CITÉ BONJEAN MILITARY CEMETERY & CITÉ BONJEAN (NEW ZEALAND) MEMORIAL
Armentières
Nord
France
GPS Coordinates: Latitude: 50.68574, Longitude: 2.863
Picture © Werner Van Caneghem
Location Information
Armentieres is a town in the Department of the Nord, on the Belgian frontier, 14.5 kilometres north-west of Lille.
From the town of Armentieres take the D945 to Estaires. Cite Bonjean Military Cemetery is signposted off this road just before Erquinghem-sur-la-Lys.
There is a level crossing situated approximately 100 metres from the cemetery.
Visiting Information
Wheelchair access to cemetery with some difficulty.
Historical Information
Armentieres was occupied by the 4th Division on 17 October 1914 and it remained within the Allied lines until its evacuation ahead of the German advance on 10 April 1918, after a prolonged and heavy bombardment with gas shell. It was occupied by the Germans next day, and was not recovered until 3 October 1918.
CITE BONJEAN MILITARY CEMETERY was begun (Plot IX) in October 1914 and during the winter of 1914-15 it was used for civilian burials (later removed), the town cemetery at Le Bizet being too greatly exposed. The cemetery continued to be used by field ambulances and fighting units (particularly the 4th, 6th, 21st, New Zealand, 17th and 57th (West Lancashire) Divisions and the Australian Corps) until April 1918. Plots V, VI, VII and X were then used by the Germans.
The cemetery now contains 2,132 Commonwealth burials of the First World War. In 1925, 455 German graves were removed from Plots V and VI, but more than 500 remain in the cemetery.
There are also 33 Second World War burials, mostly dating from the months of occupation by the British Expeditionary Force, before the German invasion of May 1940.
World War One Identified Casualties: United Kingdom 1,186, Australia 470, Germany 468, New Zealand 452, Canada 16, Belgium 2. Total 2,594.
World War Two Identified Casualties: United Kingdom 27, Germany 2. Total 29.
Unidentified Casualties: 4.
Within the cemetery stands the CITE BONJEAN (NEW ZEALAND) MEMORIAL, commemorating 47 officers and men of the New Zealand Division who died in the neighbourhood of Armentieres and have no known grave.
This is one of seven memorials in France and Belgium to those New Zealand soldiers who died on the Western Front and whose graves are not known. The memorials are all in cemeteries chosen as appropriate to the fighting in which the men died.
Commemorated: New Zealand 47.
The cemetery and memorial were designed by Sir Herbert Baker and George Hartley Goldsmith
Dedications
41414 Corporal George Henry Collins, 26th (Tyneside Irish) Bn. Northumberland Fusiliers, 10th November 1916, aged 22.
"Remembered with honour" Nicola Furbisher
1116 Corporal
Peter Olaf Anderson
37th Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
8th January 1917, aged 27.
Plot IV. C. 37.
A 27 year old brass finisher prior to enlisting on 29 February 1916, he embarked for overseas with D Company from Melbourne on 3 June 1916 aboard HMAT Persic. On arrival in France, he joined the battalion in the field and was killed in action near Armentieres on 8 January 1917.
Peter Olaf Anderson
37th Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
8th January 1917, aged 27.
Plot IV. C. 37.
A 27 year old brass finisher prior to enlisting on 29 February 1916, he embarked for overseas with D Company from Melbourne on 3 June 1916 aboard HMAT Persic. On arrival in France, he joined the battalion in the field and was killed in action near Armentieres on 8 January 1917.
38072 Private
Richard Dillon
23rd (Tyneside Scottish) Bn. Northumberland Fusiliers
11th February 1917
Plot IV. E. 37.
Graham recently travelled from Australia to the Cité Bon Jean Military Cemetery in Armentières with his family to visit the grave of Private 38072 Richard Dillon of the Northumberland Fusiliers 23rd (4th Tyneside Scottish) Battalion. This was probably the first ever family visit to remember Richard and his sacrifice.
Richard Dillon was Graham's great great uncle on his mothers side. He was born in Sheffield in 1884 to Richard Dillon and Mary Barnes, the family originating in Galway, Ireland. Richard was killed in a raid on the German line in Armentieres on the 11th February 1917. This engagement (South East, B2. Sub Section) is detailed in the battalion war diary although Richard is not mentioned by name, only the officers.
Pictures © Graham Denman
Richard Dillon
23rd (Tyneside Scottish) Bn. Northumberland Fusiliers
11th February 1917
Plot IV. E. 37.
Graham recently travelled from Australia to the Cité Bon Jean Military Cemetery in Armentières with his family to visit the grave of Private 38072 Richard Dillon of the Northumberland Fusiliers 23rd (4th Tyneside Scottish) Battalion. This was probably the first ever family visit to remember Richard and his sacrifice.
Richard Dillon was Graham's great great uncle on his mothers side. He was born in Sheffield in 1884 to Richard Dillon and Mary Barnes, the family originating in Galway, Ireland. Richard was killed in a raid on the German line in Armentieres on the 11th February 1917. This engagement (South East, B2. Sub Section) is detailed in the battalion war diary although Richard is not mentioned by name, only the officers.
