Newfoundland at Armageddon

Overview

On July 1st, 1916, the Newfoundland Regiment took part in a massive First World War offensive on the Somme, led by the British. At Beaumont Hamel the regiment was nearly wiped out, as only 110 of 780 soldiers survived the day. To commemorate its 100th anniversary, Brian McKenna’s documentary film tells the story of this epic tragedy. Using a technique that brings new meaning to reenactment, McKenna recruits descendants of soldiers who fought this battle, offering them a unique opportunity to relive the experience of their ancestors in trenches built specifically for the film.

Keywords

Cast

Noel Burton

General Haig

Alan Doyle

Narrator

Rhiannon Morgan

Coleen

Michelle Rex Bailey

Sarah

Guy Sprung

Lieutenant General Hunter-Weston