Guards - Belgium Cemeteries list

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• ADEGEM CANADIAN WAR CEMETERY Maldegem, Oost-Vlaanderen
• ADINKERKE MILITARY CEMETERY De Panne, West-Vlaanderen
• AUDERGHEM (OUDERGEM) COMMUNAL CEMETERY Oudergem, Vlaams-Brabant
• BAILLEUL COMMUNAL CEMETERY (HAINAUT) Estaimpuis, Hainaut
• BAS-WARNETON (NEERWAASTEN) COMMUNAL CEMETERY Comines-Warneton, Hainaut
• BEVERLO COMMUNAL CEMETERY Beringen, Limburg
• BISSEGEM COMMUNAL CEMETERY Kortrijk, West-Vlaanderen
• BRAINE-L'ALLEUD COMMUNAL CEMETERY Braine-l'Alleud, Brabant Wallon
• BRUGGE GENERAL CEMETERY Brugge, West-Vlaanderen
• BRUSSELS TOWN CEMETERY Evere, Vlaams-Brabant
• CEMENT HOUSE CEMETERY Langemark-Poelkapelle, West-V.
• COMINES (KOMEN) COMMUNAL CEMETERY Comines-Warneton, Hainaut
• COXYDE MILITARY CEMETERY Koksijde, West-Vlaanderen
• DE PANNE COMMUNAL CEMETERY Belgium De Panne, West-Vlaanderen
• DOZINGHEM MILITARY CEMETERY Belgium Poperinge, West-Vlaanderen
• ENGHIEN (EDINGEN) COMMUNAL CEMETERY Belgium Enghien, Hainaut
• ESQUELMES WAR CEMETERY Belgium Pecq, Hainaut
• GEEL WAR CEMETERY Belgium Geel, Antwerpen
• GENT CITY CEMETERY Belgium Gent, Oost-Vlaanderen
• HASSELT (KRUISVELD) COMMUNAL CEMETERY Belgium Hasselt, Limburg
• HELKIJN (HELCHIN) CHURCHYARD Belgium Spiere-Helkijn, West-Vlaanderen
• HEVERLEE WAR CEMETERY Belgium Leuven, Vlaams-Brabant
• HOOGSTADE CHURCHYARD Belgium Alveringem, West-Vlaanderen
• LEEFDAAL CHURCHYARD Belgium Bertem, Vlaams-Brabant
• LEOPOLDSBURG WAR CEMETERY Belgium Leopoldsburg, Limburg
• LEUVEN COMMUNAL CEMETERY Belgium Leuven, Vlaams-Brabant
• MIDDELKERKE COMMUNAL CEMETERY Belgium Middelkerke, West-Vlaanderen
• NEERPELT COMMUNAL CEMETERY Belgium Neerpelt, Limburg
• OOSTENDE NEW COMMUNAL CEMETERY Belgium Oostende, West-Vlaanderen
• OOSTVLETEREN CHURCHYARD Belgium Vleteren, West-Vlaanderen
• OUTER COMMUNAL CEMETERY Belgium Ninove, Oost-Vlaanderen
• PECQ COMMUNAL CEMETERY Belgium Pecq, Hainaut
• PEUTIE COMMUNAL CEMETERY Belgium Vilvoorde, Vlaams-Brabant
• RAMEGNIES-CHIN CHURCHYARD Belgium Tournai, Hainaut
• SCHOONSELHOF CEMETERY Belgium Antwerpen, Antwerpen
• ST. AMANDSBERG COMMUNAL CEMETERY Belgium Gent, Oost-Vlaanderen
• ST. STEVENS-WOLUWE COMMUNAL CEMETERY Belgium Zaventem, Vlaams-Brabant
• TOURNAI COMMUNAL CEMETERY ALLIED EXTENSION Belgium Tournai, Hainaut
• VEURNE COMMUNAL CEMETERY EXTENSION Belgium Veurne, West-Vlaanderen
• VOORDE CHURCHYARD Belgium Ninove, Oost-Vlaanderen
• WARNETON (WAASTEN) COMMUNAL CEMETERY Belgium Comines-Warneton, Hainaut
• WAVRE COMMUNAL CEMETERY Belgium Wavre, Brabant Wallon
• WILSELE CHURCHYARD Belgium Leuven, Vlaams-Brabant

 

ADEGEM CANADIAN WAR CEMETERY

• Country: Belgium
• Locality: Maldegem, Oost-Vlaanderen
• Visiting Information: Wheelchair access to the cemetery is possible, but may be by an alternative entrance. For further information regarding wheelchair access, please contact our Enquiries Section on telephone number 01628 507200.
• Location Information: Adegem Canadian War Cemetery is located midway between Brugge (17 km) and Gent (26 km) on the N9 which connects the two towns. From Brugge, Adegem is approached via Sijsele and Maldegem. On reaching Adegem the cemetery is located on the Prins Boudewijnlaan, on the right hand side of the N9.
• Historical Information: In the last week of September 1944, the Allies held the city of Antwerp, but the Germans held both shores of the Scheldt estuary, so that the port of Antwerp could not be used. The task of clearing the southern shore of the estuary was allotted to the 3rd Canadian Division, aided by the 4th Canadian Armoured Division and the 52nd Division. Their operations lasted from October until the beginning of November 1944; by 3 November the Germans had been cleared from the north-west corner of Belgium and the south shore of the Scheldt was free. There had been fierce fighting for two weeks for the crossing of the Leopold Canal. The majority of the men buried at Adegem died during the operations for the clearance of the south bank of the Scheldt, but many Canadians who lost their lives elsewhere in Belgium were also brought here for burial. A number of isolated graves from various communal cemeteries and churchyards in Belgium have also been brought into this cemetery since the end of the war. The cemetery now contains 1,119 Commonwealth burials of the Second World War and one unidentified burial of the First World War. There are also 33 Polish and two French burials.
• No. of Identified Casualties: 1109

1. DEFERM, SAMUEL S LANCE CORPORAL 2ND BN. Grenadier Guards 6607559 20.05.1940
2. FALLA, JOHN J GUARDSMAN 3RD BN. Grenadier Guards 2613320 18.05.1940
3. REYNOLDS, JOHN JAMES J J LANCE CORPORAL 2ND BN. Grenadier Guards 2614440 20.05.1940
4. ROWLEY, ALFRED A GUARDSMAN 2ND BN. Grenadier Guards 2616508 20.05.1940
5. SIMPKIN, HORACE EDWARD H E GUARDSMAN - Grenadier Guards 2616653 04.06.1940
6. VINCENT, FREDERICK GEORGE F G GUARDSMAN 1ST BN. Grenadier Guards 2612591 18.05.1940

 