Pictures © Graham Denman
1640 Private
Frederick William Dodd
36th Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
5th February 1917, aged 23.
Plot IV. D. 12.
Son of James Alfred and Mary Catharine Dodd, of Augathella, Queensland.
A labourer prior to enlistment, Pte Dodd embarked with the 1st Reinforcements from Sydney on HMAT Beltana on 13th May 1916. He was killed in action in France on 5th February 1917.
Sergeant H. C. Evans gave details of Frederick Dodd's death;
"He was one of my men in III Platoon. He was killed in the front line of the Houplines sector. It was a quiet morning and he was having a look over the parapet, when a sniper got him. I saw him hit, he died right out. he was buried at the Military Cemetery at Armentieres."
Frederick William Dodd
36th Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
5th February 1917, aged 23.
Plot IV. D. 12.
Son of James Alfred and Mary Catharine Dodd, of Augathella, Queensland.
A labourer prior to enlistment, Pte Dodd embarked with the 1st Reinforcements from Sydney on HMAT Beltana on 13th May 1916. He was killed in action in France on 5th February 1917.
Sergeant H. C. Evans gave details of Frederick Dodd's death;
"He was one of my men in III Platoon. He was killed in the front line of the Houplines sector. It was a quiet morning and he was having a look over the parapet, when a sniper got him. I saw him hit, he died right out. he was buried at the Military Cemetery at Armentieres."
589 Sergeant
Eugene Schuyler Earle
33rd Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
2nd December 1917, aged 21.
Plot IV. B. 43.
Son of Albert Berry Earle and Flora Margaret Earle, of "Earlton," Armidale, New South Wales.
A bank clerk from Armidale, NSW prior to enlistment, Sgt Earle embarked with B Company from Sydney on HMAT Marathon on 4 May 1916. On 8 December 1916 he was killed in action in France, aged 21.
Eugene Schuyler Earle
33rd Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
2nd December 1917, aged 21.
Plot IV. B. 43.
Son of Albert Berry Earle and Flora Margaret Earle, of "Earlton," Armidale, New South Wales.
A bank clerk from Armidale, NSW prior to enlistment, Sgt Earle embarked with B Company from Sydney on HMAT Marathon on 4 May 1916. On 8 December 1916 he was killed in action in France, aged 21.
750 Private
Edward Owen Edwards
36th Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
20th December 1917, aged 17.
Plot I. C. 43.
Son of Henry Edwards and Ada Caroline Betts, his wife. Born at Smithfield, New South Wales.
A drover prior to enlisting, he embarked from Sydney aboard HMAT Beltana (A72) on 31 May 1916. On 20 December 1917, he was killed in action at Armentieres, France, aged 17.
Edward Owen Edwards
36th Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
20th December 1917, aged 17.
Plot I. C. 43.
Son of Henry Edwards and Ada Caroline Betts, his wife. Born at Smithfield, New South Wales.
A drover prior to enlisting, he embarked from Sydney aboard HMAT Beltana (A72) on 31 May 1916. On 20 December 1917, he was killed in action at Armentieres, France, aged 17.
758 Sergeant
Herbert George Finch
36th Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
18th December 1916, aged 21.
Plot III. C. 4.
Son of Joseph and Louisa Elizabeth Finch, of 39, Harriett Avenue, Marrickville, New South Wales. Born at Botany, New South Wales.
A locomotive engine cleaner and fireman prior to enlisting, he embarked from Sydney aboard HMAT Beltana (A72) on 13 May 1916. He was killed in action at Armentieres, France on 18 December 1916, aged 21.
Herbert George Finch
36th Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
18th December 1916, aged 21.
Plot III. C. 4.
Son of Joseph and Louisa Elizabeth Finch, of 39, Harriett Avenue, Marrickville, New South Wales. Born at Botany, New South Wales.
A locomotive engine cleaner and fireman prior to enlisting, he embarked from Sydney aboard HMAT Beltana (A72) on 13 May 1916. He was killed in action at Armentieres, France on 18 December 1916, aged 21.
3069 Private
Joseph Gannon
5th Australian Pioneers
28th September 1916
Plot III. A. 2.
Son of John and Harriet Gannon, of 22, Mitchell St., Brunswick, Victoria, Australia. Born at Carlton, Victoria.
Pte Gannon enlisted on 10 July 1915 and embarked from Melbourne aboard HMAT Osterley on 29 September 1915. He died of wounds on 28 September 1916 in France.
Joseph Gannon
5th Australian Pioneers
28th September 1916
Plot III. A. 2.
Son of John and Harriet Gannon, of 22, Mitchell St., Brunswick, Victoria, Australia. Born at Carlton, Victoria.
Pte Gannon enlisted on 10 July 1915 and embarked from Melbourne aboard HMAT Osterley on 29 September 1915. He died of wounds on 28 September 1916 in France.
1653 Private
Henry Gooda
36th Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
14th December 1916, aged 26.
