PHILOSOPHE BRITISH CEMETERY
Mazingarbe
Pas De Calais
France
Location Information
Philosophe lies between Bethune and Lens.
From the Lens-Bethune road (N43), follow the D165E road for 400 metres to a right turn. The cemetery lies to the left 100 metres along this track. The first CWGC sign for the cemetery is at the junction of the N43 and the D165E.
Visiting Information
Wheelchair access is possible with some difficulty.
Historical Information
The cemetery was started in August 1915. In 1916 it was taken over by the 16th (Irish) Division, who held the Loos Salient at the time, and many of their dead were brought back to the cemetery from the front line. Succeeding divisions used the cemetery until October 1918, and men of the same Division, and often the same battalion, were buried side by side.
After the Armistice, this cemetery was one of those used for the concentration of isolated graves from the Loos battlefield. The bodies of 41 men of the 9th Black Watch were brought from positions a little West of Loos, and those of 340 officers and men of other Regiments from different points in the communes of Cambrin, Auchy, Vermelles, Halluch and Loos.
There are 2,001 Commonwealth burials of the First World War in the cemetery, 277 of them unidentified.
Identified Casualties: United Kingdom 1,716, Canada 6, Australia 2. Total Burials: 1,724.
The cemetery was designed by Sir Herbert Baker
Philosophe lies between Bethune and Lens.
From the Lens-Bethune road (N43), follow the D165E road for 400 metres to a right turn. The cemetery lies to the left 100 metres along this track. The first CWGC sign for the cemetery is at the junction of the N43 and the D165E.
Visiting Information
Wheelchair access is possible with some difficulty.
Historical Information
The cemetery was started in August 1915. In 1916 it was taken over by the 16th (Irish) Division, who held the Loos Salient at the time, and many of their dead were brought back to the cemetery from the front line. Succeeding divisions used the cemetery until October 1918, and men of the same Division, and often the same battalion, were buried side by side.
After the Armistice, this cemetery was one of those used for the concentration of isolated graves from the Loos battlefield. The bodies of 41 men of the 9th Black Watch were brought from positions a little West of Loos, and those of 340 officers and men of other Regiments from different points in the communes of Cambrin, Auchy, Vermelles, Halluch and Loos.
There are 2,001 Commonwealth burials of the First World War in the cemetery, 277 of them unidentified.
Identified Casualties: United Kingdom 1,716, Canada 6, Australia 2. Total Burials: 1,724.
The cemetery was designed by Sir Herbert Baker
A panorama of Loos, showing on the left the road leading to Crucifix Dump. In the centre of the picture is Loos Crassier with Hill 70 in the background is Fosse 121, Cite St. Pierre.
Some of the individual Graves
Pictures © Werner Van Caneghem
40739 Private
William Baker
1st Bn. Leicestershire Regiment
5th September 1917.
Plot I. V. 26.
Son of Amy Jane Baker, of 2, Ashby Rd., Hugglescote, Leicester.
William Baker
1st Bn. Leicestershire Regiment
5th September 1917.
Plot I. V. 26.
Son of Amy Jane Baker, of 2, Ashby Rd., Hugglescote, Leicester.
Second Lieutenant
George Bott
3rd Bn. Rifle Brigade
9th February 1917, aged 30.
Plot I. M. 1.
Son of the Rev. Richard and Sarah Bott, of Cotehill Vicarage, Carlisle, Born at Hayton Rectory, Maryport, Cumberland.
His headstone bears the inscription; "Underneath Are The Everlasting Arms Deut. XXXIII. 27."
Picture courtesy of Luc D'Haene
George Bott
3rd Bn. Rifle Brigade
9th February 1917, aged 30.
Plot I. M. 1.
Son of the Rev. Richard and Sarah Bott, of Cotehill Vicarage, Carlisle, Born at Hayton Rectory, Maryport, Cumberland.
His headstone bears the inscription; "Underneath Are The Everlasting Arms Deut. XXXIII. 27."
Picture courtesy of Luc D'Haene
306344 Lance Corporal
Walter Bulman
1st/8th Bn. Sherwood Foresters (Notts and Derby Regiment)
28th July 1917.
Plot I. T. 54.
Walter Bulman
1st/8th Bn. Sherwood Foresters (Notts and Derby Regiment)
28th July 1917.
Plot I. T. 54.
9044 Corporal
John Robert Clark
8th Bn. Bedfordshire Regiment
21st June 1917, aged 32.
Plot I. R. 54.