ADINKERKE MILITARY CEMETERY

• Country: Belgium
• Locality: De Panne, West-Vlaanderen
• Visiting Information: December 2010 NOTE: Due to severe frost conditions, a part of the boundary wall at Adinkerke Military Cemetery has recently collapsed. The area around it will be made safe for the public and the wall is likely to be rebuilt by October 2011, weather permitting. Visitors should note a 50 metre grassed access path to this site which is not suitable for vehicles. The location or design of this site, makes wheelchair access impossible. For further information regarding wheelchair access, please contact our Enquiries Section on telephone number 01628 507200.
• Location Information: Adinkerke Military Cemetery is located 6 km west of Veurne, 3 km inland from the costal town of Koksijde and 20 km east of Dunkirk. From Veurne the N39 Duinkerkestraat leads for 6 km to the village of Adinkerke. On reaching the village of Adinkerke the cemetery is located on the first left hand turning onto the Kromfortstraat, on the left hand side of the road.
• Historical Information: From June to November 1917 the Commonwealth XV Corps held the front from the Belgian coast to St. Georges. The 24th and 39th Casualty Clearing Stations were posted at Oosthoek (between Adinkerke and Furnes) from July to November, and the 1st Canadian Casualty Clearing Station was at Adinkerke for a short time in June. During the Second World War, the British Expeditionary Force was involved in the later stages of the defence of Belgium following the German invasion in May 1940, and suffered many casualties in covering the withdrawal to Dunkirk. Commonwealth forces did not return until September 1944, but in the intervening years, many airmen were shot down or crashed in raids on strategic objectives in Belgium, or while returning from missions over Germany. Adinkerke Military Cemetery contains 168 Commonwealth burials of the First World War, and 55 from the Second World War. There are also 142 Czech and German war graves.
• No. of Identified Casualties: 359

1. 2615259 Guardsman Jack HOWARTH, 1 Grenadier Guards: 29/05/1940 Grave Reference G. 19.

 

AUDERGHEM (OUDERGEM) COMMUNAL CEMETERY

• Country: Belgium
• Locality: Oudergem, Vlaams-Brabant
• Location Information: Auderghem, is 7 kilometres south-east of Brussels. The cemetery is about 230 metres south of the road to Wavre. The cemetery entrance is from Jean van Hoorenbeecklaan. On entering the cemetery walk down the centre path until the second roundabout with the large war memorial in the centre. Two of the Commonwealth graves are in the plot directly behind the war memorial whilst the other four are in the plot to the right. All six headstone have a badge in the form of the Union flag.
• Historical Information: The British Expeditionary Force was involved in the later stages of the defence of Belgium following the German invasion in May 1940, and suffered many casualties in covering the withdrawal to Dunkirk. Commonwealth forces did not return until September 1944, but in the intervening years, many airmen were shot down or crashed in raids on strategic objectives in Belgium, or while returning from missions over Germany. Auderghem Communal Cemetery contains six Commonwealth burials of the Second World War. The graves are marked by private memorials erected by the local authorities.
• No. of Identified Casualties: 6

1. 2723669 Robert Terrance CLISBY, 2 Irish Guards
2. 2736771 Thomas HINKINSON, 1 Welsh Guards
3. 2735972 Owen Hugh HUGHES, 1 Welsh Guards
4. 2738575 Frank Gilbert THOMAS, 1 Welsh Guards

 

BAILLEUL COMMUNAL CEMETERY (HAINAUT)

• Country: Belgium
• Locality: Estaimpuis, Hainaut
• Visiting Information: Wheelchair access possible via main entrance. For further information regarding wheelchair access, please contact our Enquiries Section on telephone number 01628 507200.
• Location Information: Bailleul Communal Cemetery is located between Kortrijk (20 Km) and Tournai (11 Km). From Tournai the N50 leads for 3 km to the left hand turning onto rue de Templeuve (towards Ramegnies Chin). 8 km along this road lies the village of Bailleul. The cemetery is located on a small lane leading from the church and market square. The graves are located in the south-east corner of the cemetery.
• Historical Information: The British Expeditionary Force was involved in the later stages of the defence of Belgium following the German invasion in May 1940, and suffered many casualties in covering the withdrawal to Dunkirk. Bailleul Communal Cemetery contains three Commonwealth burials of the Second World War.
• No. of Identified Casualties: 3

1. 2653732 Warrant Officer Class III Frank Ernest COURT, Coldstream Guards: 21/05/1940 Grave Reference Grave 2
2. 2614860 Guardsman Herbert Stanley Ernest LITTLE 3rd Bn. Grenadier Guards 21.05.1940

 

BAS-WARNETON (NEERWAASTEN) COMMUNAL CEMETERY

• Country: Belgium
• Locality: Comines-Warneton, Hainaut
• Visiting Information: Wheelchair access possible via main entrance. For further information regarding wheelchair access, please contact our Enquiries Department on telephone number: 01628 634221
• Location Information: Bas-Warneton (Neerwaasten) Communal Cemetery is located 12 Km south east of Ieper town centre on a road leading from the Rijselsestraat N336, connecting Ieper to Bas-Warneton and onto Lille. From Ieper town centre the Rijselsestraat runs from the market square, through the Lille Gate (Rijselpoort) and directly over the crossroads with the Ieper ring road. The road name then changes to the Rijselseweg, (N336). 3.5 Km along the N336 lies a fork junction with the N365, the left hand fork of which continues the N336 towards Bas-Warneton. On reaching the village of Bas-Warneton the road name becomes chaussee d`Ypres. The cemetery is located by turning left onto the N515 chaussee de Warneton. 1 Km along this road lies the right hand turning onto the rue de l`Ancienne Place. The cemetery is located 600 metres along this road on a track junction with chemin du Prieure.
• Historical Information: The British Expeditionary Force was involved in the later stages of the defence of Belgium following the German invasion in May 1940, and suffered many casualties in covering the withdrawal to Dunkirk. Bas-Warneton Communal Cemetery contains 53 Commonwealth burials of the Second World War, six of them unidentified.
• No. of Identified Casualties: 47

1. 2613556 Guardsman Allen John BARTON, 3 Grenadier Guards: 28/05/1940 Grave Reference Grave 36
2. 3652644 Guardsman Harold BELLIS 3rd Bn. Grenadier Guards 28.05.1940 Grave Reference
3. 2615902 Guardsman Derrick John Herbert COSSER, 3 Grenadier Guards: 28/05/1940 Grave Reference Grave 53.
4. 557505 Lance-Corporal Harry Richard DEXTER 3rd Bn. Grenadier Guards 21.05.1940 Grave Reference
5. 2611284 Guardsman John DOBSON, 3 Grenadier Guards: 28/05/1940 Grave Reference Grave 51.
6. 769279 Guardsman Thomas Sydney Garnet DURDLE 3rd Bn. Grenadier Guards 28.05.1940 Grave Reference
7. 2616082 Lance-Corporal Frederick Alan EASTON, 3 Grenadier Guards: 28/05/1940 Grave Reference Grave 41
8. 5182911 Guardsman Ronald Joseph GEORGE, 3 Grenadier Guards: 28/05/1940 Grave Reference Grave 33
9. 2616849 Guardsman Joseph Bernard GILBERT, Grenadier Guards: 29/05/1940 Grave Reference Grave 47
10. 2613779 Lance-Corporal Ronald HARRIS, 3 Grenadier Guards: 28/05/1940 Grave Reference Grave 35.
11. 2613442 Lance-Serjeant George Ernest MORING 3rd Bn. Grenadier Guards 28.05.1940 Grave Reference
12. 2615653 Lance-Corporal Edgar David ROBERTS, 3 Grenadier Guards: 25/05/1940 Grave Reference Grave 51
13. 2615721 Guardsman John Phillip ROSENBERG, 3 Grenadier Guards: 28/05/1940 Grave Reference Grave 39