Plot IV. B. 6.
From Warialda, NSW. Son of Henry Gooda.
A stationhand prior to enlisting, he embarked from Sydney aboard HMAT Beltana (A72) on 13 May 1916. He died of wounds on 14 December 1916 in France, aged 26.
Henry Gooda
36th Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
14th December 1916, aged 26.
Plot IV. B. 6.
From Warialda, NSW. Son of Henry Gooda.
A stationhand prior to enlisting, he embarked from Sydney aboard HMAT Beltana (A72) on 13 May 1916. He died of wounds on 14 December 1916 in France, aged 26.
774 Private
Albert Greenfield
34th Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
16th December 1916, aged 21.
Plot III. C. 21.
Inscription "Duty Nobly Done"
Son of Samuel and Isabella Greenfield, of Killingworth, New South Wales. Born at York, England.
Studio portrait of 774 Private (Pte) Albert Greenfield, 34th Battalion, of Killingworth, NSW. A miner prior to enlistment, Pte Greenfield embarked with C Company from Sydney on HMAT Hororata on 2 May 1916. On 16 December 1916 he was killed in action in France, aged 21. Pte Greenfield's brother, 3325 Pte Stephen Greenfield, was killed in action at Pozieres, France, on 22 July 1916 and is commemorated on the Villers-Bretonneux Memorial. Their brother-in-law, 1030 Pte Thomas Wood, was killed in action at Gallipoli on 21 September 1915 and is buried in Shrapnel Valley Cemetery.
Albert Greenfield
34th Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
16th December 1916, aged 21.
Plot III. C. 21.
Inscription "Duty Nobly Done"
Son of Samuel and Isabella Greenfield, of Killingworth, New South Wales. Born at York, England.
Studio portrait of 774 Private (Pte) Albert Greenfield, 34th Battalion, of Killingworth, NSW. A miner prior to enlistment, Pte Greenfield embarked with C Company from Sydney on HMAT Hororata on 2 May 1916. On 16 December 1916 he was killed in action in France, aged 21. Pte Greenfield's brother, 3325 Pte Stephen Greenfield, was killed in action at Pozieres, France, on 22 July 1916 and is commemorated on the Villers-Bretonneux Memorial. Their brother-in-law, 1030 Pte Thomas Wood, was killed in action at Gallipoli on 21 September 1915 and is buried in Shrapnel Valley Cemetery.
837 Private
Gilbert Rees Gurr
40th Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
15th April 1917, aged 24.
Plot V. A. 2.
Son of Benjamin James and Grace Gurr, of Amy Road, Launceston, Tasmania.
A shop assistant from Launceston, Tas prior to enlistment, Pte Gurr embarked with D Company from Hobart on HMAT Berrima on 1 July 1916. Whilst serving in France, he was killed in action on 15 April 1917.
Gilbert Rees Gurr
40th Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
15th April 1917, aged 24.
Plot V. A. 2.
Son of Benjamin James and Grace Gurr, of Amy Road, Launceston, Tasmania.
A shop assistant from Launceston, Tas prior to enlistment, Pte Gurr embarked with D Company from Hobart on HMAT Berrima on 1 July 1916. Whilst serving in France, he was killed in action on 15 April 1917.
9333 Private
F. Harrison
8th Bn. Lincolnshire Regiment, formerly 2nd Bn.
16th March 1916, aged 24.
Plot IX. F. 9.
Son of Frank and Mary Harrison, of 1, Cambridge St., Grantham, Lincs.
F. Harrison
8th Bn. Lincolnshire Regiment, formerly 2nd Bn.
16th March 1916, aged 24.
Plot IX. F. 9.
Son of Frank and Mary Harrison, of 1, Cambridge St., Grantham, Lincs.
92 Company Sergeant Major
William Wilfred Hillier
35th Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
24th December 1916, aged 23.
Plot III. C. 13.
Son of William John and Catherine Hillier, of Belle-Vere, Union St., Newcastle, New South Wales.
A 22 year old ironmonger prior to enlisting on 18 September 1915, he embarked for overseas with A Company from Sydney on 1 May 1916 aboard HMAT Benalla. After four months of further training in England, the battalion proceeded to France where CSM Hillier was killed in action near Armentieres on 24 December 1916.
Killed by a shell in the trenches at Square Farm near Armentieres.
William Wilfred Hillier
35th Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
24th December 1916, aged 23.
Plot III. C. 13.
Son of William John and Catherine Hillier, of Belle-Vere, Union St., Newcastle, New South Wales.
A 22 year old ironmonger prior to enlisting on 18 September 1915, he embarked for overseas with A Company from Sydney on 1 May 1916 aboard HMAT Benalla. After four months of further training in England, the battalion proceeded to France where CSM Hillier was killed in action near Armentieres on 24 December 1916.
Killed by a shell in the trenches at Square Farm near Armentieres.
1847 Private
Thomas Hughes
39th Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
10th April 1917, aged 39.
Plot VI. A. 3.