Inscription "And With The Morn Those Angel Faces Smile"
Click on images to enlarge
Husband of Sarah Clark, of 7, Morris St., Peterborough.
John had two brothers killed in the war, William Clark who is buried in Étaples Military Cemetery in France and Fred Clark who is commemorated on the Le Touret Memorial, also in France.
Pictures courtesy of Ian Porter (Great Nephew)
John Robert Clark
8th Bn. Bedfordshire Regiment
21st June 1917, aged 32.
Plot I. R. 54.
Inscription "And With The Morn Those Angel Faces Smile"
Click on images to enlarge
Husband of Sarah Clark, of 7, Morris St., Peterborough.
John had two brothers killed in the war, William Clark who is buried in Étaples Military Cemetery in France and Fred Clark who is commemorated on the Le Touret Memorial, also in France.
Pictures courtesy of Ian Porter (Great Nephew)
Photo No. 1. (Left to Right)
Harry Clark, Charles Clark (storeman 8th Bn. Northamptonshire Regiment old soldier having left the 1st Bn. Northamptons in 1901), John Robert Clark, Fred Clark. Seated, the brothers’ father George.
Photo No. 2. (Left to Right)
Unknown, Unknown, Unknown, William Clark, Harry Clark, Charles Clark, John Robert Clark, Fred Clark. Seated, the brothers’ father George.
Harry was sent to convalesce in Kent & married a local woman later in 1915, had children & stayed in Chatham the rest of his life passing away 1974.
William was the last to die. At this time (autumn 1914) he was a gardener at Peterborough park, but ended up enlisting in December 1915 under the Derby Scheme. He married June 1916 before arriving in France July of that year. 1st or 2nd May 1918 he was gassed in Gorre & died of wounds 8th May 1918.
Harry Clark, Charles Clark (storeman 8th Bn. Northamptonshire Regiment old soldier having left the 1st Bn. Northamptons in 1901), John Robert Clark, Fred Clark. Seated, the brothers’ father George.
Photo No. 2. (Left to Right)
Unknown, Unknown, Unknown, William Clark, Harry Clark, Charles Clark, John Robert Clark, Fred Clark. Seated, the brothers’ father George.
Harry was sent to convalesce in Kent & married a local woman later in 1915, had children & stayed in Chatham the rest of his life passing away 1974.
William was the last to die. At this time (autumn 1914) he was a gardener at Peterborough park, but ended up enlisting in December 1915 under the Derby Scheme. He married June 1916 before arriving in France July of that year. 1st or 2nd May 1918 he was gassed in Gorre & died of wounds 8th May 1918.
2235 Private
Frank Cross
12th Bn. Royal Fusiliers
26th January 1917, aged 19.
Plot I. L. 31.
Son of Henry and Elizabeth Cross, of 120, Chester Rd., Northwich.
His headstone bears the inscription; "Pro Patria Dimicans."
Frank Cross
12th Bn. Royal Fusiliers
26th January 1917, aged 19.
Plot I. L. 31.
Son of Henry and Elizabeth Cross, of 120, Chester Rd., Northwich.
His headstone bears the inscription; "Pro Patria Dimicans."
765447 Gunner
Charles William Davis
42nd 13 Bty. 2nd Bde. Royal Field Artillery
15th August 1917, aged 19.
Plot I. U. 28.
Son of Mr. and Mrs. Davis, of 5, Alexandra Terrace, Barnsley St., Holderness Rd., Hull.
Charles William Davis
42nd 13 Bty. 2nd Bde. Royal Field Artillery
15th August 1917, aged 19.
Plot I. U. 28.
Son of Mr. and Mrs. Davis, of 5, Alexandra Terrace, Barnsley St., Holderness Rd., Hull.
Captain
Harold MacKenzie Deans
3rd Bn. attd. 7th/8th Bn. King's Own Scottish Borderers
17th September 1918, aged 24.
Plot III. F. 24.
Son of John and Nina A. Deans, of Bournemouth; husband of Mrs. H. M. Deans, of Lanark.
His headstone bears the inscription; "Finis Coronat Opus." (Latin: The End Crowns The Work.)
Harold MacKenzie Deans
3rd Bn. attd. 7th/8th Bn. King's Own Scottish Borderers
17th September 1918, aged 24.
Plot III. F. 24.
Son of John and Nina A. Deans, of Bournemouth; husband of Mrs. H. M. Deans, of Lanark.
His headstone bears the inscription; "Finis Coronat Opus." (Latin: The End Crowns The Work.)
