BLEUET FARM CEMETERY
West-Vlaanderen
Belgium
GPS Coordinates Latitude: 50.88866 Longitude: 2.83171
Picture © Geerhard Joos
Location Information
The cemetery is located to the north west of the town of Ieper near a village called Elverdinge, this is on the N8 road between Ieper and Veurne, 3 kilometres from Ieper. Driving into the village from Ieper go to the traffic lights and turn right, this street is called Steenstraat, and after 50 metres follow the street to the right, called Boezingsestraat.
The cemetery is 500 metres along this street on the left hand side.
Visiting Information
Wheelchair access to the cemetery possible via main entrance.
Historical Information
Bleuet Farm was used as a dressing station during 1917 Allied offensive on this front. The cemetery was begun in a corner of the farm and was in use from June to December 1917, though a few of the burials are of later date. Two graves were brought into the cemetery after the Armistice from isolated positions close by.
There are now 442 First World War burials in the cemetery and nine from the Second World War, all dating from the Allied retreat to Dunkirk in May 1940.
The cemetery was designed by Sir Reginald Blomfield and Captain Wilfred Clement Von Berg, M. C.
Total Burials: 453.
World War One Identified Burials: United Kingdom 438, South Africa 3, Canada 2, Germany 1. Total 444.
World War Two Identified Burials: United Kingdom 9. Total 9.
The cemetery is located to the north west of the town of Ieper near a village called Elverdinge, this is on the N8 road between Ieper and Veurne, 3 kilometres from Ieper. Driving into the village from Ieper go to the traffic lights and turn right, this street is called Steenstraat, and after 50 metres follow the street to the right, called Boezingsestraat.
The cemetery is 500 metres along this street on the left hand side.
Visiting Information
Wheelchair access to the cemetery possible via main entrance.
Historical Information
Bleuet Farm was used as a dressing station during 1917 Allied offensive on this front. The cemetery was begun in a corner of the farm and was in use from June to December 1917, though a few of the burials are of later date. Two graves were brought into the cemetery after the Armistice from isolated positions close by.
There are now 442 First World War burials in the cemetery and nine from the Second World War, all dating from the Allied retreat to Dunkirk in May 1940.
The cemetery was designed by Sir Reginald Blomfield and Captain Wilfred Clement Von Berg, M. C.
Total Burials: 453.
World War One Identified Burials: United Kingdom 438, South Africa 3, Canada 2, Germany 1. Total 444.
World War Two Identified Burials: United Kingdom 9. Total 9.
Original grave at Bleuet Farm Cemetery of 27208 Private, Wilfred Fowler Shier, 7th Bn. Somerset Light Infantry. 22nd September 1917, aged 20. He was the son of Mrs. L. E Shier, of 32, Budock Terrace, Falmouth, and the late W. C. Shier, C.E. (Surveyor), of Highbridge, Somerset. He is now buried in Plot I. D. 12., and his headstone bears the inscription; "Until The Day Breaks."
Images in this gallery © Werner Van Caneghem
British troops constructing an incinerator at their camp near Elverdinghe. © IWM (Q 78102)
241268 Company Serjeant Major
Thomas Henry Ball
2nd/5th Bn. South Lancashire Regiment
25th December 1917.
Plot II. B. 54.
Thomas Henry Ball
2nd/5th Bn. South Lancashire Regiment
25th December 1917.
Plot II. B. 54.
352819 Gunner
Walter George Bolton
243rd Siege Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery
7th September 1917, aged 21.
Plot I. H. 54.
Eldest son of Mr. H. J. and Mrs. M. J. Bolton, of Rose Cottage, Marchwood, Southampton.
His headstone bears the inscription; "We Live In Deeds, Not Years. Lest We Forget."
Walter was the son of Harry James Bolton and Mary Jane (Eldridge) and lived at Rose Cottage in Marchwood, Hampshire. He was eldest of six children. One of his two younger brothers, Sidney Frank also served in the Great War and survived. He died in 1987 aged 90.
Walter's other brother Harry was my great-grandfather. Walter's grave and has been visited by his extended family and would like to personally thank all those who tend the cemetery for the care they take and the respect shown. It means a lot to us.
Picture and information courtesy of great, great niece Katherine Morgan
Walter George Bolton
243rd Siege Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery
7th September 1917, aged 21.
Plot I. H. 54.
Eldest son of Mr. H. J. and Mrs. M. J. Bolton, of Rose Cottage, Marchwood, Southampton.
