A number of times at this time of the year I have been asked about the Battle of Beaumont Hamel and why it is celebrated and remembered in this province. Today marks the 90th anniversary of the Battle of Beaumont Hamel.
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">....the Newfoundlanders moved off on their own at 9:15 a.m., their objective the first and second line of enemy trenches, some 650 to 900 metres away. In magnificent order, practiced many times before, they moved down the exposed slope towards No Man's Land, the rear sections waiting until those forward reached the required 40-metre distance ahead. No friendly artillery fire covered the advance.....
In less than 30 minutes it was all over. At 9:45 a.m., Hadow, who had witnessed the annihilation of his regiment from a forward position, reported to Brigade Headquarters that the attack had failed..... Throughout the day survivors attempted the long and dangerous journey back to their own lines, many being an easy target for enemy snipers and artillery fire. ....
That night the search began for survivors. When the roll call was taken, only 68 responded. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
Today, many have family rembrances of a great uncle or a cousin's great uncle who was among those lost in that battle. Newfoundland had made huge sacrifices to contribute to World War I, sacrifices it had to pay for in the years following.
Today at 5:30 on CBC radio one in this province there will be an extra special programme on Beaumont Hamel.
& at
Beaumont Hamel Park
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