Beaumont Hamel
EVAN DODGE
History
Beaumont Hamel, located in the northern part of France close to Somme. During the First World War it was on the front lines of many attacks, more notably the Battle of The Somme, which was one of the largest allied offensives in World War 1.
The Royal Newfoundland Regiment began their attacks on the first day of The Battle of The Somme. On July 1st, 1916, The Regiment would advance at Beaumont Hamel in the morning. This battle ended in a disaster for Regiment. Their objective was to advance to "The Danger Tree" which was heavily occupied by German forces.
The next morning during the Regiments roll call, only 68 men survived out of the 800 men who had attempted to advance the day prior.
"The Danger Tree" Beaumont Hamel 1916
Advance Breakdown
The Plan
The image attached is the original map made by the Royal Newfoundland Regiment for Beaumont Hamel.
The Royal Newfoundland Regiment was informed they would be part of The Battle of The Somme as offensive Allies, they would be joining the British Regiment who were Allied forces. The plan was made to be executed on the 1st of July, 1916. On July 1st, at 7:30AM, the first wave of Allied forces left their trenches and began their advance. The first two waves had been devastating with great losses. The Newfoundland Regiment was ordered to advance as soon as possible.
9:15AM, The Royal Newfoundland Regiment left their trench to perform their advance, not knowing the horror that would soon be their reality. 80% of the Regiment would be killed, over 800 men. They never made it to "No Mans Land".
Disaster at Beaumont Hamel
At 9:45AM, the Regiments commanding officer, Lieutenant-Colonel Arthur Hadow, reported the attack has a failed mission. The Regiment was told to gather all unwounded men and resume the offensive, however, this order was countermanded.
On their retreat to their own lines, the survivors were faced with the dangerous task of avoiding German sniper and artillery fire.
The next morning, roll call was taken. In a single morning, The entire Royal Newfoundland Regiment was almost wiped out. 68 men answered to their names being called. 324 men had been killed or missing and presumed to be KIA (Killed In Action), along with 386 men wounded.
Newfoundland and Labrador Sent Into Shock
Once the word of the failed advance from the Regiment spread across Newfoundland and Labrador slowly. The great losses of life sent not only the families, but all of Newfoundland and Labrador into mourning.
Information came in slowly about whose loved ones were deceased or survived. Families were endured with the torturing thoughts of the status of their loved ones. British officers sent condolence letters to the families of the fallen soldiers of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment. Allied leaders publicly praised the Regiment for their bravery and heroics.
Overview of downtown St. Johns with Signal Hill in the background, 1966.
Today
Today, every July 1st, the province of Newfoundland and Labrador pay homage to the many brave soldiers who were apart of the Regiment during this battle.
Every July 1st, until 11AM, is a time the province of Newfoundland and Labrador takes to praise the Royal Newfoundland Regiment for all their duties, bravery, and sacrifice. There is a ceremony held in St. Johns (Capital of Newfoundland and Labrador) every July 1st to honor the Regiment.