The 100th Blue Puttee - The Origin of "Cien"

Today is an important day in Newfoundland history, as we remember the lives of the near 700 men of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment who had died or became injured on the first day of the Battle of the Somme back on July 1st, 1916. The Regiment, nicknamed "The Blue Puttees" because of their unusually-colored leg wrappings, were ordered to attack, their objective to sieze control of German trenches near the village of Beaumont-Hamel. This attack turned out to be a devasating failure, as the German forces had far more defensive firepower than expected, resulting the aforementioned injuries and deaths. In a single day, 324 of the Puttees were killed, missing, or presumed dead, and 386 were wounded; only 68 men were able to answer their roll call. Among the wounded was my Great Grandfather, William Thomas Gellately, the 100th registered soldier of the Regiment.

In rememberance of my Great Grandfather's service in World War 1, I took on the name "Cien" as a username, as well as created the character "Cien Laguoire", the main protagonist of The Chronicles of Angelus. The name came from my Great Grandfather's registered number as a soldier in the Royal Newfoundland Regiment. For those that are unfamiliar with Spanish, the Spanish word for "one hundred" is "cien". I felt that it sounded like it could be somebody's name, even if it is an exotic one. I've been using this name for over a decade now, and I feel that "Cien" has become a part of who I am. It's a name I bear with personal pride, and one I use in honor of my ancestor and his service.

It is important to remember, though, not only William Gellately, but his comrades in arms in the Royal Newfoundland Regiment, the Allied soldiers that gave their lives in the First World War, and even the many, many soldiers that serve and have served their country in the past and present. Without them and their sacrifices, this world and our lives would be much different. Please take time to remember and be thankful for these brave souls, as I am thankful for the freedom and peace that myself and many others enjoy because of their duty.