 

BEVERLO COMMUNAL CEMETERY

• Country: Belgium
• Locality: Beringen, Limburg
• Location Information: Beverlo Communal Cemetery is located 25 km north of Hasselt. From Leopoldsburg train station. Turn right out of the station into the Nicolaylaan and drive 100 m to the 'T' junction. At the 'T' junction turn right onto the N72 over the level crossing. Follow the N72 through the village of Heppen for 5.5 kilometers and Beverlo C C is on the right side of the road. The small Commission plot is sited at the far right hand corner within the Communal Cemetery.
• Historical Information: The British Expeditionary Force was involved in the later stages of the defence of Belgium following the German invasion in May 1940, and suffered many casualties in covering the withdrawal to Dunkirk. Commonwealth forces did not return until September 1944, but in the intervening years, many airmen were shot down or crashed in raids on strategic objectives in Belgium, or while returning from missions over Germany. Beverlo Communal Cemetery contains two Second World War burials, both in Belgian pelouse d'honneur.
• No. of Identified Casualties: 2

1. BROUGH, FREDERICK F SERJEANT 1ST BN. Coldstream Guards 2658813 08.09.1944
2. JELFS, BERTRAM FREDERICK B F GUARDSMAN 5TH BN. Coldstream Guards 2662553 08.09.1944

 

BISSEGEM COMMUNAL CEMETERY

• Country: Belgium
• Locality: Kortrijk, West-Vlaanderen
• Visiting Information: Wheelchair access possible via main entrance. For further information regarding wheelchair access, please contact our Enquiries Department on telephone number: 01628 634221
• Location Information: Bissegem Communal Cemetery is located 26 km east of Ieper and 2 km west of Kortrijk town centre. From Ieper town centre the cemetery is located via the N8 Meenseweg, a road connecting Ieper to Menen and onto Bissegem. 500 metres after crossing the Kortrijk ring road (R8), lies the right hand turning from the N8 Meensesteenweg onto Driekerkenstraat. The cemetery lies 1 km after this right hand turning on the left hand side of the Driekerkenstraat on the junction with Kerkvoetweg.
• Historical Information: Bissegem Communal Cemetery contains the graves of 25 Commonwealth servicemen of the First World War, all dating from late October 1918 and the Allied advance to victory. The eight Second World War burials all date from late May and early June 1940 and the withdrawal to Dunkirk ahead of the German advance.
• No. of Identified Casualties: 31

1. MORRIS, ALBERT A GUARDSMAN 3RD BN. Grenadier Guards 783275 28.05.1940
2. SMITH, ERNEST JOSEPH E J GUARDSMAN 3RD BN. Grenadier Guards 2614837 BETWEEN 20.05.1940 AND 28.05.1940

 

BRAINE-L'ALLEUD COMMUNAL CEMETERY

• Country: Belgium
• Locality: Braine-l'Alleud, Brabant Wallon
• Location Information: The village of Braine-l'Alleud is situated to the south-west of Waterloo off the ring road R0. From the ring road R0 turn off at Junction 5, Braine-l'Alleud, and drive in the direction of the town along rue du Piraumont. Cross the railway and continue to the T junction at the end of the road. Turn right into Chaussee D'Ophain and follow the main road - there is a sharp bend to the right followed by another sharp bend to the left. Past this bend the road joins with another main road in the direction for Brussels. A short way after this junction there is a fork off to the right. Take the right hand road called rue Pierre Flamand and the cemetery is along on the right. If you miss the fork carry on along the main road, cross over the railway and then take the first turn on the right called rue Jean Volders, turn first right again and the cemetery is on the left. The Commonwealth graves are located to the left hand side of the cemetery. Walk through the main entrance and turn left along the path. Follow this path to the corner, turn right and the graves will be found on the left.
• Historical Information: The British Expeditionary Force was involved in the later stages of the defence of Belgium following the German invasion in May 1940, and suffered many casualties in covering the withdrawal to Dunkirk. Commonwealth forces did not return until September 1944, but in the intervening years, many airmen were shot down or crashed in raids on strategic objectives in Belgium, or while returning from missions over Germany. Baine-L'Alleud Communal Cemetery contains three Commonwealth buials of the Second World War, two of which are unidentified, and one First World War burial.
• No. of Identified Casualties: 2

1. 2723227 Percival William PRATT, 2 Irish Guards

 

BRUGGE GENERAL CEMETERY

• Country: Belgium
• Locality: Brugge, West-Vlaanderen
• Visiting Information: Wheelchair access possible via main entrance. For further information regarding wheelchair access, please contact our Enquiries Department on telephone number: 01628 634221
• Location Information: Brugge General Cemetery is located in the south east district of the town of Brugge. The N50 leads from the R30 Brugge ring road, heading towards Oostkamp. 2 kilometres along the N50, Baron Rusettelaan, lies the left hand turning onto Brugs-Kerkhofstraat. The cemetery is located at the end of Brugs-Kerkhofstraat. The Commission plot is located centrally in the cemetery and vehicle access is possible via Kleine Kerkhofstraat. This cemetery is not an open site and access is limited by normal cemetery opening hours.
• Historical Information: The British Expeditionary Force was involved in the later stages of the defence of Belgium following the German invasion in May 1940, and suffered many casualties in covering the withdrawal to Dunkirk. Commonwealth forces did not return until September 1944, but in the intervening years, many airmen were shot down or crashed in raids on strategic objectives in Belgium, or while returning from missions over Germany. The Commonwealth plot in Brugge General Cemetery contains 81 Second World War burials and one Dutch war grave. The Belgian military plot contains one Commonwealt burial of the First World War.
• No. of Identified Casualties: 83

1. 2613879 Guardsman Harrison Peace FORD, 2 Grenadier Guards: 13/06/1940 Plot 63. Row 2. Grave 19.
2. WILSON, TOM GUARDSMAN 1ST BN. Grenadier Guards 2613638 04.06.1940

 

