Art For Veterans

Some Important Canadian History today... The Battle of The Somme The battle took place from1 July and 18 November 1916 on both sides of the River Somme in Franc...e. It was one of the largest battles of World War I, in which more than 1,000,000 men were wounded or killed, making it one of the bloodiest battles in human history. The Royal Newfoundland Regiment was to take part on the first day, 99 years ago today. Newfoundland in those days was not part of Canada, and they did not join Confederation until 1949, as Canada's 10th province. On 01 July, 1916, the Royal Newfoundland Regiment went into battle at The Somme at Beaumont-Hamel. So far as can be ascertained, 22 officers and 758 other ranks were directly involved in the advance. Of these, all the officers and slightly under 658 other ranks became casualties. Of the 780 men who went forward only about 110 survived unscathed, of whom only 68 were available for roll call the following day. For all intents and purposes the Newfoundland Regiment had been wiped out, the unit as a whole having suffered a casualty rate of approximately 90 percent. Today, the Regiment is alive and well, part of the Canadian Army's 5th division, 37th Brigade Group. Soldiers of the Regiment have served in Cyprus, Bosnia, Sierra Leone and Afghanistan on peace-enforcing, and combat missions. On 30 August 2010, Corporal Brian Pinksen died of his wounds after being injured by an IED in Afghanistan, making him the Regiment's first combat fatality since the WW1. Lest We Forget. ~ RN