LE MANS WEST CEMETERY
Sarthe
France
Location Information
Le Mans is a large town and the seat of the Prefecture of the Department of La Sarthe.
Le Mans West Cemetery is in the north-west suburb of the town, west of the River Sarthe, off the main road, Avenue Rhin et Danube (D304). From the D304, turn into the Rue des Etamines, then left into Rue de la Madelaine. The Cemetery is off the Rue de la Madelaine in the Rue de le Garenne. The War Graves plot is at the far end of the cemetery on the left hand side, (Plot 38).
Historical Information
In 1914, when St. Nazaire and Nantes were the British bases, Le Mans was the Advanced Base and a hospital centre.
In 1939 the British General Headquarters were concentrated here from the 14th to 21st September, and in June, 1940 the Headquarters of the southern portion of the British Expeditionary Force were at Chateau de la Blanchardiere, Le Mans.
There are 61 Commonwealth burials of the 1914-18 war, 1 of which is unidentified. There are a further 97 Commonwealth burials of the 1939-1945 war here, 8 of which are unidentified. There is 1 Polish Foreign National burial.
Pictures in gallery © André De Smet
Le Mans is a large town and the seat of the Prefecture of the Department of La Sarthe.
Le Mans West Cemetery is in the north-west suburb of the town, west of the River Sarthe, off the main road, Avenue Rhin et Danube (D304). From the D304, turn into the Rue des Etamines, then left into Rue de la Madelaine. The Cemetery is off the Rue de la Madelaine in the Rue de le Garenne. The War Graves plot is at the far end of the cemetery on the left hand side, (Plot 38).
Historical Information
In 1914, when St. Nazaire and Nantes were the British bases, Le Mans was the Advanced Base and a hospital centre.
In 1939 the British General Headquarters were concentrated here from the 14th to 21st September, and in June, 1940 the Headquarters of the southern portion of the British Expeditionary Force were at Chateau de la Blanchardiere, Le Mans.
There are 61 Commonwealth burials of the 1914-18 war, 1 of which is unidentified. There are a further 97 Commonwealth burials of the 1939-1945 war here, 8 of which are unidentified. There is 1 Polish Foreign National burial.
Pictures in gallery © André De Smet
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129136 Flying Officer (Wireless Op./Air Gunner)
James Alexander Armour, D. F. C., D. F. M.
138 Sqdn. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
8th May 1944, aged 22.
Plot 38. 1939-45 Row C. Grave 7-11 (Coll.)
Son of L M Armour and Anne R Armour, of East Acton, London.
His headstone bears the inscription; "He Has Fought A Good Fight, He Has Finished His Course, He Has Kept The Faith."
James Alexander Armour, D. F. C., D. F. M.
138 Sqdn. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
8th May 1944, aged 22.
Plot 38. 1939-45 Row C. Grave 7-11 (Coll.)
Son of L M Armour and Anne R Armour, of East Acton, London.
His headstone bears the inscription; "He Has Fought A Good Fight, He Has Finished His Course, He Has Kept The Faith."
401749 Wing Commander
James Fraser Barron, D. F. C., D. F. M. and D. S. O. and Bar.
7 (RAF) Squadron, Royal New Zealand Air Force
20th May 1944, aged 23.
Plot 38. 1939-45 Row C. Joint grave 20.
Son of James Barron, and of Winifred Ellen Barron (nee Fraser), of Palmerston, Otago, New Zealand.
James 'Fraser' Barron DSO & Bar, DFC, DFM (9 January 1921 – 20 May 1944), was an officer of the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) who was killed in flying operations during the Second World War. Barron was one of only four New Zealanders to be awarded a bar to his DSO and was considered a standout bomber pilot of the war.
Early life
Barron was born on 9 January 1921 in Dunedin, New Zealand. An average student, he was educated at a primary school in Oamaru and then Waitaki Boys' High School. In 1939, he was working in Wellington as a cadet in the Mines Department.
Military career
Barron enlisted in the RNZAF in June 1940 and commenced training early the following month. He went through training at Taieri and Wigram with Jimmy Ward, who was to win the Victoria Cross. Barron and Ward sailed together on the Aorangi in January 1941 and were both stationed at 20 OTU Lossiemouth, in Scotland.
After leaving 20 OTC, where Barron and his crew survived a ditching in a Vickers Wellington, he was posted to 15 Squadron stationed at RAF Wyton flying Short Stirlings. Through late 1941 and early 1942, Barron was quickly promoted to flight sergeant and then pilot officer. In May 1942, after 42 operations including the thousand bomber raids on Cologne and Essen, he won his first decoration, the Distinguished Flying Medal. The citation read in part that Barron had completed many operational flights as captain of aircraft and proved most reliable, efficient and courageous in pressing home attacks regardless of opposition.
