Radio, radar, loran navigation, seaplane and artillery sites were scattered throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. Air bases at Gander, Torbay and Goose Bay were used to protect convoys at sea. Gander and Goose Bay were also used to ferry new military planes from North America to Europe.
In 1940, a lend–lease agreement was made between Britain and the United States. This gave the United States leases to a number of bases for 99–years. Lend–lease gave the United States an army base near St. John’s, an airbase at Stephenville, and an army/naval base at Argentia. Britain received 50 old destroyers and other military equipment.
In 1942, a Canadian naval base was built in St. John’s. This became the main western base for Allied convoy escort ships. Canada built air bases at Torbay and Goose Bay.
Canadian troops were sent to defend the Gander airbase and the Botwood seaplane base. Newfoundland and Canada maintained a series of coastal defence guns.
In August 1941, the first meeting between allied leaders took place at sea off Argentia. United States President Roosevelt met with British Prime Minister Churchill. The United States had not yet entered the war. President Roosevelt pledged further aid to the British. The Atlantic Charter was proclaimed. It set down the shared world goals of Britain and the United States.