Grand Falls-Windsor cadets plan trip to Beaumont-Hamel

Army cadets from Grand Falls-Windsor are hoping to travel to France next summer for the 100th anniversary of the Beaumont-Hamel tragedy.

The group is named 1916 Beaumont Hamel in honour of the sacrifices made by the Newfoundland Regiment during the First World War.

It's a trip that has special relevance for the people of Grand Falls-Windsor, as more than 60 young men from the community volunteered in the First World War. Another 11 men from the area lost their lives at Beaumont-Hamel.

"These are men that volunteered to go and fight for home and country, and they paid the ultimate sacrifice," said Lawrence Ducey, a member of the local Kiwanis club, which is sponsoring the cadets.

"This year, with the 100th anniversary, I think it's something we need to make an extra effort to acknowledge their sacrifice."

Fundraising campaign kicked off this week

Seventeen cadets are looking to head over next year, and a fundraising campaign for the group kicked off this week.

The total cost of the trip will be between $65,000 and $85,000.

"Not only is this a great opportunity for these cadets to go over and pay tribute and respect to these men who are killed in action on that day, but also it's an opportunity for them to see London, see Paris, visit the battlefields and learn a great deal about what warfare was like at that time and what these men went through." says Ducey.

The group is planning to send letters to local businesses asking for support, and hopes to see a positive response from members of the community.

Potential donors are being asked to visit the group's GoFundMe page.

If all goes well, the trip will take place from June 26 to July 4, with the intention of being in Beaumont-Hamel for the centennial anniversary on July 1.