This date, 99 years ago, the Royal Newfoundland Regiment, as part of the 3rd wave to attack, went over the ramparts at 0915 hours into the murderous fire of the Germans. The Germans had not been badly affected by the preceeding bombardment and had devastated the two preceeding waves of allied troops. Of the 801 soldiers who went over the top, 324 were killed, missing or presumed dead and another 386 were wounded (numbers vary depending on source). Only 68 answered roll call the next morning.
The day for the ceremony this year started with a downpour that gradually let up and stopped during the ceremony. It started up again just at the end when God Save the Queen was sung. God loves the infantry.
Of particular note this year were the number of Newfoundland dogs on display of which I think I saw 6. Also the last wreath was layed by 7 year old Clara Drover who is a direct descendant of L/Cpl Norman Wheatley Strong who died at Beaumont-Hamel, 99 years ago.
To see all the pictures, CLICK HERE
