Trip to France gave young reservist insight into what Remembrance Day is all about
By Olivia Bradbury/Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
As communities around the province mark Remembrance Day this year, Corporal Jack Baggs of Conception Bay South is among a small group of reservists and regular soldiers who gained unique insight this past summer on the sacrifices that inspire Canadians’ determination to remember its veterans and those lost in war. The 25-year-old was among a contingent that journeyed to France to repatriate the remains of Newfoundland’s Unknown Soldier, who was among many Newfoundlanders killed and left missing in the First World War.
Baggs, along with other reservists, regular Forces personnel, veterans, and politicians claimed the remains at a ceremony in France and accompanied the unnamed soldier back to Newfoundland, where he was interred at the National War Monument on Duckworth Street in St. John’s.
“It was a really big honour to be part of something like that,” said Baggs. “Not everyone gets an opportunity to do anything like that. And just knowing that we’re the last Commonwealth place to get a tomb of the unknown soldier, (means) this will never happen again. It’s a once in a lifetime experience.”
Archaeologists in France had exhumed the soldier and confirmed he was a member of the Newfoundland Regiment.
“He can represent everyone,” said Baggs, referring to the soldier’s lost identity.
Before travelling to France in June, those who made up the delegation did a lot of training and drill practice. There was a strict protocol as to how the remains were to be handled. They received the soldier’s remains from the French military in a handover ceremony. During the transport of the body, the delegation had to go through certain motions and handle the casket in specific ways. The Unknown Soldier was buried in Newfoundland soil on Memorial Day, July 1st.
The trip marked Baggs’ first time visiting Beaumont-Hamel, where he learned a lot more about the battle. He encourages anyone who is ever abroad in Europe, especially Newfoundlanders, to visit Beaumont-Hamel and take the tour if they have the opportunity.
“It was a great experience to be part of,” he allowed.
Baggs, along with other members of the delegation, were recently awarded King Charles III Coronation Medals for their roles. It is awarded to individuals who have made “positive contributions to Canada and its provinces.”
Baggs, who has been in the reserves since 2016 and serves as a combat engineer, said while the work can sometimes be challenging, it is also rewarding.
“We deal with a lot of explosives and building bridges while also fighting as infantries, so we have various tasks that we have to complete,” he explained.
There is always opportunity for promotion, he added, and the work itself keeps you active.
Baggs worked as a reservist while attending studies at Memoriam University. He said the military pay is good, especially for someone a bit younger, and the days can be flexible, which was beneficial while he was going to school. The military covers part of your tuition and puts education first, he said. Baggs earned a Bachelor of Arts, with a major in police studies and a minor in sociology. He hopes to be a police officer after he leaves the reserves. For anyone interested in a career or unsure of what they want to do, he thinks the military can be a great stepping stone.
“Looking back at it, I don’t think there would have been a better job for me,” said Baggs.