Son of Hugh and Jane Elizabeth Hughes; husband of Ethel J. Hughes, of 116, Talbot St., Ballarat, Victoria, Australia.
Thomas Hughes
39th Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
10th April 1917, aged 39.
Plot VI. A. 3.
Son of Hugh and Jane Elizabeth Hughes; husband of Ethel J. Hughes, of 116, Talbot St., Ballarat, Victoria, Australia.
1860 Private
Edward Herbert Jones
37th Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
23rd April 1917, aged 23.
Plot VI. A. 11.
Son of Mr. W. and Dorothy Jones, of Randall St., Mordialloc Victoria, Australia. Born at Brunswick East Victoria.
A teacher prior to enlisting, he embarked from Melbourne aboard RMS Orontes on 16 August 1916. On 23 April 1917, he was killed in action near Armentieres, France, aged 23.
Edward Herbert Jones
37th Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
23rd April 1917, aged 23.
Plot VI. A. 11.
Son of Mr. W. and Dorothy Jones, of Randall St., Mordialloc Victoria, Australia. Born at Brunswick East Victoria.
A teacher prior to enlisting, he embarked from Melbourne aboard RMS Orontes on 16 August 1916. On 23 April 1917, he was killed in action near Armentieres, France, aged 23.
1216 Private
George Charles Jude
38th Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
27th February 1917, aged 27.
Plot III. F. 29.
Son of George and Ada Florence Jude, of 88, Puckle St., Moonee Ponds, Victoria, Australia.
A 22 year old gas meter tester prior to enlisting on 13 March 1916, he embarked for overseas with D Company from Melbourne on 20 June 1916 aboard HMAT Runic (A54). After a brief period of hospitalisation in England with measles, he joined the 38th Battalion in France where he was wounded in action near Armentieres. Pte Jude died of his wounds on 27 February 1917.
Killed by a shell while helping a wounded man back from a raid.
George Charles Jude
38th Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
27th February 1917, aged 27.
Plot III. F. 29.
Son of George and Ada Florence Jude, of 88, Puckle St., Moonee Ponds, Victoria, Australia.
A 22 year old gas meter tester prior to enlisting on 13 March 1916, he embarked for overseas with D Company from Melbourne on 20 June 1916 aboard HMAT Runic (A54). After a brief period of hospitalisation in England with measles, he joined the 38th Battalion in France where he was wounded in action near Armentieres. Pte Jude died of his wounds on 27 February 1917.
Killed by a shell while helping a wounded man back from a raid.
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483 Private
Norman Clive Clark Koina
36th Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
7th December 1916, aged 24.
Plot IV. B. 28.
Son of Christopher and Mary Koina, of Brooklyn, Inverell, New South Wales.
A carpenter prior to enlisting, he embarked from Sydney aboard HMAT Beltana (A72) on 13 May 1916. He was killed in action on 7 December 1916 in France, aged 24.
Norman Koina was a Lewis Gunner, he and two Stretcher Bearers were taking cover in a dug-out near Square Farm when a direct hit from a shell killed all three men.
Norman Clive Clark Koina
36th Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
7th December 1916, aged 24.
Plot IV. B. 28.
Son of Christopher and Mary Koina, of Brooklyn, Inverell, New South Wales.
A carpenter prior to enlisting, he embarked from Sydney aboard HMAT Beltana (A72) on 13 May 1916. He was killed in action on 7 December 1916 in France, aged 24.
Norman Koina was a Lewis Gunner, he and two Stretcher Bearers were taking cover in a dug-out near Square Farm when a direct hit from a shell killed all three men.
765 Corporal
Horace Garfield Kurrle
38th Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
2nd January 1917, aged 23.
Plot IV. C. 3.
Son of Robert Frederick and Catherine Lupton Kurrle. Born at Sunbury, Victoria, Australia.
He served with 38 Battalion, and was killed instantly by a 'Whizz-Bang' on 2 January 1917 in a trench near Houplines in Flanders.
Horace Garfield Kurrle
38th Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
2nd January 1917, aged 23.
Plot IV. C. 3.
Son of Robert Frederick and Catherine Lupton Kurrle. Born at Sunbury, Victoria, Australia.
He served with 38 Battalion, and was killed instantly by a 'Whizz-Bang' on 2 January 1917 in a trench near Houplines in Flanders.
Images in this gallery © Geerhard Joos
61 Private
Hugh Alphonsus Leffler
9th Coy. Australian Machine Gun Corps
3rd December 1916, aged 23.
Plot IV. B. 41.
Son of Ambrose Augustus and Mabel Ann Frances Leffler, of 23, Margate St., Kogarah, New South Wales. Born at Richmond, Victoria, Australia.
A printer prior to enlisting, he embarked from Sydney aboard HMAT Benalla (A40) on 1 May June 1916. He was killed accidentally on 3 December 1916 at Square Farm, Armentieres, France, aged 23.
He was accidentally killed in a trench at Square Farm, Armentieres, Private J. P. Powell of 9th Australian Machine Gun Corps., was handing him a rifle which had been left in the loop hole at 'Full Cock' when it went off, the bullet hitting Hugh Leffler in the abdomen and killing him.