Posted to No.1651 Conversion Unit at Waterbeach as an instructor, Barron preferred operational flying and in September 1942, he joined 7 Squadron, a founding pathfinder unit. Barron would fly 16 sorties on this tour, during which he was promoted to flight lieutenant, followed in December 1942 by the award of his Path Finder Force badge. At the end of his tour in February 1943, Barron was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for "courage, skill and determination". A fortnight later he was awarded his first Distinguished Service Order for "exceptional gallantry and devotion to duty". Promotions also quickly followed, to flight lieutenant (skipping the rank of flying officer) and squadron leader, the latter when he was at No.11 OTU after finishing his second tour, by order of RAF Bomber Command headquarters.
Tiring of the training environment, Barron eventually persuaded the group captain to approve his return to operations. Barron rejoined the now Lancaster equipped 7 Squadron in December 1943 and took part in several sorties including on the night of 19/20 February 1944, the Leipzig raid, during which the Royal Air Force lost 78 bombers. He was promoted to wing commander in February 1944 and on 28 April was appointed commanding officer 7 Squadron. Barron and his crew were now often used as Master Bomber to control bomber attacks and for one such attack on Nantes on 7 May 1944, he was awarded the Distinguished Service Order (DSO). His citation read in part; This officer was captain of an aircraft detailed to attack Cologne. When nearing the target area his aircraft was held in a cone of searchlights and subjected to heavy fire from ground defences. Despite this, Flight Lieutenant Barron remained on his course, defying an intense and concentrated barrage and pressed home a successful attack on his second run over the target.
Barron was awarded a Bar to his DSO on 16 June 1944; his citation read:
One night in May 1944, this officer participated in an attack on an airfield at Nantes. By his appreciation of the responsibilities entrusted to him and the skill and precision with which he executed his attack, Wing Commander Barron contributed in a large measure to the success achieved. Since being awarded the Distinguished Service Order, this officer has taken part in many attacks on dangerous and difficult targets. He is an outstanding captain whose example of skill, bravery and determination has impressed all.
On the night of 19/20 May 1944, while acting as master bomber (his 79th sortie in all), Barron was directing an attack on railway yards at Le Mans, France. What exactly happened is debated, but a collision with his deputy's aircraft is considered the most likely event. The 15 men on the two 7 Squadron aircraft were all killed. Barron was buried at Le Mans West Cemetery; he was 23 years old Barron was one of only four New Zealanders to be awarded a bar to his DSO and was considered an outstanding bomber pilot of the war.
Sourced using Wikipedia
James Fraser Barron, D. F. C., D. F. M. and D. S. O. and Bar.
7 (RAF) Squadron, Royal New Zealand Air Force
20th May 1944, aged 23.
Plot 38. 1939-45 Row C. Joint grave 20.
Son of James Barron, and of Winifred Ellen Barron (nee Fraser), of Palmerston, Otago, New Zealand.
James 'Fraser' Barron DSO & Bar, DFC, DFM (9 January 1921 – 20 May 1944), was an officer of the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) who was killed in flying operations during the Second World War. Barron was one of only four New Zealanders to be awarded a bar to his DSO and was considered a standout bomber pilot of the war.
Early life
Barron was born on 9 January 1921 in Dunedin, New Zealand. An average student, he was educated at a primary school in Oamaru and then Waitaki Boys' High School. In 1939, he was working in Wellington as a cadet in the Mines Department.
Military career
Barron enlisted in the RNZAF in June 1940 and commenced training early the following month. He went through training at Taieri and Wigram with Jimmy Ward, who was to win the Victoria Cross. Barron and Ward sailed together on the Aorangi in January 1941 and were both stationed at 20 OTU Lossiemouth, in Scotland.
After leaving 20 OTC, where Barron and his crew survived a ditching in a Vickers Wellington, he was posted to 15 Squadron stationed at RAF Wyton flying Short Stirlings. Through late 1941 and early 1942, Barron was quickly promoted to flight sergeant and then pilot officer. In May 1942, after 42 operations including the thousand bomber raids on Cologne and Essen, he won his first decoration, the Distinguished Flying Medal. The citation read in part that Barron had completed many operational flights as captain of aircraft and proved most reliable, efficient and courageous in pressing home attacks regardless of opposition.
