Large framed photograph of the 22nd Canadian Regiment in Europe circa 1940. Cardboard, wood, glass.

The object bears witness to a major historical event in the history of humanity and the participation of Acadian people in that event, namely World War II.

The Royal 22nd Regiment, or R22eR, is one of the three major infantry regiments of the Canadian Armed Forces. Among French speakers, the Regiment is often referred to simply as "22" or "22nd." It is the only entirely French-speaking regular infantry regiment in Canada. Many Gaspesians have served in it.

In addition, the Gaspé Peninsula's involvement in World War II led to the creation of a regiment by and for Gaspesians in 1942 to defend the territory in the event of a German invasion. This allowed them to avoid being deployed overseas. (https://ici.radio-canada.ca/ohdio/premiere/emissions/au-coeur-du-monde/segments/entrevue/195701/deuxieme-guerre-mondiale-jacques-bouchard-regiment-gaspesien). The Gaspé Peninsula defense force, called the Gaspé-Bonaventure, the third battalion of the Fusiliers du Saint-Laurent regiments, remained on high alert, says Mr. Bouchard. This was significant because this regiment was the reserve battalion with the largest number of troops ever in Canada. There were 49 officers and 1,877 soldiers. Historian Jacques Bouchard recounts that the headquarters of the soldiers defending the Gaspé Peninsula was located in Gaspé, on Rue de la Reine, in a building now known as Manoir Wakeham.

It should also be noted that many Acadians from the Maritimes served in the 22nd Regiment during both wars, and that an Acadian battalion—the 165th Battalion—was made up entirely of Acadians and fought in World War I.