BRUSSELS TOWN CEMETERY

• Country: Belgium
• Locality: Evere, Vlaams-Brabant
• Visiting Information: The Cemetery Opening Hours are:- Closed on Mondays. Open every other day: 0830 - 1630. Please Note: Information received from the local authorities at Brussels states that "In accordance with their regulations it is forbidden to photograph headstones, in order to guarantee the anonymity and out of respect to the dead, without prior approval of the local alderman responsible for funerals and burials." However, as the Commission has no objections to photographs being taken or to the filming of our war graves, it is suggested that visitors wishing to do so should make this known to the staff in the office at the entrance of the cemetery. Wheelchair access to site is possible, but may be an alternative entrance. For further information regarding wheelchair access, please contact our Enquiries Section on telephone number 01628 507200.
• Location Information: Brussels Town Cemetery is located in the north east corner of Brussels in the district of Evere. Follow the E40 Brussels-Liege road in the direction of Brussels and leave at junction 19, signposted Woluwe and Evere. Follow the sign Evere to the right and continue 500 metres along the avenue des Communautes to the first set of traffic lights. Go straight ahead here and down the avenue Ciceron to turn left around the roundabout at the bottom of the road. The entrance to the Town Cemetery is then on your right. Follow the main avenue through the cemetery as far as you can go and the Commission plot is on your left.
• Historical Information: Brussels was in German hands from 20 August 1914 to the date of the Armistice. Plot X of the cemetery contains the graves of 54 Commonwealth casualties, 50 of which were prisoners of war whose bodies were brought back from Germany by the Canadian Corps in April 1919. The British Expeditionary Force was involved in the later stages of the defence of Belgium following the German invasion in May 1940, and suffered many casualties in covering the withdrawal to Dunkirk. Commonwealth forces did not return until September 1944, but in the intervening years, many airmen were shot down or crashed in raids on strategic objectives in Belgium, or while returning from missions over Germany. Most of the Second World War casualties buried in the town cemetery died on lines of communication duties after the liberation of Brussels at the beginning of September 1944, but a few date from the brief period that the BEF spent in Belgium in May 1940. Brussels Town Cemetery contains 54 Commonwealth burials of the First World War and a further 587 from the Second World War, 4 of which are unidentified. There are also 35 Foreign National burials here and 5 Non world war Service burials.
• No. of Identified Casualties: 681

1. 2724119 Albert Victor ALLDIS, 3 Irish Guards
2. ARNOLD, ARTHUR EDWARD A E GUARDSMAN 5TH BN. Coldstream Guards 2659783 08.09.1944
3. 2723094 James Henry BLACK, 2 Irish Guards
4. BODLEY, THOMAS MILES COURTENAY T M C LIEUTENANT - Coldstream Guards 186907 16.09.1944
5. 2721100 William CHAMBERS, 2 Irish Guards
6. 2739164 Anthony COLEMAN, 1 Welsh Guards
7. 2738554 Alwyn Durrant CORNOCK, 1 Welsh Guards
8. DALE, ALFRED A SERJEANT 5TH BN. Coldstream Guards 2659746 09.09.1944
9. DAWSON, GEORGE G GUARDSMAN 5TH BN. Coldstream Guards 2664342 25.09.1944
10. DRANE, FRANK HERBERT F H GUARDSMAN 1ST BN. Grenadier Guards 2625675 08.02.1945
11. 2724101 Lawrence GILMORE, 3 Irish Guards
12. 2719061 Thomas Cecil HEMINGWAY, 1 Irish Guards
13. 2736246 William Stewart JONES, 1 Welsh Guards
14. 2736096 Guardsman Griffith Beavan LEWIS, 1 Welsh Guards: 10/09/1944 Grave Reference X. 18. 15
15. MARRIOTT, MILES REGINALD ROSTRON M R R CAPTAIN 2ND BN. Grenadier Guards 112883 04.05.1945
16. 2719287 Lawrence McKEEGAN, 3 Irish Guards
17. 2719160 John Edward MODLER, 2 Irish Guards
18. 2723579 Patrick Jospeh MURPHY, 3 Irish Guards
19. 1507306 Guardsman Ernest Fred PICKNELL, Scots Guards: 09/09/1944
20. 2720359 Owen QUINN, 2 Irish Guards
21. 4191702 John Llywelyn ROBERTS, MM, 1 Welsh Guards
22. RYDER, JOHN THOMAS J T SERJEANT 3RD BN. Grenadier Guards 2615207 25.07.1940
23. 2723413 Guardsman Sydney SHAW, 1 & 3 Irish Guards: 11/09/1944 Grave Reference X. 25. 9
24. 2720108 William Bladon SIMCOCK, 2 Irish Guards
25. TARLING, JOHN STEWART J S GUARDSMAN 2ND BN. Grenadier Guards 2621390 04.10.1944

 

CEMENT HOUSE CEMETERY

• Country: Belgium
• Locality: Langemark-Poelkapelle, West-V.
• Visiting Information: Wheelchair access is possible via the main entrance. There are turf ramps to both the left and right immediately inside the main entrance which are suitable for wheelchair access. For further information regarding wheelchair access, please contact our Enquiries Section on telephone number: 01628 507200
• Location Information: Cement House cemetery is located in Langemark which is located north of the town of Ieper off the N313. From the Markt take the Korte Ieperstraat, at the end turn right into Boezingestraat, past the first turning on the left and the cemetery is 100 metres on the left hand side.
• Historical Information: Langemark has given its name to the Battles of 21-24 October 1914 and 16-18 August 1917. The village was in German hands from April 1915 to August 1917 and from April to September 1918. Commonwealth, French and Belgian forces have in turn defended and attacked it. "Cement House" was the military name given to a fortified farm building on the Langemark-Boesinghe (now Boezinge) road. The original Cement House Cemetery (now Plot I, an irregular group of 231 graves) was begun here at the end of August 1917 and used by the 4th and 17th Division burial officers, by field ambulances and by units in the line until April 1918. In the years immediately following the Armistice, most of Plots II - XV were added when Commonwealth graves were brought in from the battlefields and small burial grounds around Langemark and Poelkapelle, mostly dating from the Autumn of 1917. The more important graveyards or groups of graves concentrated into this cemetery were the following:- ASQUILLIES CHURCHYARD, which contained the graves of eleven British soldiers of November 1918. AUDREGNIES CHURCHYARD, which contained the graves of eight British soldiers of August 1914 and one of November 1918. ELVERDINGHE CHURCHYARD, which contained the graves of nine British soldiers of October 1914. HENSIES CHURCHYARD, which contained the graves of one Canadian and three British soldiers of November 1918 and one British soldier of August 1914. HEULE CHURCHYARD, which contained the graves of six British soldiers and one unidentified airman buried in October 1918. MAISIERES COMMUNAL CEMETERY, which contained the graves of sixteen British soldiers of August 1914. MEERENDRE CHURCHYARD, which contained the graves of four R.A.F. officers buried in October 1918. OOSTNIEUWERKE CHURCHYARD, which contained the graves of five Canadian and five British soldiers of April 1915 and one British officer of October 1914. PHEASANT TRENCH CEMETERY, LANGEMARCK, was in the fields a little East of Langemarck village. Pheasant Trench and Pheasant Farm were taken by the 51st (Highland) Division on the 20th September, 1917, but the cemetery was begun two months later. It contained the graves of fourteen soldiers from the United Kingdom. PROVEN CHURCHYARD, which contained the graves of one Canadian officer and three British soldiers. QUAREGNON COMMUNAL CEMETERY, which contained the graves of eight British soldiers buried in 1914. ROLLEGHEM CHURCHYARD, which contained the graves of one R.A.F. officer and four British soldiers buried in 1918. THULIN NEW COMMUNAL CEMETERY, which contained the graves of eight British soldiers of August 1914 and two R.A.F. officers of October 1918. WINKEL ST. ELOI CHURCHYARD, which contained the graves of thirty British and four Newfoundland soldiers buried in October 1918. Plots XVI, XVII and XVIII originally contained some 500 French graves, but these were removed in 1922. The space vacated has been filled in over the intervening years by graves brought in from communal cemeteries and churchyards in the area, when their maintenance in these locations could no longer be assured. The cemetery is still used for the burial of remains that continue to be discovered in the vicinity, and a number of plots have been extended to accommodate these graves. There are now 3,592 Commonwealth servicemen of the First World War buried or commemorated in the cemetery, 2,425 of the burials are unidentified. Of the 22 Second World War burials in the cemetery, five are unidentified. The cemetery was designed by Sir Reginald Blomfield.
• No. of Identified Casualties: 1184

