown Newfoundland First World War soldier. While in St. John’s, he will have an opportunity to visit his parents, attend a mess dinner and speak to new recruits. Peyton will also revisit the Trail of the Caribou Memorial Park that left a lasting impression on him years ago.

“I can’t wait to get home,” he said.

“Newfoundlanders are storytellers, and they know it’s important not to forget the past.”

With courage, integrity and loyalty, Major General Paul Peyton is leaving his own mark on history. He is one of our Canadian Armed Forces members. Discover more stories.

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