Posted to No.1651 Conversion Unit at Waterbeach as an instructor, Barron preferred operational flying and in September 1942, he joined 7 Squadron, a founding pathfinder unit. Barron would fly 16 sorties on this tour, during which he was promoted to flight lieutenant, followed in December 1942 by the award of his Path Finder Force badge. At the end of his tour in February 1943, Barron was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for "courage, skill and determination". A fortnight later he was awarded his first Distinguished Service Order for "exceptional gallantry and devotion to duty". Promotions also quickly followed, to flight lieutenant (skipping the rank of flying officer) and squadron leader, the latter when he was at No.11 OTU after finishing his second tour, by order of RAF Bomber Command headquarters.
Tiring of the training environment, Barron eventually persuaded the group captain to approve his return to operations. Barron rejoined the now Lancaster equipped 7 Squadron in December 1943 and took part in several sorties including on the night of 19/20 February 1944, the Leipzig raid, during which the Royal Air Force lost 78 bombers. He was promoted to wing commander in February 1944 and on 28 April was appointed commanding officer 7 Squadron. Barron and his crew were now often used as Master Bomber to control bomber attacks and for one such attack on Nantes on 7 May 1944, he was awarded the Distinguished Service Order (DSO). His citation read in part; This officer was captain of an aircraft detailed to attack Cologne. When nearing the target area his aircraft was held in a cone of searchlights and subjected to heavy fire from ground defences. Despite this, Flight Lieutenant Barron remained on his course, defying an intense and concentrated barrage and pressed home a successful attack on his second run over the target.
Barron was awarded a Bar to his DSO on 16 June 1944; his citation read:
One night in May 1944, this officer participated in an attack on an airfield at Nantes. By his appreciation of the responsibilities entrusted to him and the skill and precision with which he executed his attack, Wing Commander Barron contributed in a large measure to the success achieved. Since being awarded the Distinguished Service Order, this officer has taken part in many attacks on dangerous and difficult targets. He is an outstanding captain whose example of skill, bravery and determination has impressed all.
On the night of 19/20 May 1944, while acting as master bomber (his 79th sortie in all), Barron was directing an attack on railway yards at Le Mans, France. What exactly happened is debated, but a collision with his deputy's aircraft is considered the most likely event. The 15 men on the two 7 Squadron aircraft were all killed. Barron was buried at Le Mans West Cemetery; he was 23 years old Barron was one of only four New Zealanders to be awarded a bar to his DSO and was considered an outstanding bomber pilot of the war.
Sourced using Wikipedia
J/1444 Flight Lieutenant (Pilot)
William Anderson Black, A. F. C.
2 (R.A.F.) Sqdn Royal Canadian Air Force
27th June, aged 24.
Plot 38. 1939-45 Row A. Grave 16.
Son of Walter A. Black and Violet M. Black; husband of Helen M. A. Black, of Edinburgh.
His headstone bears the inscription; "He Died Yet Lives For Ever Within My Heart, Helen."
William Anderson Black, A. F. C.
2 (R.A.F.) Sqdn Royal Canadian Air Force
27th June, aged 24.
Plot 38. 1939-45 Row A. Grave 16.
Son of Walter A. Black and Violet M. Black; husband of Helen M. A. Black, of Edinburgh.
His headstone bears the inscription; "He Died Yet Lives For Ever Within My Heart, Helen."
J/88414 Pilot Officer (Air Gunner)
Eric Patrick Boutilier
432 Sqdn. Royal Canadian Air Force
23rd May 1944, aged 22.
Plot 38. 1939-45 Row C. Grave 29.
Son of M. Chisholm Boutilier and Maude Boutilier, of Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.
His headstone bears the inscription; "Beloved Son Of Maud And Chisholm Boutilier, Halifax, N.S. Gone, Never Forgotten. Mum, Dad."
Eric Patrick Boutilier
432 Sqdn. Royal Canadian Air Force
23rd May 1944, aged 22.
Plot 38. 1939-45 Row C. Grave 29.
Son of M. Chisholm Boutilier and Maude Boutilier, of Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.
His headstone bears the inscription; "Beloved Son Of Maud And Chisholm Boutilier, Halifax, N.S. Gone, Never Forgotten. Mum, Dad."
7376 Private
Andrew Bradley
1st Bn. Royal Scots Fusiliers
20th September 1914, aged 33.
Plot 38. 1914-18 Row A. Grave 14.
Son of John and Annie Bradley husband of Elizabeth Bradley, of 3, William St., Port Glasgow. Born at Largs, Ayrshire.
His headstone bears the inscription; "Until The Day Breaks And The Shadows Flee Away."