1. O'MONAGHAN, DERRICK ALEXANDER D A GUARDSMAN 1ST BN. Grenadier Guards 2616097 15.05.1940

 

COMINES (KOMEN) COMMUNAL CEMETERY

• Country: Belgium
• Locality: Comines-Warneton, Hainaut
• Location Information: Comines (Komen) Communal Cemetery is located 12 km south of Ieper town centre in the town of Komen. The N336 Komenseweg connects Ieper to Komen. On reaching the town of Komen the road name changes to rue des Combattants. At the end of this road lies the crossroads with the rue de la Gare. The rue de la Gare continues to a major crossroads made prominent by a large church on the right hand side of the road. Taking the right hand turning on this crossroads leads onto the rue de Warneton. The cemetery lies 400 metres along the rue de Warneton on the left hand side of the road.
• Historical Information: During the Second World War, the British Expeditionary Force was involved in the later stages of the defence of Belgium following the German invasion in May 1940, and suffered many casualties in covering the withdrawal to Dunkirk. The Commonwealth plot in Comines Communal Cemetery, which is close to the entrance, was created by the municipality, when scattered graves were brough in from all over the commune. All were killed in the heavy fighting which occurred in the area at the end of May 1940. The cemetery 100 Second World War burials, five of them unidentified.
• No. of Identified Casualties: 95

1. 2616840 Guardsman Victor Maurice ANSETT, 3 Grenadier Guards: 27/05/1940 Grave Reference British Plot. Grave 69
2. 2615314 Guardsman William Ross BRADLEY, 3 Grenadier Guards: 27/05/1940 Grave Reference British Plot. Grave 68.
3. CASSFORD, ARTHUR JAMES A J WARRANT OFFICER CLASS III (P.S.M.) 3RD BN. Grenadier Guards 2613030 29.05.1940 Grave Reference
4. CRACKNELL, STANLEY FREDERICK S F GUARDSMAN 3RD BN. Grenadier Guards 2613459 27.05.1940 Grave Reference
5. CROMPTON-ROBERTS, RICHARD R LIEUTENANT 3RD BN. Grenadier Guards 71088 29.05.1940 Grave Reference
6. 2613606 Guardsman Frank Walter GIBBS, 3 Grenadier Guards: 27/05/1940 Grave Reference British Plot. Grave 51.
7. 2613354 Guardsman William Frederick HARDY, MM, 3 Grenadier Guards: 27/05/1940 Grave Reference British Plot. Grave 71.
8. HOPE, JOHN ARTHUR J A GUARDSMAN 3RD BN. Grenadier Guards 2613137 27.05.1940 Grave Reference
9. 2615074 Guardsman William MANNION, 3 Grenadier Guards: 27/05/1940 Grave Reference British Plot. Grave 74.
10. POWELL, CUTHBERT C GUARDSMAN 3RD BN. Grenadier Guards 2614931 27.05.1940 Grave Reference
11. 2612729 Lance-Corporal William Albert SWALLOW, 3 Grenadier Guards: 27/05/1940 Grave Reference British Plot. Grave 66.

 

COXYDE MILITARY CEMETERY

• Country: Belgium
• Locality: Koksijde, West-Vlaanderen
• Visiting Information: Wheelchair access to the cemetery is possible via the main entrance. For further information regarding wheelchair access, please contact our Enquiries Section on telephone number: 01628 507200
• Location Information: Coxyde Military Cemetery is located approximately 500 metres beyond the village of Koksijde on the N396 towards De Panne. From Koksijde Dorp the N396, Houtsaegerlaan crosses the Zeelaan and at the same time changes its name to Robert Vandammestraat. 1 Km along the Robert Vandammestraat N369, on the right hand side, lies the cemetery.
• Historical Information: In June 1917, Commonwealth forces relieved French forces on 6 kilometres of front line from the sea to a point south of Nieuport (now Nieuwpoort), and held this sector for six months. Coxyde (now Koksijde) was about 10 kilometres behind the front line. The village was used for rest billets and was occasionally shelled, but the cemetery, which had been started by French troops, was found to be reasonably safe. It became the most important of the Commonwealth cemeteries on the Belgian coast and was used at night for the burial of the dead brought back from the front line. The French returned to the sector in December 1917 and continued to use the cemetery, and during 1918, Commonwealth naval casualties from bases in Dunkirk (now Dunkerque) were buried there. After the Armistice, the remains of 44 British soldiers were brought into the cemetery. Ten of them had been buried in isolated graves. Nineteen came from Furnes Road British Cemetery, Coxyde, a cemetery made in July, 1917, by the 2nd Manchesters and the 49th (West Riding) Division on the East side of the road to Furnes (now Veurne). Twenty-five (of whom 22 belonged to the 49th Division) came from Oosthoek Military Cemetery, Adinkerke, 4 Kms South-West of Coxyde. The cemetery was used again during the Second World War, chiefly for the burial of casualties sustained during the defence of the Dunkirk-Nieuport perimeter in May 1940. The cemetery now contains 1,507 Commonwealth burials of the First World War, the French graves from this period having since been removed. Of the 155 Second World War burials, 22 are unidentified. The cemetery was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens.
• No. of Identified Casualties: 1635

1. SHEATHER, CYRIL HENRY C H WARRANT OFFICER CLASS I (R.S.M.) 1ST BN. Grenadier Guards 2605448 01.06.1940

 