343 Lance Serjeant
James John Gabriel
9th Bn. Black Watch (Royal Highlanders)
25th September 1915.
Plot III. G. 30.
James John Gabriel
9th Bn. Black Watch (Royal Highlanders)
25th September 1915.
Plot III. G. 30.
73951 Driver
Andrew Gill
53rd Bty. 2nd Bde. Royal Field Artillery
18th May 1917, aged 21.
Plot I. P. 24.
Son of Andrew and Nancy Alice Gill, of 5, Craven St. Nelson. Lancs.
Andrew Gill
53rd Bty. 2nd Bde. Royal Field Artillery
18th May 1917, aged 21.
Plot I. P. 24.
Son of Andrew and Nancy Alice Gill, of 5, Craven St. Nelson. Lancs.
G/11942 Private
Frederick W. Godden
9th Bn. Royal Sussex Regiment
24th January 1917.
Plot I. L. 24.
Frederick W. Godden
9th Bn. Royal Sussex Regiment
24th January 1917.
Plot I. L. 24.
51908 Corporal
George Herne
103rd Field Coy. Royal Engineers
28th October 1916.
Plot I. K. 22.
Son of Samuel and Jane Herne of Bournemouth, Hampshire. Husband of Edith Herne nee Arney of Bournemouth, Hampshire.
Picture courtesy of Marlene Sayers, granddaughter of this soldier
George Herne
103rd Field Coy. Royal Engineers
28th October 1916.
Plot I. K. 22.
Son of Samuel and Jane Herne of Bournemouth, Hampshire. Husband of Edith Herne nee Arney of Bournemouth, Hampshire.
Picture courtesy of Marlene Sayers, granddaughter of this soldier
129329 Gunner
George Hudspith
"C" Bty. 185th Bde. Royal Field Artillery
5th August 1916, aged 20.
Plot I. F. 37.
Son of George and Jessie Hudspith, of 19, Poplar St., Throckley, Northumberland.
His headstone bears the inscription; "Blessed Are The Pure In Heart For They Shall See God."
George Hudspith
"C" Bty. 185th Bde. Royal Field Artillery
5th August 1916, aged 20.
Plot I. F. 37.
Son of George and Jessie Hudspith, of 19, Poplar St., Throckley, Northumberland.
His headstone bears the inscription; "Blessed Are The Pure In Heart For They Shall See God."
47091 Private
Fred Jordan
1st Sqdn. Machine Gun Corps (Cavalry)
6th January 1917, aged 20.
Plot II. E. 9.
Son of John William and Ann Jordan, of 14, Whims Avenue, Sabden, Blackburn. Born at Burnley.
His headstone bears the inscription; "Sweet Are The Memories That Never Fade Of One We Dearly Loved."
Fred Jordan
1st Sqdn. Machine Gun Corps (Cavalry)
6th January 1917, aged 20.
Plot II. E. 9.
Son of John William and Ann Jordan, of 14, Whims Avenue, Sabden, Blackburn. Born at Burnley.
His headstone bears the inscription; "Sweet Are The Memories That Never Fade Of One We Dearly Loved."
Second Lieutenant
William Galbraith King
8th Bn. Royal Scots Fusiliers, attd. 1st Bn. Royal Munster Fusiliers
6th July 1916, aged 19.
Plot I. J. 36.
Son of Mr. and Mrs. David King, of 32, Dalkeith Avenue, Dumbrick, Glasgow.
His headstone bears the inscription; "He Asked For Life. Thou Gavest Him Life For Evermore."
William Galbraith King
8th Bn. Royal Scots Fusiliers, attd. 1st Bn. Royal Munster Fusiliers
6th July 1916, aged 19.
Plot I. J. 36.
Son of Mr. and Mrs. David King, of 32, Dalkeith Avenue, Dumbrick, Glasgow.
His headstone bears the inscription; "He Asked For Life. Thou Gavest Him Life For Evermore."
29006 Private
Walter John Levy
14th Bn. Highland Light Infantry
21st October 1916.
Plot I. D. 37.
Walter John Levy
14th Bn. Highland Light Infantry
21st October 1916.
Plot I. D. 37.
240769 Private
T. Lovett
1st/5th Bn. Leicestershire Regiment
25th August 1917, aged 22.
Plot I. V. 6.
Son of Edward Lovett, of Barrow-on-Soar, Loughborough.
T. Lovett
1st/5th Bn. Leicestershire Regiment
25th August 1917, aged 22.
Plot I. V. 6.
