by Mark Reid and Jessica Knapp
In the latter part of 2015, Newfoundland artist Rod Hand commemorated the Newfoundland Regiment and the centennial of the Battle of Beaumont-Hamel with this poignant painting, titled “Forget Me Not.” The painting features many elements that are synonymous with the iconic military regiment. Hand incorporates an aerial perspective of the Atlantic province and the Western Front in Europe, with a caribou acting as a bridge between the two. As the ghostly figures of the Newfoundland Regiment rush into battle, a corporeal soldier kneels in the forefront of the painting to pick a Forget-Me-Not — the flower traditionally worn on Memorial Day in Newfoundland to mourn that province’s fallen soldiers.
Since sharing his painting with the St. John’s The Telegram Facebook page on June 1, 2016, the artwork captured the attention of both Newfoundlanders and Canadians at the turn of the 100th anniversary of the Beaumont-Hamel tragedy, which occurred on July 1, 1916.
On that day, the men of the Newfoundland Regiment launched an assault on the German lines at the village Beaumont-Hamel, France, as part of the initial phase of the Battle of the Somme. Within twenty minutes of leaving their position at St. John’s Road trench, eighty-five percent of the regiment was dead, dying or wounded; many of the men fell before they crossed the British line. The devastation radiated from the Front all the way back to the families in Newfoundland.
What inspired you to honour the Newfoundland Regiment and the Battle of Beaumont-Hamel in this way?
A: I knew the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Beaumont-Hamel was approaching and the idea of a painting just struck me as they usually do.
What was your approach to creating “Forget Me Not”?
A: I started researching the event and talking to people who knew about the regiment. Even though I began this painting for myself, it drew interest from those I spoke with about the history. It was designed and redesigned until I decided on this final one.
Do you typically paint military themed art?
A: This is actually the first military painting I’ve done. I am a self-taught artist, starting when I was only seven years old, and I mainly paint Newfoundland scenes of days gone by.
How special was it for you to create this painting?
A: This piece really took me out of my comfort zone. I was excited about creating something that was inspired by a part of Newfoundland history. This painting tells an important story of what those brave souls were about.
What has the public response been like now that it is finished?
A: It is turning out to be a huge success! It seems to have touched the hearts of not only Newfoundlanders, but many other Canadians. If people are interested in purchasing a print of “Forget Me Not” they can email me at rod_hand2@hotmail.com.