DE PANNE COMMUNAL CEMETERY

• Country: Belgium
• Locality: De Panne, West-Vlaanderen
• Visiting Information: November 2010 NOTE: Horticultural renovation is underway in De Panne Communal Cemetery. This involves putting new soil in the borders and resowing the cemetery. Work is expected to be completed by May 2011. Replanting is then scheduled for September 2011. Access will always be possible but may sometimes be a little difficult, especially for wheelchair users. It should be noted that this cemetery is not an open site and access is limited by normal cemetery opening hours. Wheelchair access to site possible - maybe by an alternative entrance. For further information regarding wheelchair access, please contact our Enquiries Department on telephone number: 01628 634221
• Location Information: De Panne Communal Cemetery is located 6 Km west of Veurne on the N34 Kerkstraat, a road leading from the N35 Pannestraat connecting Veurne to De Panne. From Veurne the N35 leads for 6 kilometres to the coastal village of De Panne. On reaching the village of De Panne the N35 meets the N34 towards Adinkerke. 2 Km along the N34 on the left hand side lies the Communal Cemetery of De Panne. This cemetery is forewarned by a distinct bending of the road immediately prior to reaching the cemetery.
• Historical Information: The British Expeditionary Force was involved in the later stages of the defence of Belgium following the German invasion in May 1940, and suffered many casualties in covering the withdrawal to Dunkirk. De Panne village was the site of the final General Headquarters of the BEF in 1940, and there was a Casualty Clearing Station on the beach, which was an embarkation beach for the evacuation. From 27 May to 1 June 1940, the Germans strove to prevent the embarkation of the troops by incessant bombing, machine-gunning and shelling. The first German troops reached the village between 14.00 and 15.00 hrs on 31 May, and after heavy fighting, the commune was completely occupied by about 9.00 hrs on 1 June. The Commonwealth plot in the communal cemetery was specially constructed by the local authorities in August 1940, so that the Commonwealth graves might all be together. More than 200 of the burials were moved by the Belgians into this plot from other locations in the cemetery and from scattered sites on the beaches and roads of the commune. The remainder were casualties later washed ashore, airmen shot down by the Germans, and others who lost their lives at the time of the liberation in 1944. There are now 259 Commonwealth burials and commemorations of the Second World War in this cemetery. 79 of the burials are unidentified but seven casualties known to be buried among them but whose graves cannot now be precisely identified are commemorated by special memorials inscribed "Buried near this spot". The cemetery also contains two First World War burials (one of which is unidentified), both together in Block F of the Civilian section, 10 metres from entrance to the Belgian Military Plot.
• No. of Identified Casualties: 199

1. BLOWER, WILLIAM ARTHUR W A LANCE CORPORAL 2ND BN. Grenadier Guards 2613418 BETWEEN 31.05.1940 AND 01.06.1940
2. BUCKLEY, JOHN ALBERT J A GUARDSMAN 1ST BN. Grenadier Guards 2613952 BETWEEN 01.06.1940 AND 02.06.1940
3. CAWTHRAY, FRED F GUARDSMAN 2ND BN. Grenadier Guards 2615410 BETWEEN 31.05.1940 AND 01.06.1940
4. COOPER, SYDNEY S LANCE CORPORAL 1ST BN. Grenadier Guards 5047810 BETWEEN 31.05.1940 AND 01.06.1940
5. CUTLER, WILFRED W WARRANT OFFICER CLASS II (C.S.M.) 2ND BN. Grenadier Guards 2610501 BETWEEN 31.05.1940 AND 01.06.1940
6. FORBES, ST JOHN OLIVER ALAN WILLIAM S J O A CAPTAIN 3RD BN. Coldstream Guards 39271 01.06.1940
7. GOODMAN, JOHN FRANK J F LANCE CORPORAL 2ND BN. Grenadier Guards 2613711 BETWEEN 31.05.1940 AND 01.06.1940
8. HANCOCK, JOSEPH J GUARDSMAN 2ND BN. Grenadier Guards 2612039 BETWEEN 31.05.1940 AND 02.06.1940
9. IRWIN, ROYAL CLARENCE R C GUARDSMAN 2ND BN. Grenadier Guards 2615815 03.06.1940
10. JEWKES, JOSEPH JAMES MARTIN J J M GUARDSMAN 1ST BN. Grenadier Guards 2616862 BETWEEN 31.05.1940 AND 01.06.1940
11. 2615082 Guardsman Charles Stanley KIDDY, Grenadier Guards: Between 31/05/1940 & 01/06/1940 Grave Reference Plot 3. Row A. Grave 61
12. LEE, WILLIAM JAMES W J LANCE CORPORAL 2ND BN. Grenadier Guards 2615888 BETWEEN 31.05.1940 AND 01.06.1940
13. MURCOTT, HORACE SYDNEY H S GUARDSMAN 1ST BN. Coldstream Guards 2657897 31.05.1940
14. PERCIVAL, WILLIAM JAMES W J SERJEANT 1ST BN. Grenadier Guards 2614470 BETWEEN 31.05.1940 AND 01.06.1940
15. SOUTHERN, THOMAS T GUARDSMAN 1ST BN. Grenadier Guards 2614331 BETWEEN 01.06.1940 AND 02.06.1940
16. SUDDES, SAMUEL S GUARDSMAN 1ST BN. Coldstream Guards 2656872 BETWEEN 31.05.1940 AND 01.06.1940
17. TAYLOR, PETER P GUARDSMAN 1ST BN. Coldstream Guards 2657975 BETWEEN 31.05.1940 AND 01.06.1940
18. WEBB, GEORGE G GUARDSMAN 1ST BN. Grenadier Guards 2616244 BETWEEN 31.05.1940 AND 01.06.1940
19. WIGLEY, MAURICE JOHN M J LANCE CORPORAL 1ST BN. Grenadier Guards 2614075 BETWEEN 31.05.1940 AND 01.06.1940
20. WILES J G LANCE CORPORAL 1ST BN. Grenadier Guards 4799063 01.06.1940

 

DOZINGHEM MILITARY CEMETERY

• Country: Belgium
• Locality: Poperinge, West-Vlaanderen
• Visiting Information: The track leading to the cemetery is suitable for vehicles in dry weather. Wheelchair access to the cemetery is possible via main entrance. For further information regarding wheelchair access, please contact our Enquiries Section on telephone number 01628 507200.
• Location Information: The cemetery is located to the north-west of Poperinge near Krombeke. From Ieper follow the directions to Poperinge along the by-pass. At the end of the by-pass at the traffic lights turn right into Oostlaan. Follow Oostlaan over the roundabout to the end of the road. Turn left into Veurnestraat and follow along here to the first turning on the right. (From Poperinge centre, follow the directions to Veurne along the Veurnestraat to the second turning on the left.) Turn into Sint-Bertinusstraat and follow this road up the rise and round a left hand bend. After the bend, take the right hand turning in the direction of Krombeke along the Krombeekseweg. Follow the Krombeekseweg past the "De Lovie" centre where the road name changes to Leeuwerikstraat and then past a cafe on the left. Approximately 500 meters after the cafe on the left, you will see a sign for the cemetery pointing to a track on the right into the woods. The cemetery is along here at the end of the track.
• Historical Information: Westvleteren was outside the front held by Commonwealth forces in Belgium during the First World War, but in July 1917, in readiness for the forthcoming offensive, groups of casualty clearing stations were placed at three positions called by the troops Mendinghem, Dozinghem and Bandaghem. The 4th, 47th and 61st Casualty Clearing Stations were posted at Dozinghem and the military cemetery was used by them until early in 1918. There are now 3,174 Commonwealth burials of the First World War in the cemetery and 65 German war graves from this period. The cemetery also contains 73 Second World War burials dating from the Allied withdrawal to Dunkirk in May 1940. The cemetery was designed by Sir Reginald Blomfield.
• No. of Identified Casualties: 3306