Son of Edward Lovett, of Barrow-on-Soar, Loughborough.
Captain
Dugald Black MacLean, M. C.
Royal Army Medical Corps, attd. 8th Bn. East Lancashire Regiment
29th August 1916, aged 27.
Plot I. K. 6.
Son of Dugald and Margaret Black MacLean. Born at Burgoyne, Ontario. Graduate in Medicine, University of Toronto, Canada, 1913.
His headstone bears the inscription; "At The Going Down Of The Sun And In The Morning We Will Remember Him."
Dugald Black MacLean, M. C.
Royal Army Medical Corps, attd. 8th Bn. East Lancashire Regiment
29th August 1916, aged 27.
Plot I. K. 6.
Son of Dugald and Margaret Black MacLean. Born at Burgoyne, Ontario. Graduate in Medicine, University of Toronto, Canada, 1913.
His headstone bears the inscription; "At The Going Down Of The Sun And In The Morning We Will Remember Him."
17038 Private
John James Morris
1st Bn. King's Shropshire Light Infantry
4th June 1917, aged 21.
Plot I. Q. 50.
Son of William and Sarah Jane Morris, of Nantyrangell, Llangynog, Oswestry.
His headstone bears the inscription; "Rest Dearest Son Your Duty Done, From All At Home. Love There Will Roam."
John James Morris
1st Bn. King's Shropshire Light Infantry
4th June 1917, aged 21.
Plot I. Q. 50.
Son of William and Sarah Jane Morris, of Nantyrangell, Llangynog, Oswestry.
His headstone bears the inscription; "Rest Dearest Son Your Duty Done, From All At Home. Love There Will Roam."
L/6174 Lance Serjeanty
Archibald J. Murdock, M. M.
1st Bn. The Buffs (East Kent Regiment)
12th September 1917, aged 36.
Plot I. V. 32.
Son of Archibald Murdock, of Halton, Hastings; husband of Beatrice Murdock, of 21, Lancaster St., Lewes.
His headstone bears the inscription; "His Duty Was Done."
Archibald J. Murdock, M. M.
1st Bn. The Buffs (East Kent Regiment)
12th September 1917, aged 36.
Plot I. V. 32.
Son of Archibald Murdock, of Halton, Hastings; husband of Beatrice Murdock, of 21, Lancaster St., Lewes.
His headstone bears the inscription; "His Duty Was Done."
Captain
Randolph Noel Murray
7th Bn. Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers
28th April 1916, aged 21.
Plot I. G. 23.
Son of George M. P. and Mary Ethel Murray, of 2, Bayswater Terrace, Kingstown, Co. Dublin.
His headstone bears the inscription; "The Souls Of The Righteous Are In The Hand Of God."
Randolph Noel Murray
7th Bn. Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers
28th April 1916, aged 21.
Plot I. G. 23.
Son of George M. P. and Mary Ethel Murray, of 2, Bayswater Terrace, Kingstown, Co. Dublin.
His headstone bears the inscription; "The Souls Of The Righteous Are In The Hand Of God."
14891 Private
James Parsons
20th Bn. Middlesex Regiment
8th October 1916.
Plot I. G. 35.
He left behind a wife (Harriet Francis Ann Leaver) and 2 sons (James and Richard). James' war medals, including his dead man's penny is still in the family today and very much treasured. James' brother Richard Parsons was also killed in action just one month after James' death.
Pictures courtesy of great granddaughter Dianna Pinard
Click on pictures below to enlarge
James Parsons
20th Bn. Middlesex Regiment
8th October 1916.
Plot I. G. 35.
He left behind a wife (Harriet Francis Ann Leaver) and 2 sons (James and Richard). James' war medals, including his dead man's penny is still in the family today and very much treasured. James' brother Richard Parsons was also killed in action just one month after James' death.
Pictures courtesy of great granddaughter Dianna Pinard
Click on pictures below to enlarge
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240564 Corporal
Walter Pettitt
"C" Coy. 1st/5th Bn. Leicestershire Regiment
15th August 1917, aged 21.
Plot I. U. 43.
Son of Harry and Louisa Pettitt, of 64, Ibstock Rd., Ellistown, Leicester. Born at Horningsea, Cambridge.
His headstone bears the inscription; "Thy Will Be Done."
Walter Pettitt
"C" Coy. 1st/5th Bn. Leicestershire Regiment
15th August 1917, aged 21.
Plot I. U. 43.
Son of Harry and Louisa Pettitt, of 64, Ibstock Rd., Ellistown, Leicester. Born at Horningsea, Cambridge.
