Field of Crosses

2 hours ago

110 years ago, the Battle of the Somme began...

The Battle of the Somme was one of the largest and deadliest military campaigns of the First World War. Fought between July 1 and November 18, 1916, it pitted the British Empire (including Canada and Newfoundland), and France against the German Empire. Poor planning, inadequate training, and ineffective artillery contributed to casualties on an unprecedented scale. By the end of the five-month battle, more than one million soldiers had been killed, wounded, or reported missing.

In the week before the main assault on July 1, Allied forces launched a massive artillery bombardment intended to destroy German defenses, including barbed wire and trench systems. However, the bombardment proved far less effective than expected. Many shells failed to explode, while others did little damage to deep German dugouts, leaving much of the defensive system intact.

When British troops advanced on the morning of July 1, they encountered well-prepared German defenders who emerged from their shelters as the bombardment lifted. At Beaumont-Hamel, the Newfoundland Regiment suffered catastrophic losses while failing to capture the German position. Of the approximately 800 men who went into action, more than 700 were killed, wounded, or reported missing. Only 68 men answered roll call the following morning.

On that single day, the British Army suffered more than 57,000 casualties, including 19,240 killed—the deadliest day in British military history.

As the battle continued, the Allies made only limited gains despite months of intense fighting. The Canadian Expeditionary Force (CEF), initially stationed in Belgium near the city of Ypres, was spared the first weeks of the offensive. In late August, the first three Canadian divisions were transferred from the Ypres Salient to the Somme to reinforce British forces. Entering the battle during its final three months, the Canadian Corps captured several important positions, including Courcelette, Thiepval Ridge, and Ancre Heights. On November 11, the 4th Canadian Division, alongside British forces, captured Regina Trench. One week later, Canadian troops seized Desire Trench during the final actions of the campaign.

After nearly five months of fighting, worsening weather conditions brought the offensive to an end. The Allies had advanced only about 13 kilometres at an enormous cost. The Battle of the Somme is remembered as one of the bloodiest and most costly battles of the First World War and remains one of the deadliest campaigns involving Canadian forces.

The First World War, from 1914 to 1918, became a testing ground for modern military technology. The conflict saw the widespread use of trench warfare, the devastating effectiveness of the machine gun, poison gas, aircraft, submarines, and heavy artillery. It also marked the battlefield debut of the tank during the Battle of the Somme in September 1916, ushering in a new era of mechanized warfare.

Each November, during the Eleven Days of Remembrance in Calgary, Alberta, the Field of Crosses commemorates 125 servicemen from Southern Alberta who were lost in 1916 during the Battle of the Somme.

Alberta Regiments having Battle Honours in the Battle of the Somme 1916 are;
The Calgary Highlanders, King’s Own Calgary Regiment, Lord Strathcona’s Horse, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry, Southern Alberta Light Horse and the Loyal Edmonton Regiment. ... See MoreSee Less

Field of Crosses

2 days ago

On this 4th of July, we extend our warmest wishes to our American friends and neighbours as they celebrate 250 years of independence.

Canada and the United States share a long and meaningful history, shaped not only by geography, but by friendship, alliance, sacrifice, and a shared commitment to freedom. Across generations, our two nations have stood together in times of uncertainty, and that bond is reflected in the stories we remember at the Field of Crosses.

Today, as the United States marks this milestone Independence Day, we honour the long-standing alliance between our nations and remember those who helped shape that shared legacy of service.

Happy 4th of July from all of us at the Field of Crosses. 🇺🇸 ... See MoreSee Less

Field of Crosses

5 days ago

Canada Day gives us a moment to celebrate our country, our communities, and the freedoms we share, while honouring those who gave everything to protect them.

Wishing you a thoughtful and meaningful Canada Day. 🍁 ... See MoreSee Less

Field of Crosses

2 weeks ago

Please join us in welcoming Shael Gelfand as the newest member of the Field of Crosses Board of Directors.

Shael brings with him an exceptional career spanning more than 35 years in communications, journalism, public relations, and strategic counsel. From his award-winning years at CTV Calgary to founding Peak Communicators (Alberta) Ltd., his experience, leadership, and dedication to community service will be an incredible asset to our organization.

Shael also has a deeply personal connection to the mission of the Field of Crosses. As the son of two Second World War veterans, he grew up with a profound appreciation for the courage, sacrifice, and service of Canada's military. His father, Sgt. Robert Gelfand, served as a bomb aimer with 432 Squadron and survived after his aircraft was shot down over the Netherlands in 1944, evading capture for 11 months with the help of the Dutch resistance. His mother, Sgt. Tanya Gelfand, was a member of the first class of the RCAF Women's Division and proudly served throughout the war.

A lifelong Calgarian, Shael has also devoted countless hours to supporting youth and community organizations through volunteer service, reflecting the same spirit of giving that is at the heart of the Field of Crosses.

We are honoured to welcome Shael to our Board of Directors and are grateful for his willingness to share his knowledge, experience, and passion as we continue our mission to honour the service and sacrifice of the brave men and women who have served Canada, and those who made the ultimate sacrifice in defence of the freedoms we enjoy today.

Welcome to the team, Shael! ... See MoreSee Less