1. PINKNEY, ARTHUR HENRY A H GUARDSMAN 3RD BN. Grenadier Guards 2613533 04.06.1940

 

ENGHIEN (EDINGEN) COMMUNAL CEMETERY

• Country: Belgium
• Locality: Enghien, Hainaut
• Location Information: The town of Enghien is located south-east of Brussels on the N255. From the E40 motorway turn off at junction 19 Aalst and onto the N45 direction Ninove. Follow the N45 to Ninove round the ring to the junction with the N8, turn right onto the N8 and follow for a short distance to the junction with the N255. Turn left onto the N255 direction Denderwindeke, follow the N255 to the junction with the N495 which is just before the town of Enghien. The cemetery is after this junction on the left of the road before the railway crossing. The graves are located through the main entrance and then to the right.
• Historical Information: The British Expeditionary Force was involved in the later stages of the defence of Belgium following the German invasion in May 1940, and suffered many casualties in covering the withdrawal to Dunkirk. Commonwealth forces did not return until September 1944, but in the intervening years, many airmen were shot down or crashed in raids on strategic objectives in Belgium, or while returning from missions over Germany. Enghien Communal Cemetery contains 13 Commonwealth burials of the Second World War. There is also a small plot containing five First World War burials.
• No. of Identified Casualties: 17

1. 2611424 Guardsman David LYONS, 3 Grenadier Guards: 13/10/1940 Grave 13.

 

ESQUELMES WAR CEMETERY

• Country: Belgium
• Locality: Pecq, Hainaut
• Visiting Information: Visitors should note a 50 metre grassed access path which is not suitable for vehicles. Wheelchair access possible via main entrance. For further information regarding wheelchair access, please contact our Enquiries Department on telephone number: 01628 634221
• Location Information: Esquelmes War Cemetery is located 10 Km north of Tournai on the Chemin Garenne, a road leading from the N50 road to Kortrijk. 10 km north of Tournai lies the right hand turning from the N50 rue de Tournai onto rue du Village. The first left hand turning from the rue du Village leads onto chemin Garenne. The cemetery is located 200 metres along the chemin Garenne.
• Historical Information: The British Expeditionary Force was involved in the later stages of the defence of Belgium following the German invasion in May 1940, and suffered many casualties in covering the withdrawal to Dunkirk. Those buried in Esquelmes War Cemetery died in defending the line of the River Scheldt; the Germans attempted to cross the river near Esquelmes during the morning of 21 May, but were replused after heavy fighting. They eventually crossed on 23 May, when the British Expeditionary Force withdrew to the Gort Line. Casualties buried in various places in the neighbourhood were brought to Esquelmes by the Belgian authorities in September 1940. The cemetery contains 233 Commonwealth burials of the Second World War, 32 of them unidentified.
• No. of Identified Casualties: 201

1. ABEL-SMITH, ROBERT EUSTACE R E CAPTAIN 3RD BN. Grenadier Guards 42107 21.05.1940 Grave Reference
2. 2613216 Guardsman John ATHERTON, 3 Grenadier Guards: 21/05/1940 Grave Reference II. B. 2.
3. BOYD A N A SECOND LIEUTENANT 3RD BN. Grenadier Guards 78258 21.05.1940 Grave Reference
4. BUCKLEY, WILLIAM NOAH W N LANCE CORPORAL 3RD BN. Grenadier Guards 2613138 21.05.1940 Grave Reference
5. BURNETT W S A LANCE CORPORAL 3RD BN. Grenadier Guards 2613488 21.05.1940 Grave Reference
6. 823356 Guardsman George CALEY, 3 Grenadier Guards: 21/05/1940 Grave Reference IV. A. 5.
7. 873182 Guardsman 'Jack' J T CARTER, 3 Grenadier Guards: 21/05/1940 Grave Reference I. A. 1.
8. CHAPMAN, WALLACE W GUARDSMAN 3RD BN. Grenadier Guards 2615800 21.05.1940 Grave Reference
9. COOK, RAWDON JAMES R J GUARDSMAN 3RD BN. Grenadier Guards 2616235 21.05.1940 Grave Reference
10. COTTRELL A N GUARDSMAN 3RD BN. Grenadier Guards 2616260 21.05.1940 Grave Reference IV. B. 2.
11. 2610908 Guardsman Frederick DITCHETT, 3 Grenadier Guards: 21/05/1940 Grave Reference IV. B. 2.
12. DOYLE, WILLIAM W GUARDSMAN 3RD BN. Grenadier Guards 2613568 21.05.1940 Grave Reference
13. 2615556 Guardsman William A DUTTON, 3 Grenadier Guards: 21/05/1940 Grave Reference III. A. 2.
14. ELLERINGTON, WILFRED W LANCE CORPORAL 3RD BN. Grenadier Guards 2614925 21.05.1940 Grave Reference
15. 2612111 Guardsman W GASH, 3 Grenadier Guards: 21/05/1940 Grave Reference II. A. 2.
16. GRAHAM, JOHN J GUARDSMAN 2ND BN. Coldstream Guards 2658880 22.05.1940 Grave Reference
17. 2612418 Guardsman S J HAYES, 3 Grenadier Guards: 21/05/1940 Grave Reference III. B. 1
18. 2610868 Warrant Officer Class III (PSM) Raymond John HICKS, 3 Grenadier Guards: 21/05/1940 Grave Reference IV. B. 4.
19. 2615399 Guardsman Wilfred HOWE, 3 Grenadier Guards: 21/05/1940 Grave Reference: IV. A. 1.
20. HUDSON, JOHN HENRY J H LANCE CORPORAL 3RD BN. Grenadier Guards 2615506 21.05.1940 Grave Reference
21. JAY, ALBERT AUSTIN A A CORPORAL 3RD BN. Grenadier Guards 2612556 21.05.1940 Grave Reference
22. JENKINSON S W WARRANT OFFICER CLASS III (P.S.M.) 3RD BN. Grenadier Guards 2613361 21.05.1940 Grave Reference
23. JOHNS, SYDNEY GEORGE S G SERJEANT 3RD BN Grenadier Guards 2614861 21.05.1940 Grave Reference
24. JOHNSON A H GUARDSMAN 3RD BN. Grenadier Guards 2613339 21.05.1940 Grave Reference
25. 2612213 Guardsman Thomas LINDLEY, 3 Grenadier Guards: 21/05/1940 Grave Reference IV. A. 3.
26. MEADE W P GUARDSMAN 3RD BN. Grenadier Guards 2613344 21.05.1940 Grave Reference
27. 2616211 Guardsman B G NEALE, 3 Grenadier Guards: 21/05/1940 Grave Reference II. A. 7.
28. PERCY, HENRY GEORGE ALAN H G A LIEUTENANT 3RD BN. Grenadier Guards 51289 21.05.1940 Grave Reference
29. PORTSMOUTH, EDWARD JAMES E J GUARDSMAN 3RD BN. Grenadier Guards 2616889 28.05.1940 Grave Reference
30. REYNOLDS E W GUARDSMAN 3RD BN. Grenadier Guards 2613551 21.05.1940 Grave Reference
31. 2611976 William Wellington ROWLAND, 3 Grenadier Guards: 21/05/1940 Grave Reference III. A. 1.
32. 2613248 Guardsman John TITMUSS, 3 Grenadier Guards: 21/05/1940 Grave Reference III. A. 3.
33. TURNER J H GUARDSMAN 3RD BN. Grenadier Guards 2612157 21.05.1940 Grave Reference
34. WENTWORTH, WILLIAM ROBERT W R LANCE CORPORAL 3RD BN. Grenadier Guards 2613069 21.05.1940 Grave Reference