His headstone bears the inscription; "Thy Will Be Done."
G/7475 Private
Victor Albert Sims
8th Bn. Queen's Own (Royal West Kent Regiment)
17th December 1916, aged 19.
Plot II. D. 10.
Son of William John and Manetta Sims, of 7, Lucknow Place; Rye, Sussex.
His headstone bears the inscription; "Beloved By All."
Victor Albert Sims
8th Bn. Queen's Own (Royal West Kent Regiment)
17th December 1916, aged 19.
Plot II. D. 10.
Son of William John and Manetta Sims, of 7, Lucknow Place; Rye, Sussex.
His headstone bears the inscription; "Beloved By All."
32428 Private
Ernest Alfred Stinchcombe
1st Bn. Leicestershire Regiment
21st March 1917, aged 19.
Plot II. M. 7.
Son of William and Annie Stinchcombe, of 22, Ashby Rd., Hugglescote, Leicester.
His headstone bears the inscription; "Peace Perfect Peace. With Loved Ones Far Away We Are Safe In Jesu's Keeping And They."
Ernest Alfred Stinchcombe
1st Bn. Leicestershire Regiment
21st March 1917, aged 19.
Plot II. M. 7.
Son of William and Annie Stinchcombe, of 22, Ashby Rd., Hugglescote, Leicester.
His headstone bears the inscription; "Peace Perfect Peace. With Loved Ones Far Away We Are Safe In Jesu's Keeping And They."
42785 Lance Corporal
William Topping
14th Bn. Durham Light Infantry
27th August 1917, aged 26.
Plot I. V. 7.
Grandson of James and Jane Agatha Topping, of 23, Dale St., Lancaster.
His headstone bears the inscription; "He Died Nobly For His King And Country."
William Topping
14th Bn. Durham Light Infantry
27th August 1917, aged 26.
Plot I. V. 7.
Grandson of James and Jane Agatha Topping, of 23, Dale St., Lancaster.
His headstone bears the inscription; "He Died Nobly For His King And Country."
17518 Private
Isaiah Turner
10th Bn. Cameronians (Scottish Rifles)
25th September 1915, aged 18.
Plot III. O. 2.
Lived at 96 Hufling Lane, Burnley, Lancashire.
Isaiah Turner
10th Bn. Cameronians (Scottish Rifles)
25th September 1915, aged 18.
Plot III. O. 2.
Lived at 96 Hufling Lane, Burnley, Lancashire.
26623 Private
Arthur Vince
11th Bn. Essex Regiment
24th March 1917
Plot I. N. 10.
Husband of A. A. Vince, of Colchester Rd., Elmstead, Colchester.
Picture courtesy of great niece, Margaret Gilman
Arthur Vince
11th Bn. Essex Regiment
24th March 1917
Plot I. N. 10.
Husband of A. A. Vince, of Colchester Rd., Elmstead, Colchester.
Picture courtesy of great niece, Margaret Gilman
Second Lieutenant
Percy Jackson Walton
1st Bn. West Yorkshire Regiment (Prince of Wales's Own)
8th March 1917, aged 28.
Plot I. M. 37.
Son of Hannah and the late Isaac Walton, of 57, Norfolk St., North Shields; husband of Lorna J. Walton.Originally enlisted with the Canadian Army.
His headstone bears the inscription; "I Pass, But Shall Not Die."
Percy Jackson Walton
1st Bn. West Yorkshire Regiment (Prince of Wales's Own)
8th March 1917, aged 28.
Plot I. M. 37.
Son of Hannah and the late Isaac Walton, of 57, Norfolk St., North Shields; husband of Lorna J. Walton.Originally enlisted with the Canadian Army.
His headstone bears the inscription; "I Pass, But Shall Not Die."
Three young casualties of the war aged 15, 16 and 17.
(Click on headstone for details of each serviceman including inscription)
(Pictures © Werner Van Caneghem)
(Click on headstone for details of each serviceman including inscription)
(Pictures © Werner Van Caneghem)
12th April 1918 - Plotting reference: 36B L 17 Mazingarbe N. © IWM (BOX 403-242-18JC-36B-1918)
Men of the 2nd Battalion, Cameronians (Scottish Rifles) washing themseleves in a ruined house in Lievin, 16 May 1918. © IWM (Q 6620)
Battle of Loos. An Artillery Observation Post at Philosophe, September 1915. © IWM (Q 49237)
Philosophe, France. A town building with little apparent damage which was used as a battalion headquarters.
