World War I Collective Memory in Newfoundland
This guest lecture delves into the impact of the First World War on Newfoundland's collective memory, presented by Jerry Bannister in 2014, offering unique insights into historical perspectives and remembrance.
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Presentation Transcript
The First World War and Collective Memory in Newfoundland Guest Lecture to History 2014 Jerry Bannister 10 November2015
Introduction Understanding the relationship between history and memory History versus heritage Nationalism and myth-making The development of Newfoundland s memory of the First World War Place of July 1st1916 (Battle of the Somme) Differences between Newfoundland & Canada
Understanding Memory, Myth, and History Selective process of Collective Memory Powerful role of myth-making and stories Links between myths and nationalism Role of heritage
David Lowenthal on Heritage versus History In domesticating the past we enlist it for present causes. Legends of origin and endurance, of victory or calamity, project the present back, the past forward; they align us with forbears whose virtues we share and whose vices we shun. We are apt to call such communion history, but it is actually heritage. The distinction is vital. History explores and explains pasts grown ever more opaque over time; heritage clarifies pasts so as to infuse them with present purposes.
Newfoundland and the First World War Enlistment of the First Five Hundred, also known as the Blue Puttees Role of Newfoundland Patriotic Association By 1918, 6,200 men had served in Newfoundland Regiment Fatalities claimed 1,281 (some accounts say 1,305) of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment's men; another 2,284 were wounded
Assault at Beaumont Hamel 9:15 am, 1 July 1916 801 men went over the top at 9:15 When roll call was taken the next day, only 68 men answered their names 324 were killed, or missing and presumed dead, and 386 were wounded. The dead included 14 sets of brothers Imagery and the danger tree
Commander of British 29thDivision "It was a magnificent display of trained and disciplined valour, and its assault only failed of success because dead men can advance no further. Regiment later given Royal status
Divergence in National Memories 1) Beaumont Hamel and Newfoundland => 1 July 1916: mourned as tragic loss 2) Vimy Ridge and the Maritimes 9 April 1917: celebrated as national victory
Opening of Newfoundlands National War Memorial, 1924
Reenactment in 2014 of March of the First Five Hundred
Opening of Beaumont Hamel Memorial Park
Impact of WWI on Newfoundland Impact of WWI on Newfoundland economy Issue of partial default on $100 million debt Colonial Building Riot in 1932 Role of Britain and Canada Amulree Royal Commission Commission of Government, 1934-1949 Unelected group of 6 commissioners (3 from NL, 3 from Britain), chaired by unelected governor
Peckford on Newfoundland History Confederation...flowed from our whole history of colonialism, subjugation and exploitation.... Not much has really changed: the essential elements are still present....The central question is whether we will be true to our history and once again barter away our future.
History as a Cultural Leash But I wondered if I, too, had reached the limits of a leash I had not until now even known I was wearing and was, like my father, coming home not because I wanted to, but because I was being pulled back, yanked back by the past. Joey Smallwood character in Colony of Unrequited Dreams.
The Seductive Power of Conspiracy Theories
Conclusions Selective process of public remembering Collapsing of wartime experiences into single mythic narrative focusing on Beaumont Hamel Development of national commemoration focused on Memorial Day more than Remembrance Day Story of heroic sacrifice transforms into a narrative of national loss