 

GEEL WAR CEMETERY

• Country: Belgium
• Locality: Geel, Antwerpen
• Visiting Information: Wheelchair access is possible via the main entrance. For further information regarding wheelchair access, please contact our Enquiries Section on telephone number 01628 507200.
• Location Information: Geel is located midway between Antwerpen (46 kilometres), Hasselt (38 kilometres) and Leuven. From St Amands Church on the Grote Markt in Geel proceed for 600 metres down Nieuwstraat to the end of De Billemontstraat. Turn left onto Sint Dimpnaplein, passing Sint Dimpnakerk on your right, and drive 600 metres down along 'Rijn' leading you eventually onto Molseweg. 600 metres after entering Molseweg you will see a sign indicating that Geel War Cemetery is another 300 metres to the left. This takes you onto Stalpaart. At the end of Stalpaart turn right into Tweeboomkes, and 50 metres further on the left is Geel War Cemetery.
• Historical Information: The British Expeditionary Force was involved in the later stages of the defence of Belgium following the German invasion in May 1940, and suffered many casualties in covering the withdrawal to Dunkirk. Commonwealth forces did not return until September 1944, but in the intervening years, many airmen were shot down or crashed in raids on strategic objectives in Belgium, or while returning from missions over Germany. In the early part of September 1944, Geel was the scene of some of the heaviest fighting encountered by Commonwealth troops since they had left Normandy. The 50th (Northumbrian) Division and the 15th Scottish Division were both involved here in the forcing of crossings of the Albert Canal and the Meuse-Escaut Canal, necessary for the advance into Holland. Some of the casualties they suffered were originally buried in a meadow near the centre of the commune, and some in the St. Dymphna civil cemetery; these graves were later moved into Geel War Cemetery. The cemetery contains 400 Commonwealth burials of the Second World War, six of them unidentified. The cemetery was designed by the Commission's Principal Architect, Philip Hepworth, FRIBA.
• No. of Identified Casualties: 394

1. 2733922 John Richard AMBROSE, 1 Welsh Guards
2. 2721917 Guardsman Jack BARLOW, 3 Irish Guards: 07/09/1944 Grave Reference IV.C.8.
3. 2721333 Edward Joseph BRESLIN, 3 Irish Guards
4. 176774 William Reginald Richard BRUCE, 3 Irish Guards
5. 2721108 Thomas DAVIDSON, 3 Irish Guards
6. 11006460 Guardsman Herbert GILL, Scots Guards: 07/09/1944
7. 2735941 Arthur GOODWIN, 1 Welsh Guards
8. 2720034 Wilfred HOUGHTON, 3 Irish Guards
9. 2717595 Lawrence HUTCHMAN, 3 Irish Guards
10. 2720945 Tom JOHNS, 3 Irish Guards
11. 253922 Humphrey Oscar Coleridge KENNARD, 3 Irish Guards
12. 2735784 William Henry MORGAN, 2 Welsh Guards
13. 2723823 John James O’NEILL, 3 Irish Guards
14. OLNEY, JAMES FRED J F LANCE SERJEANT 5TH BN. Coldstream Guards 2661649 14.09.1944
15. 14681745 Alan PARSON, 3 Irish Guards
16. 2719998 Lance-Serjeant John PROE, 3 Irish Guards: 07/09/1944 Grave Reference II.C.16.
17. 2723868 Edward SHEARER, 3 Irish Guards
18. 2723525 William Abraham SIMPSON, 3 Irish Guards
19. 2723891 Rudolph Edwin John STONE, 3 Irish Guards
20. THOMPSON, ROBERT R CAPTAIN - Coldstream Guards 247093 05.01.1945

 

GENT CITY CEMETERY

• Country: Belgium
• Locality: Gent, Oost-Vlaanderen
• Visiting Information: This cemetery is not an open site and access is limited by normal daylight hours. Wheelchair access to the cemetery is possible via main entrance. For further information regarding wheelchair access, please contact our Enquiries Section on telephone number 01628 507200.
• Location Information: Gent City Cemetery is located in the north west corner of the city, at a point where the N9 Brugsevaart meets the N40 Gent Inner ring road. Approaching the cemetery via the E40 motorway, visitors should leave the motorway at junction "Gent West" on the N466. After 5 kilometres turn left onto the N70 following signs for Lokeren. After 1.3 kilometres the road crosses the ship canal. There then follows a left turning following signs for Eeklo. After 400 metres turn right into the Francisco Ferrerlaan (the fourth street on the right hand side after the bridge). Having passed through the cemetery gates, follow the main cemetery road to the right. The Commission plot is on the extreme right hand side of the Cemetery 500 metres from the main gate.
• Historical Information: Gent (also known as Ghent) was occupied by French Marines and the British 7th Division early in October 1914, but evacuated on the 11th. It them remained in German hands until reoccupied by the Belgians on 10 November 1918. The Germans returned to Gent in May 1940 and remained there until the city's liberation on 10 September 1944. In May 1940, the main fighting around Gent occurred near the junction of the Ghent-Bruges and Ternenzen canals, and in September 1944, it was the northern part of the city that was most heavily affected. Gent City Cemetery contains military plots of many nationalities, including Commonwealth. The First World War Commonwealth graves, which total 86, are prisoners of war buried there during the German occupation, plus two brought in from JABBEKE CHURCHYARD after the Armistice. In addition, nearby, are 111 of the Second World War.
• No. of Identified Casualties: 195

1. 1066403 Warrant Officer Class III William Sidney Arthur FREWIN, MiD, 3 Grenadier Guards: 22/06/1940 Grave Reference: 18. 4. 5.
2. 2615242 Guardsman Harry HEWITT, 3 Grenadier Guards: 19/08/1940 Grave Reference 18. 5. 12.