Philanthropist driving force behind Beaumont-Hamel exhibit

PhilanthropistElinor Gill Ratcliffe, whohas been leading the charge to raise money for the Royal Newfoundland Regiment Gallery at The Rooms, says she has been motivated by her personal convictions about the value of history.

Sadly he did not survive the war but we have his medals and they will be in the museum which is very moving.- Elinor Gill Ratcliffe

She said she is a strong believer in the project,and that most people in Newfoundland and Labrador are too.

"The Rooms sent out questionnaires went out to communities and asked,'What's important, what do you want to have in this museum, what's the iconic thing about being a Newfoundlander?' The No. 1answer wasBeaumont-Hamel," said Ratcliffe.

Personal connection

Ratcliffedonated more than$3 millionto the project,and while shehas supportedmany other causes over the years, this one has a special personal connection.

Her mother's brother, Roy Saunders fromCarbonear, was honoured for his service during the battle ofPasschendaele, one of the key battles of the First World War. His medals are now part of the exhibit.

"The medal I am most proud of [is]the military medal for extreme bravery inPasschendaele,"Ratcliffetold St. John's Morning Show in an recent interview.

"Sadly,he did not survive the war but we have his medals and they will be in the museum,which is very moving."

The exhibit will focus on the infamous Battle of Beaumont-Hamel on July 1, 1916, but encompasses other aspects of the war.

Sacrifices and triumphs

Ratcliffesaid with the100thanniversary of that dreadful day inBeaumont-Hamelapproaching,it was important to honour not only the soldiers but the people who held down the forts at home.

"The mothers,the wives,the sweethearts, the elderly who were such stellar support," saidRatcliffe.

"They knit the socks, they wrote the news of family and sent those care packages."

Ratcliffeadded that the exhibit is not only an important commemoration of our loss and service atBeaumont-Hamel but speaks toour sacrifices and triumphs as well.

Give a gift with meaning

If you'relooking for a keepsake or a gift with meaning, Ratcliffesuggesteda one of a kind designforget-me-not scarf fromThe Rooms gift shop.

"It is a forget-me-not scarf and it's being sold in the gift shop of The Rooms to commemorate the sacrifice of our Royal Newfoundland Regiment in the Great Warit's going to be available for the foreseeable future."