His headstone bears the inscription; "We Live In Deeds, Not Years. Lest We Forget."
Walter was the son of Harry James Bolton and Mary Jane (Eldridge) and lived at Rose Cottage in Marchwood, Hampshire. He was eldest of six children. One of his two younger brothers, Sidney Frank also served in the Great War and survived. He died in 1987 aged 90.
Walter's other brother Harry was my great-grandfather. Walter's grave and has been visited by his extended family and would like to personally thank all those who tend the cemetery for the care they take and the respect shown. It means a lot to us.
Picture and information courtesy of great, great niece Katherine Morgan
51031 Corporal
John Carroll
"D" Bty. 74th Bde. Royal Field Artillery
28th August 1917, aged 25.
Plot I. C. 37.
Son of James and Hannah Carroll; husband of Mrs. Nicholson (formerly Carroll), of 78, Crawford St., Clock Face, St. Helens, Lancs. Native of St. Helens.
His headstone bears the inscription; "He Died For King And Country."
John Carroll
"D" Bty. 74th Bde. Royal Field Artillery
28th August 1917, aged 25.
Plot I. C. 37.
Son of James and Hannah Carroll; husband of Mrs. Nicholson (formerly Carroll), of 78, Crawford St., Clock Face, St. Helens, Lancs. Native of St. Helens.
His headstone bears the inscription; "He Died For King And Country."
139154 Serjeant
Harry Colley, D. C. M.
253rd Tunnelling Coy. Royal Engineers
25th November 1917.
Plot II. B. 20.
Harry Colley, D. C. M.
253rd Tunnelling Coy. Royal Engineers
25th November 1917.
Plot II. B. 20.
44058 Sapper
Horace Corser
79th Field Coy. Royal Engineers
11th January 1918, aged 25.
Plot II. B. 57.
Son of William and the late Elizabeth Ann Corser, of I, Broad St., Swindon, Wilts.
His headstone bears the inscription; "Thy Will Be Done."
Horace Corser
79th Field Coy. Royal Engineers
11th January 1918, aged 25.
Plot II. B. 57.
Son of William and the late Elizabeth Ann Corser, of I, Broad St., Swindon, Wilts.
His headstone bears the inscription; "Thy Will Be Done."
7013832 Rifleman
Andrew Fullerton
2nd Bn. Royal Ulster Rifles
Died Between 29/05/1940 and 04/06/1940, aged 21.
Plot 1. AA. 7.
Son of Joseph and Mary Fullerton, of Gilford, Co. Down, Northern Ireland.
His headstone bears the inscription; "Thy Will Be Done."
Andrew Fullerton
2nd Bn. Royal Ulster Rifles
Died Between 29/05/1940 and 04/06/1940, aged 21.
Plot 1. AA. 7.
Son of Joseph and Mary Fullerton, of Gilford, Co. Down, Northern Ireland.
His headstone bears the inscription; "Thy Will Be Done."
151389 2nd Corporal
John Gallagher
253rd Tunnelling Coy. Royal Engineers
4th October 1917, aged 36.
Plot I. C. 53.
Husband of Mrs Salmon, 23, Salmon Street, Burnley. He enlisted in July 1915 having previously worked as a builder for Mr. Crossley of Manchester Road, Burnley.
John Gallagher
253rd Tunnelling Coy. Royal Engineers
4th October 1917, aged 36.
Plot I. C. 53.
Husband of Mrs Salmon, 23, Salmon Street, Burnley. He enlisted in July 1915 having previously worked as a builder for Mr. Crossley of Manchester Road, Burnley.
33866 Private
Manwaring Garlick
1st Bn. Border Regiment
13th August 1917, aged 28.
Plot I. C. 24.
Son of Ingram and Elizabeth Garlick of Mossley, Lancashire.
Manwaring Garlick
1st Bn. Border Regiment
13th August 1917, aged 28.
Plot I. C. 24.
Son of Ingram and Elizabeth Garlick of Mossley, Lancashire.
26961 Private
Leonard Gibbons
3rd Bn. Grenadier Guards
31st July 1917, aged 23.
Plot I. H. 14.
Son of Francis Robert and Mary Eleanor Gibbons, of 13, Argyle St., Radford, Nottingham.
Leonard Gibbons
3rd Bn. Grenadier Guards
31st July 1917, aged 23.
Plot I. H. 14.
Son of Francis Robert and Mary Eleanor Gibbons, of 13, Argyle St., Radford, Nottingham.