Hugh Alphonsus Leffler
9th Coy. Australian Machine Gun Corps
3rd December 1916, aged 23.
Plot IV. B. 41.
Son of Ambrose Augustus and Mabel Ann Frances Leffler, of 23, Margate St., Kogarah, New South Wales. Born at Richmond, Victoria, Australia.
A printer prior to enlisting, he embarked from Sydney aboard HMAT Benalla (A40) on 1 May June 1916. He was killed accidentally on 3 December 1916 at Square Farm, Armentieres, France, aged 23.
He was accidentally killed in a trench at Square Farm, Armentieres, Private J. P. Powell of 9th Australian Machine Gun Corps., was handing him a rifle which had been left in the loop hole at 'Full Cock' when it went off, the bullet hitting Hugh Leffler in the abdomen and killing him.
3954 Sapper
Alfred Lobley
2nd Coy. Australian Tunnelling Corps
14th November 1916, aged 23.
Plot III. B. 34.
Son of William and Christina Lobley, of 354, Fitzroy St., Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia. Husband of Mrs. Laura G. Ferguson (formerly Lobley). Born at Talbot, Victoria.
Enlisted 13th March 1916.
Alfred Lobley
2nd Coy. Australian Tunnelling Corps
14th November 1916, aged 23.
Plot III. B. 34.
Son of William and Christina Lobley, of 354, Fitzroy St., Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia. Husband of Mrs. Laura G. Ferguson (formerly Lobley). Born at Talbot, Victoria.
Enlisted 13th March 1916.
Lieutenant
James John McGrath
36th Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
21st January 1917, aged 38.
Plot III. D. 12.
Son of James John and Sarah McGrath. Born in Ireland.
A professional soldier, he embarked from Sydney aboard HMAT Beltana (A72) on 13 May 1916. He was killed in action on top of Cambridge Avenue, Armentieres, France on 21 January 1917, aged 38.
James John McGrath
36th Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
21st January 1917, aged 38.
Plot III. D. 12.
Son of James John and Sarah McGrath. Born in Ireland.
A professional soldier, he embarked from Sydney aboard HMAT Beltana (A72) on 13 May 1916. He was killed in action on top of Cambridge Avenue, Armentieres, France on 21 January 1917, aged 38.
Captain
William Graham Montgomerie
2nd Bn. Leinster Regiment
20th October 1914, aged 37.
Plot IX. A. 88.
Son of Lt. Col. Patrick Montgomerie; husband of Kate Elizabeth Montgomerie.
William Graham Montgomerie
2nd Bn. Leinster Regiment
20th October 1914, aged 37.
Plot IX. A. 88.
Son of Lt. Col. Patrick Montgomerie; husband of Kate Elizabeth Montgomerie.
49202 Pioneer
Andrew Brown McAuley Munn
33rd Div. Signal Company, Royal Engineers
16th September 1915, aged 21.
Plot IX. C. 1.
Son of James Munn and Margaret McAulay Munn of 42, Crown Ave, Clydebank, Scotland.
Picture courtesy of his Great granddaughter, Karen Petts
Andrew Brown McAuley Munn
33rd Div. Signal Company, Royal Engineers
16th September 1915, aged 21.
Plot IX. C. 1.
Son of James Munn and Margaret McAulay Munn of 42, Crown Ave, Clydebank, Scotland.
Picture courtesy of his Great granddaughter, Karen Petts
6075 Private
William George Needham (Served as Walter Godfrey Needham)
38th Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
29th December 1916
Plot III. C. 29.
Private William George Needham, 38th Battalion from Fitzroy, Victoria. A 37 year old bookmaker prior to enlistment on 30 March 1916, he enlisted as Walter Godfrey Needham and embarked for overseas with the 19th Reinforcements of the 6th Battalion from Melbourne on 28 July 1916 aboard HMAT Themistocles. After joining the 38th Battalion on 30 September 1916, he was killed in action on 29 December 1916 and is buried in the Cite Bonjean Military Cemetery, Armentieres, France. After his death it was revealed that his real name was William George Needham.
William George Needham (Served as Walter Godfrey Needham)
38th Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
29th December 1916
Plot III. C. 29.
Private William George Needham, 38th Battalion from Fitzroy, Victoria. A 37 year old bookmaker prior to enlistment on 30 March 1916, he enlisted as Walter Godfrey Needham and embarked for overseas with the 19th Reinforcements of the 6th Battalion from Melbourne on 28 July 1916 aboard HMAT Themistocles. After joining the 38th Battalion on 30 September 1916, he was killed in action on 29 December 1916 and is buried in the Cite Bonjean Military Cemetery, Armentieres, France. After his death it was revealed that his real name was William George Needham.
639 Private
George Paterson
39th Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
8th January 1917
Plot IV. C. 35.
A 22 year old winch driver from Yarraville, Victoria when he enlisted and embarked for overseas with B Company from Melbourne on 27 May 1916 aboard HMAT Ascanius. (He had earlier enlisted on 14 July 1915 only to be discharged medically unfit three weeks later.) While serving in France, Private Paterson was killed in action on 8 January 1917.
