"It was a magnificent display of trained and disciplined valour, and its assault only failed of success because dead men can advance no further." - Major-General Sir Beauvoir de Lisle
I visited there when we lived in Germany. I especially liked the kids/guides that would come from Canada and act as tour guides. They were super nice and very informative. The things that struck me was how close the front lines were to each other. If I remember correctly, I was told that the Caribou at the monument faces towards Canada and it is crying for the dead soldiers. I know for a fact that it faced the German line and its stands was very erect in a defiant stance. I went to Vimi later in the day. I'm a history buff. I met a lot of people from all over the world there. I will go back.
July 1, 2024. Today the unknown soldier of Newfoundland was interred at St. Johns War Memorial. Finally, from death on the Beaumont Hamel battlefield, he has returned home.
It was such a reverent service. It felt like Canada, after 75 years, has finally accepted us as a part of them fully and finally given us respect. My great great uncle died in this battle. Luckily he was one of the few who had a body returned home.
Being from Newfoundland thank you for the video, very informative. What happened there that day still resonates today. Also, a matching Caribou monument is in Bowring Park, St Johns.
Again, I love how you we can see for ourselves thru your shots the elevations of the battlefield. It helps the understanding of the situations both sides we in.
I really like how you included an overhead view near the beginning of the video. It made it easier to understand the layout of the trenches and the Danger Tree.
Great walkaround but I think once you get beyond the Somme into the French sectors, you might rethink the idea that this is the best preserved part of the Western Front!
I think you're right Paul - I probably was thinking Somme rather than Western Front there. I'm heading to Verdun area in November, really looking forward to that
Great video, Rob. It was heartwrenching to hear about how many casualties there were. I really appreciate the information you provided and how you showed it through your video of the battlefield. I've learned a bit about the Battle of the Somme before, but I found your video super helpful too as I'm more of a visual learner. I also like how you clarified which area was the front line (and how a trench was dug later). Great narration. I like how your channel and Battle Guide's channel do a great job in showing the battlefields. Very somber shots of the cemetery. I know that in many wars, there are often times in which soldiers are buried and not identified, but it always saddens me when I see that, like we have here. Great shots. You did a great job in showing why the attack was unsuccessful. It's great how you were able to get to the battlefield early and not have to deal with crowds :). Superb video. Keep up the awesome work. Have a great Friday and weekend, Rob! :). Take care :).
@@historyinyourhand1787 I appreciate you too, Rob :) You do a great job and I like how you share your passion for history (and your knowledge) with us. :). Take care :).
After the war, they cleared the battlefield of the bodies left in No Man's Land. After months/years of decomposing, the remains of two different soldiers sometimes became mixed, so they buried them together.
Not a dumb question at all - yes there is definitely and yeah that's why some of the sections are fencing off for safety. That's also why there are sheep there to 'mow' the grass.. too dangerous to use a mechanical mower
@@historyinyourhand1787 ok yeah I noticed that some of it was fenced off when visiting there do they tell visitors to not cross the fence? Not to be too funny but I guess it’s better to put sheep at risk than a person to cut the grass huh lol
