Beaumont-Hamel in Somme, Upper France, France — Western Europe
Beaumont-Hamel, Newfoundlanders and the Great War
Photographed by J. Makali Bruton, June 10, 2024
1. Beaumont-Hamel, Newfoundlanders and the Great War Marker
Beaumont-Hamel, les Terre-neuviens et la Grande Guerre
Beaumont-Hamel symbolise la contribution et le sacrifice des Terre-Neuviens lors de la Première Guerre mondiale. Ce parc témoigne de l'engagement du Newfoundland Regiment et de ses lourdes pertes durant la bataille de la Somme. Il marque aussi le lieu de repos des Terre-Neuviens tombés au combat sans sépulture connue.
Le Newfoundland Regiment participa à la grande offensive de la Somme qu'une stratégie et des tactiques déficientes traduisirent, le 1er juillet 1916, en une hécatombe. Malgré ses pertes, le régiment combattit jusqu'en 1918. Sa détermination lui valut alors l'honneur de greffer le terme «royal» à son appellation régimentaire, seule distinction du genre à être accordée au cours de la Grande Guerre.
Zone de combat, Beaumont-Hamel devient, dès 1922, un parc commémoratif conçu par l'aumônier Thomas Nangle et aménagé selon les dessins de Rudolph H. K. Cochius. Son plan d'aménagement reflète l'environnement insulaire: un caribou en bronze surmonte un monticule de granit qui surplombe le champ de bataille. Autour de celui-ci se retrouvent
this page online
Commission des lieux et monuments historiques du Canada
Gouvernement du Canada
Beaumont-Hamel, Newfoundlanders and the Great War
Beaumont-Hamel symbolizes the service and sacrifice of Newfoundlanders during the First World War. This park pays special tribute to the role of the Newfoundland Regiment in the Battle of the Somme and the heavy losses it suffered. The park also stands as a memorial to those Newfoundlanders who fell in battle and who have no known grave.
The Newfoundland Regiment participated in the great Somme offensive where, on 1 July 1916, strategic and tactical miscalculations led to a terrible slaughter. Despite its horrific casualties, the Regiment fought until 1918. For its valour, it won the right to add, "Royal" to its name, the only such honour bestowed during the Great War.
Once a battlefield, Beaumont-Hamel became, in 1922, a memorial park conceived by Padre Thomas Nangle and planned by Rudolph H. K. Cochius. Its design evokes the Newfoundland environment: overlooking the battlefield stands a bronze caribou resting on a granite base surrounded by plants native to
Photographed by J. Makali Bruton, June 10, 2024
2. Beaumont-Hamel, Newfoundlanders and the Great War Marker
Erected 1997 by Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, World I. In addition, it is included in the Canada, Historic Sites and Monuments Board series list. A significant historical date for this entry is July 1, 1916.
Location. 50° 4.337′ N, 2° 38.877′ E. Marker is in Beaumont-Hamel, Hauts-de-France (Upper France), in Somme. It is on Résidence du Camp Terre-Neuvien (Route D73) west of Route D50, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1 Rés du Camp Terre-Neuvien, Beaumont-Hamel, Hauts-de-France 80300, France. Touch for directions.
Regionally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, Europe, the European Union, Atlantic Europe, the Schengen Area, Western Europe, a coastal Mediterranean country, and the Western World. Historically, it finds itself in what was once a French colony and also the Roman Empire.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Newfoundland War Memorial Park Beaumont Hamel (a few steps from this marker); Parc Mémorial National Terre-Neuvien (within shouting distance of this marker); The Solitary Caribou (within shouting distance of this marker); The Spirit of the Place (within shouting distance of this marker); Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial (about 180 meters away, measured in a direct line); ‘Y’ Ravine Cemetery
Photographed by J. Makali Bruton, June 10, 2024
3. The Caribou at Beaumont-Hamel
Also see . . . The Battle of Beaumont-Hamel at the Canadian Encyclopedia. The losses were devastating. Of the approximately 800 soldiers of the Newfoundland Regiment who fought that day, only 68 were able to answer roll call following the battle. The regiment suffered 710 casualties — 386 wounded and 324 who were killed, died of their wounds, or missing (presumed dead). The dead included several sets of brothers. (Submitted on June 27, 2024.)
Credits. This page was last revised on July 11, 2024. It was originally submitted on June 27, 2024, by J. Makali Bruton of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 192 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 27, 2024, by J. Makali Bruton of Washington, District of Columbia.
