Beaumont Hamel
The village of Beaumont Hamel was located just behind the German lines on the first day of The Battle of the Somme on 1st July 1916. Its position overlooked the valley any Allied attack would have to come from. Nearby is the Newfoundland Memorial Park where preserved trenches remain from the Battle of the Somme. The part of the line remains relatively untouched since the end of World War I. In 1921, the land was purchased by Newfoundland and the Canadian Government preserves it as a memorial. The statue of the Caribou was chosen as it was the symbol of the Newfoundland Regiment.
Hawthorn Mine
Part of the warfare in World War I involved the laying of huge mines under enemy trenches. The Hawthorn Mine was detonated under the German lines close to Beaumonth Hamel on the opening day of the Somme. At 7:20am on 1st July 1916, 40,000 pounds of explosive detonated (video below). The Hawthorn Mine was one of a number due to be detonated at 7:28am. However, the Hawthorn mine was fired 10 minutes before the attack instead of 2 and all this did, was given the Germans sufficient warning of the attack. The first Brigade to go over the top at this point were the 87th who were cut down. The 88th were ordered up next and amongst their numbers was the 1st Battalion of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment. Their attack lasted less than half an hour. Of the 801 men who went into action, it was reported on 68 men escaped without being killed or wounded.
Escorted Tours
Leger Holidays are the UK’s leading Battlefield Tours operator. All their tours are escorted by a Specialist Battlefields Guide. Full information about their current tours, availability and prices can be found on their website.
