in pictures: the 99th anniversary of beaumont-hamel, ottawa

Photos by Richard Lawrence

July 1st marked the 99th anniversary of the Battle of Beaumont-Hamel, the unsuccessful attack made by the Royal Newfoundland Regiment on the first day of the Battle of the Somme, which cost the lives of nearly the entire regiment in just 30 minutes.

Wreaths were laid by representatives of the governments of Canada, Newfoundland and Labrador, various branches and associations within the Canadian Armed Forces, as well as veterans groups and the other nations who fought in the First World War. Seven year old Clara Drover laid a wreath for the Youth of Canada. She is a direct descendant of LCpl. Norman Wheatley Strong, who was killed in action at Beaumont-Hamel at the age of 20.

You can view the full gallery here.