100th Anniversary of the Battle of Somme at Beaumont-Hamel

The morning of July 1, 2016, Their Excellencies the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, and Mrs. Sharon Johnston participated in a ceremony of remembrance at the Canadian War Museum, in Ottawa, to mark the 100th Anniversary of the Battle of the Somme at Beaumont-Hamel.

The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage, laid a wreath on behalf of the Parliament of Canada.

Prime Minister Trudeau laid a wreath on behalf of the Government of Canada.

Joined by Mrs. Johnston, the Governor General laid a wreath on behalf of people of Canada to commemorate those who sacrificed their lives during this significant battle of the First World War.

General Jonathan Vance, Chief of the Defence Staff, also said a few words.

The Right Honourable Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada, delivered a speech.

The First World War’s Battle of the Somme began in northern France on July 1, 1916, when waves of Allied soldiers began climbing out of their trenches to advance through a hail of enemy fire toward the German lines. It would be a tragic beginning to a costly battle where more than 57 000 Commonwealth soldiers would become casualties on the opening day of the fighting alone. The brave members of the Newfoundland Regiment who went into action near Beaumont-Hamel were hit especially hard, with only 68 of the more than 800 men who had taken part being able to answer the roll call the next morning.

The Governor General delivered remarks on this occasion: "More than 700 soldiers were killed, wounded or went missing. Only 68 were able to answer roll call the next day. The attack lasted only 30 minutes. Beaumont-Hamel marked the beginning of the Battle of the Somme, which by its end four and a half months later would claim more than 24 000 Canadian and Newfoundland soldiers killed, wounded or missing."

During the event, His Excellency inspected a guard of honour.

General Vance laid a wreath on behalf of the Canadian Armed Forces.