Second Lieutenant A. D MacArthur spoke of George Paterson's death later that year;
"He was in "B" Coy., I have seen his grave in the Armentieres Cemetery, with cross, name and number on. I saw it last February. He was a signaller and I heard that a shell came through the roof of the dugout where he was asleep. He never moved, not even his arms were unfolded."
George Paterson
39th Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
8th January 1917
Plot IV. C. 35.
A 22 year old winch driver from Yarraville, Victoria when he enlisted and embarked for overseas with B Company from Melbourne on 27 May 1916 aboard HMAT Ascanius. (He had earlier enlisted on 14 July 1915 only to be discharged medically unfit three weeks later.) While serving in France, Private Paterson was killed in action on 8 January 1917.
Second Lieutenant A. D MacArthur spoke of George Paterson's death later that year;
"He was in "B" Coy., I have seen his grave in the Armentieres Cemetery, with cross, name and number on. I saw it last February. He was a signaller and I heard that a shell came through the roof of the dugout where he was asleep. He never moved, not even his arms were unfolded."
638 Private
Albert Herculean Augustus Pearce
40th Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
7th January 1917, aged 29.
Plot IV. C. 31.
Son of George and Annie Pearce; husband of Ivy Lydia M. Pearce, of Charles St., Moonah, Hobart, Tasmania. Born at Hobart.
A builder's labourer of Moonah, Tasmania, prior to enlistment, he embarked with C Company on HMAT Berrima (A35) on 1 July 1916. Pte Pearce was killed in action on 7 January 1917, aged 29 years
Albert Herculean Augustus Pearce
40th Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
7th January 1917, aged 29.
Plot IV. C. 31.
Son of George and Annie Pearce; husband of Ivy Lydia M. Pearce, of Charles St., Moonah, Hobart, Tasmania. Born at Hobart.
A builder's labourer of Moonah, Tasmania, prior to enlistment, he embarked with C Company on HMAT Berrima (A35) on 1 July 1916. Pte Pearce was killed in action on 7 January 1917, aged 29 years
21264 Bombardier
Robert Milton Pember
7th Bde. Australian Field Artillery
1st February 1917, aged 21.
Plot IV. D. 27.
Son of Frank and Kathleen Pember, of Kingsbury St., East Brisbane, Queensland. Born at Toowoomba, Queensland.
Picture courtesy of Dot Gauntlett
21433 E. C. Walker had these words to say about Robert Pember;
"He was a staunch friend, a brave and conscientious soldier and to the last remained faithful to his fiancee and 'ain folk' in the old land."
Robert Milton Pember
7th Bde. Australian Field Artillery
1st February 1917, aged 21.
Plot IV. D. 27.
Son of Frank and Kathleen Pember, of Kingsbury St., East Brisbane, Queensland. Born at Toowoomba, Queensland.
Picture courtesy of Dot Gauntlett
21433 E. C. Walker had these words to say about Robert Pember;
"He was a staunch friend, a brave and conscientious soldier and to the last remained faithful to his fiancee and 'ain folk' in the old land."
2123 Private
Magnus John Pillar
33rd Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
16th December 1916, aged 25.
Plot IV. B. 3.
Son of Mr. T. and Mary Pillar. Born at Tenterfield, New South Wales.
A farmer prior to enlisting, he embarked from Sydney aboard HMAT Anchises (A68) on 24 August 1916. He was killed in action on 16 December 1916 in France, aged 25.
Magnus John Pillar
33rd Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
16th December 1916, aged 25.
Plot IV. B. 3.
Son of Mr. T. and Mary Pillar. Born at Tenterfield, New South Wales.
A farmer prior to enlisting, he embarked from Sydney aboard HMAT Anchises (A68) on 24 August 1916. He was killed in action on 16 December 1916 in France, aged 25.
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2144 Private
Albert Omega Retchford
34th Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
20th January 1917
Plot III. D. 8.
Cite Bonjean, France. A wooden cross marks the grave of 2144 Private Albert Omega Retchford, 34th Infantry Battalion who was killed in action on 20 January 1917 near Armentieres. Albert Omega had been on a working party, on returning to the trenches he realised he had forgotten his rifle and went back out to retrieve it, he was killed by a shell.
Albert Omega Retchford
34th Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
20th January 1917
Plot III. D. 8.
Cite Bonjean, France. A wooden cross marks the grave of 2144 Private Albert Omega Retchford, 34th Infantry Battalion who was killed in action on 20 January 1917 near Armentieres. Albert Omega had been on a working party, on returning to the trenches he realised he had forgotten his rifle and went back out to retrieve it, he was killed by a shell.
41545 Private
John Herbert Rukin 24th (Tyneside Irish) Bn. Northumberland Fusiliers. 13th December 1916, aged 20. Plot IV. B. 10. Son of Ernest Edwin and Ada Rukin, of East View, Clifton, Brighouse, Yorks. |
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Captain
Alexander Adam Seaton
1st Bn. Cambridgeshire Regiment
4th September 1915, aged 31.
