St. John's, Newfoundland & Labrador
Mr. William (Bill) Coultas has spent the better part of 20 years bringing to consciousness the life, memory and relationships of the soldiers of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment of the First World War, through the production of audiovisual material for the visitor centre at the Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial, a National Historic Site of Canada, located in France
Mr. Coultas co-produced with Bob Wakeham the television documentary called I Remain, Your Loving Son. The documentary his been aired on regional CBC network and on national CBS twice, and it serves not only as a reminder for Newfoundlanders of that tragedy but also a history lesson for Canadians. This documentary has been used effectively in classrooms to teach Canadian history. The students get a true insight into the tragedy and hardships of war and are able to feel compassion and empathy towards the soldiers, their families and their loved ones.
His most recent project, Descendants, The Past is Cast, produced for the local broadcaster NTV highlights the outstanding work of bronze sculptor Morgan MacDonald and our history and connection to the First World War through reflections of the descendants of soldiers. By casting the faces of descendants, this initiative creates an opportunity for current generations to honour the lost and also celebrate the survival of the families affected.
As the great nephew of two men killed at Beaumont-Hamel, his passion for these projects is evident in his generosity of time and talent. His work has increased public knowledge and awareness about the story of the Newfoundland Regiment in the Great War.