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Unveiling Newfoundland's Eerie History: Walking the Fields of the Newfoundland Dead

Melvin Blair

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Published in Into The Blizzard: Walking The Fields Of The Newfoundland Dead

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Nestled amidst the rugged coastlines and rolling hills of Newfoundland lies a tapestry woven with tales of tragedy, resilience, and the indomitable spirit of its people. In the captivating pages of "Walking the Fields of the Newfoundland Dead," renowned author J.P. Andrist embarks on a poignant journey to uncover the haunting stories that have shaped this enigmatic land.

Into the Blizzard: Walking the Fields of the Newfoundland Dead

by Michael Winter

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4658 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	353 pages

The Loss of the Newfoundland Regiment

At the heart of Andrist's narrative lies the tragic loss of the Newfoundland Regiment during the First World War. On July 1, 1916, at the Battle of the Somme, over 800 young men from Newfoundland and Labrador - nearly a fifth of their total population - were killed or wounded in a single day. The author meticulously reconstructs the events that led to this catastrophic event, painting a vivid picture of the courage and sacrifice of those who fought and fell.

The Ghostly Legacy of the SS Ethie

The waters surrounding Newfoundland have also witnessed their share of tragedy. In 1942, the SS Ethie, a cargo ship bound for the United Kingdom, was torpedoed by a German U-boat off the coast of Cape Race. The ship sank in just 15 minutes, claiming the lives of all but 21 of its 57 crew members. Over the years, numerous reports have emerged of ghostly sightings and eerie occurrences at the site of the wreck, adding to the legend of the SS Ethie.

The Harrowing Tales of Sealers and Fishermen

Newfoundland's rugged coastline has long been a lifeline for its inhabitants, providing sustenance and livelihood through fishing and sealing. However, this unforgiving environment has also taken its toll. Andrist delves into the harrowing tales of shipwrecks, ice entrapments, and perilous encounters with nature that have claimed the lives of countless fishermen and sealers over the centuries.

The Forgotten Graves of Beothuk Indians

Before European settlers arrived in Newfoundland, the island was home to the Beothuk, an indigenous people who lived in harmony with their surroundings. However, the arrival of Europeans brought disease, violence, and a relentless campaign of colonization that decimated the Beothuk population. Andrist explores the forgotten graves and lingering memories of this vanished culture, shedding light on the tragic chapter in Newfoundland's history.

A Journey of Remembrance and Healing

"Walking the Fields of the Newfoundland Dead" is not merely a recounting of tragedies past. It is a journey of remembrance and healing, as Andrist seeks to give voice to the countless lives that have been lost and to honor their enduring legacy. Through vivid descriptions, poignant anecdotes, and historical research, the author brings the history of Newfoundland alive, reminding readers of the fragility of life and the power of human resilience.

"Walking the Fields of the Newfoundland Dead" is a haunting and unforgettable exploration of a land marked by both tragedy and triumph. Through its pages, J.P. Andrist weaves a compelling narrative that pays homage to the lives that have shaped Newfoundland's past and continues to inspire its present. Whether you are a history buff, a lover of ghost stories, or simply someone who appreciates a well-crafted tale, this book will captivate your imagination and leave a lasting impression.

Into the Blizzard: Walking the Fields of the Newfoundland Dead

by Michael Winter

4.4 out of 5