Newfoundland sent 8,500 soldiers and sailors abroad in the First World War; out of a population of less than 250,000, over 1,500 brave men gave their lives. On July 1st of each year - the anniversary of the Battle of Beaumont Hamel, these courageous Newfoundlanders are remembered for the great sacrifice they made and the loved ones they left behind.
After the war, Newfoundland established five memorials overseas to commemorate the bravery of her sons in First World War. They are: Beaumont Hamel, Gueudecourt, Monchy, Masnières, and Courtrai memorials. The Courtrai Memorial is located in Belgium while all others are located in France. These unique bronze caribou statues were the work of Basil Gotto, who also designed the statue of the "The Fighting Newfoundlander" in Bowring Park, St. John's.
July 1, 2006 marks the 90th Anniversary of the Battle of Beaumont Hamel.
I absolutely love reading your blogg. You make it so interesting and the history is fascinating. How I would love to visit your wonderful country! I live in the farm lands of Northern Ohio and your outstanding photography brings another part of the world to my door step! Thanks so much!
ReplyDeleteBeverly
I read a bit about the battle, and all I can say is, God bless them and may they rest in peace. World War I was a particularly terrible war, it seems to me.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Beverly, for your kind words. It delights me to know that you find my little corner of the world interesting and fascinating.
ReplyDeleteJust wondering if the site for the memorial was chosen because the rocks were there or if they were part of Gotto's work.
ReplyDeleteWWI really was a terrible affair from all that I have read--it seems a whole generation of the best and brightest were slaughtered, and a disproportianate(sp?) amount came from Newfoundland.