Battle of Beaumont-Hamel

The Battle of Beaumont-Hamel was a significant World War I engagement on July 1, 1916, during the Battle of the Somme. British and Newfoundland troops launched an attack on German defenses near the village of Beaumont-Hamel in France. Due to poor intelligence and planning, many soldiers faced intense machine-gun fire, resulting in heavy casualties—about 800 out of 1,000 men lost within minutes. The attack was largely unsuccessful, highlighting the brutal realities of trench warfare and the importance of better planning in future battles. It remains a somber symbol of sacrifice, especially for Newfoundland, which suffered devastating losses.