Andrew Bradley
1st Bn. Royal Scots Fusiliers
20th September 1914, aged 33.
Plot 38. 1914-18 Row A. Grave 14.
Son of John and Annie Bradley husband of Elizabeth Bradley, of 3, William St., Port Glasgow. Born at Largs, Ayrshire.
His headstone bears the inscription; "Until The Day Breaks And The Shadows Flee Away."
J/90054 Pilot Officer (Air Gunner)
Wallace Watson Crum
432 Sqdn. Royal Canadian Air Force
23rd May 1944, aged 21.
Plot 38. 1939-45 Row C. Coll. grave 38-42.
Son of Roy and Lena Crum, of Dawson Creek, British Columbia, Canada.
His headstone bears the inscription; "Our Hero, Calm, Free, Unafraid Went Forth To Meet His God. God Grant We May Meet Again."
Wallace Watson Crum
432 Sqdn. Royal Canadian Air Force
23rd May 1944, aged 21.
Plot 38. 1939-45 Row C. Coll. grave 38-42.
Son of Roy and Lena Crum, of Dawson Creek, British Columbia, Canada.
His headstone bears the inscription; "Our Hero, Calm, Free, Unafraid Went Forth To Meet His God. God Grant We May Meet Again."
J/21817 Flying Officer (Navigator)
Edward Frank Dynarski
12 Sqdn. Royal Canadian Air Force
14th April 1943.
Plot 38. 1939-45 Row B. Grave 15.
Edward Frank Dynarski
12 Sqdn. Royal Canadian Air Force
14th April 1943.
Plot 38. 1939-45 Row B. Grave 15.
8252 Rifleman
D. Harkness
2nd Bn. Royal Irish Rifles
3rd December 1914
Plot 38. 1914-18 Row A. Grave 57.
D. Harkness
2nd Bn. Royal Irish Rifles
3rd December 1914
Plot 38. 1914-18 Row A. Grave 57.
410064 Pilot Officer
Rhys Webb Jones
Royal Australian Air Force
20th May 1944, aged 25.
Plot 38. 1939-45 Row C. Grave 21.
Son of Lloyd Britton Jones and Rachel Jones; husband of Jessie Nimmo Tulloch Jones, of Edinburgh, Scotland.
His headstone bears the inscription; "His Duty Nobly Done, Ever Remembered."
Rhys Webb Jones
Royal Australian Air Force
20th May 1944, aged 25.
Plot 38. 1939-45 Row C. Grave 21.
Son of Lloyd Britton Jones and Rachel Jones; husband of Jessie Nimmo Tulloch Jones, of Edinburgh, Scotland.
His headstone bears the inscription; "His Duty Nobly Done, Ever Remembered."
J/87624 Pilot Officer (Pilot)
Stephen Kuleski
432 Sqdn. Royal Canadian Air Force
23rd May 1944, aged 25.
Plot 38. 1939-45 Row C. Coll. grave 38-42.
Son of William and Pearl Kuleski, of Michel, British Columbia, Canada.
His headstone bears the inscription; "Rest In Peace, Dear Son."
Stephen Kuleski
432 Sqdn. Royal Canadian Air Force
23rd May 1944, aged 25.
Plot 38. 1939-45 Row C. Coll. grave 38-42.
Son of William and Pearl Kuleski, of Michel, British Columbia, Canada.
His headstone bears the inscription; "Rest In Peace, Dear Son."
J/90517 Pilot Officer (Wireless Op./Air Gunner)
John Arthur Laing
425 Sqdn. Royal Canadian Air Force
23rd May 1944.
Plot 38. 1939-45 Row C. Grave 32.
John Arthur Laing
425 Sqdn. Royal Canadian Air Force
23rd May 1944.
Plot 38. 1939-45 Row C. Grave 32.
5411 Sapper
Norman Lawless
2nd Field Coy. Canadian Engineers
19th February 1915, aged 26.
Plot 38. 1914-18 Row B. Grave 2.
Son of Thomas and Sophia Lawless. Native of Cornwall, England.
Norman Lawless
2nd Field Coy. Canadian Engineers
19th February 1915, aged 26.
Plot 38. 1914-18 Row B. Grave 2.
Son of Thomas and Sophia Lawless. Native of Cornwall, England.
J/89685 Pilot Officer (Air Gunner)
Joseph Jean Marie Levasseur
425 Sqdn. Royal Canadian Air Force
23rd May 1944, aged 20.
Plot 38. 1939-45 Row C. Grave 30.