358046 Gunner
Edward John Hedgecock
62nd Siege Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery
10th September 1917, aged 23.
Plot I. H. 58.
Only son of Edward John and Elizabeth Catherine Hedgecock, of 13, South Rd., Dover.
His headstone bears the inscription; "Though Death Divides Fond Memory Clings."
Edward John Hedgecock
62nd Siege Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery
10th September 1917, aged 23.
Plot I. H. 58.
Only son of Edward John and Elizabeth Catherine Hedgecock, of 13, South Rd., Dover.
His headstone bears the inscription; "Though Death Divides Fond Memory Clings."
19311 Private
Horace Inman
2nd Bn. Coldstream Guards
24th September 1917.
Plot I. E. 46.
Horace Inman
2nd Bn. Coldstream Guards
24th September 1917.
Plot I. E. 46.
15048 Private
Robert Isles
1st Bn. Scots Guards
14th October 1917, aged 20.
Plot II. A. 12.
Son of Mrs. and the late James Isles, of 153, Lochee Rd., Dundee.
Robert Isles
1st Bn. Scots Guards
14th October 1917, aged 20.
Plot II. A. 12.
Son of Mrs. and the late James Isles, of 153, Lochee Rd., Dundee.
14367 Private
Robert Mallett
1st Bn. Scots Guards
12th October 1917, aged 28.
Plot I. A. 21.
Son of James and Sarah Jane Mallett, of West Newton, King's Lynn.
His headstone bears the inscription; "Fondly Remembered."
Robert Mallett
1st Bn. Scots Guards
12th October 1917, aged 28.
Plot I. A. 21.
Son of James and Sarah Jane Mallett, of West Newton, King's Lynn.
His headstone bears the inscription; "Fondly Remembered."
37782 Private
Francis Leonard Meakin
4th Labour Coy. Lincolnshire Regiment, transf. to (25513) 43rd Coy. Labour Corps
31st August 1917, aged 25.
Plot I. C. 41.
Son of James Arthur and Jane Meakin, of Cloud Side, near Congleton.
His headstone bears the inscription; "Father In Thy Gracious Keeping Leave We Now Thy Servant Sleeping."
Francis Leonard Meakin
4th Labour Coy. Lincolnshire Regiment, transf. to (25513) 43rd Coy. Labour Corps
31st August 1917, aged 25.
Plot I. C. 41.
Son of James Arthur and Jane Meakin, of Cloud Side, near Congleton.
His headstone bears the inscription; "Father In Thy Gracious Keeping Leave We Now Thy Servant Sleeping."
3046 Private
John Organ
1st Bn. Newfoundland Regiment
23rd September 1917, aged 21.
Plot I. F. 52.
Son of Maggie Long (formerly Organ), of Great Jarvis, Hermitage Bay, Newfoundland, and the late John Organ. Native of Harbor Gally, Hermitage Bay.
His headstone bears the inscription; "Requiescat In Pace."
John Organ
1st Bn. Newfoundland Regiment
23rd September 1917, aged 21.
Plot I. F. 52.
Son of Maggie Long (formerly Organ), of Great Jarvis, Hermitage Bay, Newfoundland, and the late John Organ. Native of Harbor Gally, Hermitage Bay.
His headstone bears the inscription; "Requiescat In Pace."
18602 Private
Angelo Priestley
2nd Bn. Coldstream Guards
2nd July 1917, aged 27.
Plot I. E. 7.
Son of Mary and the late William Priestley; husband of Eveline Priestley, of 9, Akeds Rd., Halifax. Native of Queensbury, Bradford.
His headstone bears the inscription; "That We Might Live."
Angelo Priestley
2nd Bn. Coldstream Guards
2nd July 1917, aged 27.
Plot I. E. 7.
Son of Mary and the late William Priestley; husband of Eveline Priestley, of 9, Akeds Rd., Halifax. Native of Queensbury, Bradford.
His headstone bears the inscription; "That We Might Live."
290729 Lance Corporal
Charles Richards
1st/2nd Bn. Monmouthshire Regiment
27th September 1917.
Plot I. E. 48.
Charles Richards
1st/2nd Bn. Monmouthshire Regiment
27th September 1917.
Plot I. E. 48.
42247 Private
Timothy Richards
10th Bn. Lincolnshire Regiment
14th October 1917, aged 30.
Plot II. A. 3.
Son of Thomas and Margaret Richards, of 7, Peterwell Terrace, Lampeter, Cardiganshire.