Plot IX. B. 1.
Son of John Abdiel Seaton and Eleanor Seaton, of Roslyn, Halifax. Fellow of Pembroke College, Cambridge. Born at Cleckheaton, Yorks.
Alexander Adam Seaton
1st Bn. Cambridgeshire Regiment
4th September 1915, aged 31.
Plot IX. B. 1.
Son of John Abdiel Seaton and Eleanor Seaton, of Roslyn, Halifax. Fellow of Pembroke College, Cambridge. Born at Cleckheaton, Yorks.
180 Private
William Lionel Stalker
36th Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
22nd January 1917, aged 23.
Plot IV. E. 10.
Son of Dugald and Christena Stalker, of 100, Walcott St., Perth, Western Australia. Born at Annandale, Sydney, New South Wales.
A clerk with a year's service in the Citizens' Military Forces (CMF) prior to enlistment on 14 December 1915, Pte Stalker embarked on HMAT Beltana (A72) on 13 May 1916. Known as Bunt to his family, Pte Stalker gave this portrait to his sister Ruby before his departure. He was killed in action on 22 January 1917, aged 23.
84 Private, K. Finlayson said this of William Stalker's' death;
"I know Stalker and Williams* were buried alive by an attack by the Prussian Guard. The dugout fell in. By the time the Prussians retired (with several of our men as prisoners) the dugout was so frozen that we could not get to the men in time to save them. I was one of those who tried to dig them out, this was at Armentieres, about 22nd January."
It is not known when the bodies of the two men were retrieved, further information from another man states that they still had not been dug out by the time he himself was wounded on 6th of February, such were the icy conditions.
*1706 Private Andrew Williams, 36th Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F., 22nd January 1917. Plot IV. D. 3. Born at Rocky River, New South Wales. Son of Johanna and the late John Williams.
William Lionel Stalker
36th Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
22nd January 1917, aged 23.
Plot IV. E. 10.
Son of Dugald and Christena Stalker, of 100, Walcott St., Perth, Western Australia. Born at Annandale, Sydney, New South Wales.
A clerk with a year's service in the Citizens' Military Forces (CMF) prior to enlistment on 14 December 1915, Pte Stalker embarked on HMAT Beltana (A72) on 13 May 1916. Known as Bunt to his family, Pte Stalker gave this portrait to his sister Ruby before his departure. He was killed in action on 22 January 1917, aged 23.
84 Private, K. Finlayson said this of William Stalker's' death;
"I know Stalker and Williams* were buried alive by an attack by the Prussian Guard. The dugout fell in. By the time the Prussians retired (with several of our men as prisoners) the dugout was so frozen that we could not get to the men in time to save them. I was one of those who tried to dig them out, this was at Armentieres, about 22nd January."
It is not known when the bodies of the two men were retrieved, further information from another man states that they still had not been dug out by the time he himself was wounded on 6th of February, such were the icy conditions.
*1706 Private Andrew Williams, 36th Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F., 22nd January 1917. Plot IV. D. 3. Born at Rocky River, New South Wales. Son of Johanna and the late John Williams.
1305 Corporal
Leslie Alan Stevens
38th Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
25th January 1917, aged 26.
Plot III. D. 27.
Son of L. S. Stevens, of 46, McKinley Avenue, Malvern, Victoria, Australia, and the late Mrs. S. Stevens. Born at Essendon, Victoria.
A school teacher prior to enlisting, he embarked from Melbourne aboard HMAT Runic (A54) on 20 June 1916. On 25 January 1917, he was killed in action near Armentieres, France, aged 26.
Leslie Alan Stevens
38th Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
25th January 1917, aged 26.
Plot III. D. 27.
Son of L. S. Stevens, of 46, McKinley Avenue, Malvern, Victoria, Australia, and the late Mrs. S. Stevens. Born at Essendon, Victoria.
A school teacher prior to enlisting, he embarked from Melbourne aboard HMAT Runic (A54) on 20 June 1916. On 25 January 1917, he was killed in action near Armentieres, France, aged 26.
The following pictures were sent to us by Jørn Dietrich
The pictures were taken in November 1919 and show the original grave markers in the cemetery and in particular 10/4013 Private Kaj Topp, 1st Bn. Wellington Regiment, N. Z. E. F. who died on July 20th 1916, aged 25. He is buried in plot II. E. 35 and was the brother of Vigo Topp, of Egilsgade 2, Kobenhavn B., Denmark
Please click on individual images for more information
Two images of the trenches at Square Farm, many of those in the pictures above were killed in this area.
German Offensive in Flanders. Slightly wounded British prisoners taking their first meal outside a ruined building in front of Armentieres, which was captured on the 10 April 1918.