Son of J. Alphonse Levasseur and Marie Claire Levasseur, of Mont Joli, Co. Matane, Province of Quebec, Canada.
His headstone bears the inscription; "En Memoire De Notre Cher Fils Unique Honneur, Sacrifices, Devouement." (Translates to; "In Honour Of Our Only Dear Son, Honour, Sacrifice and Devotion.")
Joseph Jean Marie Levasseur
425 Sqdn. Royal Canadian Air Force
23rd May 1944, aged 20.
Plot 38. 1939-45 Row C. Grave 30.
Son of J. Alphonse Levasseur and Marie Claire Levasseur, of Mont Joli, Co. Matane, Province of Quebec, Canada.
His headstone bears the inscription; "En Memoire De Notre Cher Fils Unique Honneur, Sacrifices, Devouement." (Translates to; "In Honour Of Our Only Dear Son, Honour, Sacrifice and Devotion.")
Captain
Arthur Robert Montgomery Roe, Mentioned in Despatches
1st Bn. Dorsetshire Regiment
16th September 1914, aged 32.
South-West Corner of Main Cemetery.
Son of Sir Charles Roe, of Holywell, Oxford; husband of Joan Hilda M. Roe.
Arthur Robert Montgomery Roe, Mentioned in Despatches
1st Bn. Dorsetshire Regiment
16th September 1914, aged 32.
South-West Corner of Main Cemetery.
Son of Sir Charles Roe, of Holywell, Oxford; husband of Joan Hilda M. Roe.
J/23910 Flying Officer (Navigator)
Joseph Octave Arthur Remi Tetrault
425 Sqdn. Royal Canadian Air Force
23rd May 1944, aged 26.
Plot 38. 1939-45 Row C. Grave 37.
Son of Joseph O. Tetrault and Caroline Tetrault, of Transcona, Manitoba, Canada.
His headstone bears the inscription; "Dear Son And Brother, Rest In Peace."
Joseph Octave Arthur Remi Tetrault
425 Sqdn. Royal Canadian Air Force
23rd May 1944, aged 26.
Plot 38. 1939-45 Row C. Grave 37.
Son of Joseph O. Tetrault and Caroline Tetrault, of Transcona, Manitoba, Canada.
His headstone bears the inscription; "Dear Son And Brother, Rest In Peace."
R/74721 Warrant Officer Class I (Air Observer)
James Willis Toon
103 (R.A.F.) Sqdn Royal Canadian Air Force
14th April 1943, aged 23.
Plot 38. 1939-45 Row B. Grave 16.
Son of Alphaeus and Eleanor E. Toon, of Murrayville, British Columbia, Canada.
His headstone bears the inscription; "Ever Remembered By His Mother, Dad, Harry And Doris."
James Willis Toon
103 (R.A.F.) Sqdn Royal Canadian Air Force
14th April 1943, aged 23.
Plot 38. 1939-45 Row B. Grave 16.
Son of Alphaeus and Eleanor E. Toon, of Murrayville, British Columbia, Canada.
His headstone bears the inscription; "Ever Remembered By His Mother, Dad, Harry And Doris."
6833 Guardsman
Charles Henry Wilby
1st Bn. Coldstream Guards
19th September 1914, aged 28.
Plot 38. 1914-18 Row A. Grave 12.
Son of William and Margaret Wilby, of 18, Sigismund Rd., Norwich.
Charles Henry Wilby
1st Bn. Coldstream Guards
19th September 1914, aged 28.
Plot 38. 1914-18 Row A. Grave 12.
Son of William and Margaret Wilby, of 18, Sigismund Rd., Norwich.
406893 Pilot Officer
Kenneth Fred Withers
Royal Australian Air Force
14th March 1944, aged 24.
Plot 38. 1939-45 Row C. Grave 3.
Son of George Frederick and Mary Withers, of Kirup, Western Australia.
His headstone bears the inscription; "The Eternal God Is Thy Refuge."
Kenneth Fred Withers
Royal Australian Air Force
14th March 1944, aged 24.
Plot 38. 1939-45 Row C. Grave 3.
Son of George Frederick and Mary Withers, of Kirup, Western Australia.
His headstone bears the inscription; "The Eternal God Is Thy Refuge."
Headstone of James Fraser Barron, D. F. C., D. F. M. and D. S. O. and Bar. © André De Smet
Men of the 2nd Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers write letters home from their billet in Chapel St Aubin near Le Mans, 24 September 1939. © IWM (O 53)
Bren gun carriers of 2nd Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers pass through Chapel St Aubin near Le Mans, 24 September 1939. © IWM (O 47)