His headstone bears the inscription; "Only Son Of Thomas & Margaret Richards, Lampeter. Rest In Peace."
Timothy Richards
10th Bn. Lincolnshire Regiment
14th October 1917, aged 30.
Plot II. A. 3.
Son of Thomas and Margaret Richards, of 7, Peterwell Terrace, Lampeter, Cardiganshire.
His headstone bears the inscription; "Only Son Of Thomas & Margaret Richards, Lampeter. Rest In Peace."
15930 Lance Corporal
Alfred Sanderson
1st Coy. 1st Bn. Coldstream Guards
25th June 1917, aged 31.
Plot I. E. 4.
Son of the late Albert and Elizabeth Sanderson; husband of H. Sanderson, of Greenside, Stannington, Sheffield. Born at Stannington.
His headstone bears the inscription; "Ever Remembered By His Loving Wife And Son."
Alfred Sanderson
1st Coy. 1st Bn. Coldstream Guards
25th June 1917, aged 31.
Plot I. E. 4.
Son of the late Albert and Elizabeth Sanderson; husband of H. Sanderson, of Greenside, Stannington, Sheffield. Born at Stannington.
His headstone bears the inscription; "Ever Remembered By His Loving Wife And Son."
Captain
Francis Patrick Hamilton Synge, M. C.
2nd Bn. Irish Guards
29th July 1917, aged 28.
Plot I. B. 18.
Citation: 'Before dawn on 21st October 1915, our bombing attack had been driven back to our own barricade by the Germans, and the officer in charge (2nd Lieutenant Tallents) at our barricade was wounded. Lieutenant (then 2nd Lieutenant) Synge was sent up to relieve him and he arrived in time to assist 2nd Lieutenant Tallents in organising a counter attack. When the attack went forward he followed it, in the face of heavy bomb and rifle fire and he showed exceptional gallantry, devotion to duty, and power of command in consolidating the ground gained by building up a new barricade and clearing the intervening trench of wounded and debris while the bombing match continued a few yards further on. This officer was slightly wounded in the head early in the action, but never relaxed his efforts until his task was accomplished.’
Captain Francis Patrick Hamilton Synge was born in February 1889, the son of A. H. Synge, of Weybridge and Glanmore Castle, County Wicklow. He was educated at Winchester College and obtained a commission into the Irish Guards in August 1915. During the Great War he was wounded on two occasions, receiving a bullet through the ear on 21 October 1915, and subsequently on 9 July 1916 being wounded in the hand, chest and arm. Captain Synge was killed in action in France and Flanders on 29 July 1917, whilst serving with the 2nd Battalion, Irish Guards.
Francis Patrick Hamilton Synge, M. C.
2nd Bn. Irish Guards
29th July 1917, aged 28.
Plot I. B. 18.
Citation: 'Before dawn on 21st October 1915, our bombing attack had been driven back to our own barricade by the Germans, and the officer in charge (2nd Lieutenant Tallents) at our barricade was wounded. Lieutenant (then 2nd Lieutenant) Synge was sent up to relieve him and he arrived in time to assist 2nd Lieutenant Tallents in organising a counter attack. When the attack went forward he followed it, in the face of heavy bomb and rifle fire and he showed exceptional gallantry, devotion to duty, and power of command in consolidating the ground gained by building up a new barricade and clearing the intervening trench of wounded and debris while the bombing match continued a few yards further on. This officer was slightly wounded in the head early in the action, but never relaxed his efforts until his task was accomplished.’
Captain Francis Patrick Hamilton Synge was born in February 1889, the son of A. H. Synge, of Weybridge and Glanmore Castle, County Wicklow. He was educated at Winchester College and obtained a commission into the Irish Guards in August 1915. During the Great War he was wounded on two occasions, receiving a bullet through the ear on 21 October 1915, and subsequently on 9 July 1916 being wounded in the hand, chest and arm. Captain Synge was killed in action in France and Flanders on 29 July 1917, whilst serving with the 2nd Battalion, Irish Guards.
Captain
Ormonde Charles Whiteman, Mentioned in Despatches
11th Bn. Royal Fusiliers
22nd November 1917, aged 31.
Plot II. B. 14.
Son of Charles and Ada Whiteman, of London; husband of Eleanor Whiteman, of 109, Blenheim Crescent, Notting Hill, London.
Picture courtesy of Luc D'Haene
Ormonde Charles Whiteman, Mentioned in Despatches
11th Bn. Royal Fusiliers
22nd November 1917, aged 31.