© IWM (Q 54825)
Shot at Dawn
14357 Private Charles Bladen, 10th Bn. Yorks and Lancs Regiment., executed for desertion 23rd March 1916, aged 26. Plot 9. G. 94. Husband of Alice May Peachy (formerly Bladen), of 21, North View Road, Hornsey, London. On 20 Dec 1915, he deserted from his battalion which was fighting at Armentières. When arrested in London on the following Jan 29, Bladen averred that he had merely overstayed his home leave. His ploy, & thereafter 3 attempts at escape failed; his trial followed, & he was executed on Mar 22. (Putkowski, pp. 73-74)
2057 Private James Higgins, 1st/9th Bn. Attached to 1st/8th Bn. Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, executed for desertion 26th August 1916. Plot 1. F. 22. Son of Robert and Jessie Higgins, of 25, Gordon St., Clydebank. He absented himself from the fighting zone, but was arrested a week later — in part disguised — near a base port. (Putkowski, pp 105-106)
11490 Private Thomas Henry Basil Rigby, 10th Bn. South Wales Borderers, executed for desertion 22nd November1917, aged 21. Plot 2. A. 3. Husband of the late Gladys May Lloyd Jones Rigby. A young pre-war Regular, he arrived in France in Sept 1915, 5 days after his marriage. Thereafter Rigby received a suspended sentence of 3 years’ imprisonment for desertion; & in Aug 1917, went absent whilst acting as a brigade runner, but was arrested a week later in Calais, where he pretended to be attached to a base camp. At trial, he said that he was worried about his wife’s health — which was perhaps true because it is known that she died a few years after the war. (Putkowski, pp. 220-221)
15469 Private Arthur Harold Robinson, 9th Bn. Northumberland Fusiliers, executed for desertion 10/05/1916. Plot 1. A. 18. Son of Mrs. Sarah Ann Robinson, of 21, Queen St., Eckington, Nr. Sheffield, Yorks. He deserted after 10 months on the Western Front, when already subject to a suspended sentence of 10 years’ penal servitude for desertion. (Putkowski, p. 78)
Pictures © Geerhard Joos
14357 Private Charles Bladen, 10th Bn. Yorks and Lancs Regiment., executed for desertion 23rd March 1916, aged 26. Plot 9. G. 94. Husband of Alice May Peachy (formerly Bladen), of 21, North View Road, Hornsey, London. On 20 Dec 1915, he deserted from his battalion which was fighting at Armentières. When arrested in London on the following Jan 29, Bladen averred that he had merely overstayed his home leave. His ploy, & thereafter 3 attempts at escape failed; his trial followed, & he was executed on Mar 22. (Putkowski, pp. 73-74)
2057 Private James Higgins, 1st/9th Bn. Attached to 1st/8th Bn. Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, executed for desertion 26th August 1916. Plot 1. F. 22. Son of Robert and Jessie Higgins, of 25, Gordon St., Clydebank. He absented himself from the fighting zone, but was arrested a week later — in part disguised — near a base port. (Putkowski, pp 105-106)
11490 Private Thomas Henry Basil Rigby, 10th Bn. South Wales Borderers, executed for desertion 22nd November1917, aged 21. Plot 2. A. 3. Husband of the late Gladys May Lloyd Jones Rigby. A young pre-war Regular, he arrived in France in Sept 1915, 5 days after his marriage. Thereafter Rigby received a suspended sentence of 3 years’ imprisonment for desertion; & in Aug 1917, went absent whilst acting as a brigade runner, but was arrested a week later in Calais, where he pretended to be attached to a base camp. At trial, he said that he was worried about his wife’s health — which was perhaps true because it is known that she died a few years after the war. (Putkowski, pp. 220-221)
15469 Private Arthur Harold Robinson, 9th Bn. Northumberland Fusiliers, executed for desertion 10/05/1916. Plot 1. A. 18. Son of Mrs. Sarah Ann Robinson, of 21, Queen St., Eckington, Nr. Sheffield, Yorks. He deserted after 10 months on the Western Front, when already subject to a suspended sentence of 10 years’ penal servitude for desertion. (Putkowski, p. 78)
Pictures © Geerhard Joos
Images in this gallery © Werner Van Caneghem
CITÉ BONJEAN (NEW ZEALAND) MEMORIAL
Pictures below © Geerhard Joos
Pictures below © Werner Van Caneghem
Cite Bonjean; The graves identified from left to right are: 1836 Private William Gillis, 42nd Battalion; 35 David Allan Bremner, 39th Battalion; 675 Lance Corporal Roy Bales Harper.
An image from the collection of 1010 Sergeant (Sgt) George Edgar Watkins DCM. Sgt Watkins, a painter from Blackburn, Victoria, enlisted on 10 February 1916. He served with the 39th Battalion throughout the war, as a Battalion scout in France and Belgium.
A front line trench held by the 1/6th Battalion, South Staffordshire Regiment near Armentieres in March 1915. Note the old Long Lee Enfield No1 Mk.I Rifles with which the battalion was still equipped.
© The rightsholder (IWM Q 60523)
Original graves in Cite-Bonjean Military Cemetery, c.1920. This area now makes up Plot IX of the cemetery. © Jeremy Gordon-Smith
