Battle of the Somme

Battle of the Somme, 1 July-late Nov 1916, during the FIRST WORLD WAR, saw British, Imperial, and French troops hammering German defence lines north of the Somme River in one of the most futile and bloody battles in history. The 1st Newfoundland Regiment was virtually wiped out at Beaumont Hamel on the first day of the battle. The Canadian Corps entered the battle on August 30, and during its attacks in September was supported by the first tanks used in action on the Western Front. The machine guns, barbed wire, trenches and massive use of artillery resulted in hard fighting and heavy casualties, especially in the capture of Regina Trench, Courcelette, Thiepval and Ancre Heights. Rain, snow, and sleet brought the battle to an end. After 5 months' fighting the Allies had penetrated about 13 km along a 35 km front. Allied losses were estimated at 623 907, of whom 24 713 were Canadians and Newfoundlanders. German losses were estimated at 660 000.

Author R.H. ROY

Links to Other Sites
Historica-Dominion Institute
The website for the Historica-Dominion Institute, parent organization of The Canadian Encyclopedia and the Encyclopedia of Music in Canada. Check out their extensive online feature about the War of 1812, the "Heritage Minutes" video collection, and many other interactive resources concerning Canadian history, culture, and heritage.

Valour Road
View a brief video about three Canadian soldiers from Winnipeg who earned the Victoria Cross in the First World War. A Heritage Minute from the Historica-Dominion Institute. See also related lesson plans.

Legion Magazine
Search the Legion Magazine website for online feature articles about Canadian military history.

Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial
The Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial Park in France is dedicated to Newfoundlanders who gave their lives in the First World War. From Veterans Affairs Canada.

The Piper Richardson Statue Project
A description of the "Piper Richardson Statue" located in Chilliwack BC. From the City of Chilliwack website.

Memorial Day
A brief note about the observance of Memorial Day in Newfoundland and Labrador. From Memorial University of Newfoundland.

Memorial Day
This website is devoted to the symbols associated with the observance of Memorial Day in Newfoundland and Labrador. From the website "The Battle of the Somme: A Generation Lost But Never Forgotten."