Plot II. B. 14.
Son of Charles and Ada Whiteman, of London; husband of Eleanor Whiteman, of 109, Blenheim Crescent, Notting Hill, London.
Picture courtesy of Luc D'Haene
Group of British officers of various regiments at Elverdinghe, 12 November 1915. © IWM (Q 78249)
Shot at Dawn
1533 Private Thomas Hawkins, 7th Bn. The Queen's (Royal West Surrey Regiment), who was executed for desertion on 22nd November 1917. Plot II. B. 12.
While subject to a suspended sentence of death for Desertion, he was convicted of Cowardice resulting from his conduct during the Messines offensive, & further sentenced to 2 years’ hard labour, again suspended; but in the following month avoided the Battle of Passchendaele by going missing, & as a habitual offender could not avoid execution. (Putkowski,pp 218-219)
322497 Rifleman Frederick William Slade, He joined up in February 1916, & in November was confined to barracks for Disobedience.
Slade arrived in France in Jan 1917, & in August, 3 months’ Field Punishment No 1 was imposed — again for Disobedience. He was once more tried at court martial on 2 charges, the first of which arose from an incident on 6 Oct 1917 — he was still serving his sentence — when he refused to go on parade. The second charge was more serious in that he again refused to parade — this time repeatedly — when ordered to march to a forward area near Ypres.
At trial, Slade made a brief statement on oath (mentioning only the circumstances of the second charge), saying: ‘I am not responsible for my actions. Since Bullecourt, the scenes I saw there have worked on my mind’. (The Adjutant told the court that Slade had done good work there as a stretcher-bearer in May 1917). When cross-examined, Slade admitted that he had not reported sick; an RAMC Captain testified to having (briefly) examined Slade for mental deficiency — of which the doctor saw no sign. Sentence of death was confirmed by Haig but only on the second charge. (Corns, pp.132-134)
11661 Private Arthur H. Westwood, 8th Bn. East Surrey Regiment, he was executed for desertion on 23rd November 1917, aged 20. Son of William and Ellen Westwood, of 27A, Leagrave Rd., Fulham, London. Plot II. B. 13.
Sentenced to 90 days’ Field Punishment for Desertion in 1917, absconding later in the same year from the trenches in the Ypres Salient. (Putkowski, pp 221-222)
Pictures below © Geerhard Joos
1533 Private Thomas Hawkins, 7th Bn. The Queen's (Royal West Surrey Regiment), who was executed for desertion on 22nd November 1917. Plot II. B. 12.
While subject to a suspended sentence of death for Desertion, he was convicted of Cowardice resulting from his conduct during the Messines offensive, & further sentenced to 2 years’ hard labour, again suspended; but in the following month avoided the Battle of Passchendaele by going missing, & as a habitual offender could not avoid execution. (Putkowski,pp 218-219)
322497 Rifleman Frederick William Slade, He joined up in February 1916, & in November was confined to barracks for Disobedience.
Slade arrived in France in Jan 1917, & in August, 3 months’ Field Punishment No 1 was imposed — again for Disobedience. He was once more tried at court martial on 2 charges, the first of which arose from an incident on 6 Oct 1917 — he was still serving his sentence — when he refused to go on parade. The second charge was more serious in that he again refused to parade — this time repeatedly — when ordered to march to a forward area near Ypres.
At trial, Slade made a brief statement on oath (mentioning only the circumstances of the second charge), saying: ‘I am not responsible for my actions. Since Bullecourt, the scenes I saw there have worked on my mind’. (The Adjutant told the court that Slade had done good work there as a stretcher-bearer in May 1917). When cross-examined, Slade admitted that he had not reported sick; an RAMC Captain testified to having (briefly) examined Slade for mental deficiency — of which the doctor saw no sign. Sentence of death was confirmed by Haig but only on the second charge. (Corns, pp.132-134)
11661 Private Arthur H. Westwood, 8th Bn. East Surrey Regiment, he was executed for desertion on 23rd November 1917, aged 20. Son of William and Ellen Westwood, of 27A, Leagrave Rd., Fulham, London. Plot II. B. 13.
Sentenced to 90 days’ Field Punishment for Desertion in 1917, absconding later in the same year from the trenches in the Ypres Salient. (Putkowski, pp 221-222)
Pictures below © Geerhard Joos
The Royal Garrison Artillery at Elverdinghe. Taking up shells by motor-driven light railway during the Battle of Langemarck, 19 August 1917. © IWM (Q 2661)
