PROSPECT HILL CEMETERY
Gouy
Aisne
France
GPS Coordinates: Latitude: 50.00249, Longitude: 3.27138
Location Information
Gouy is a village to the east of the road between Cambrai and St. Quentin. Prospect Hill Cemetery is about 1.5 kilometres east of the village on the north side of the road to Beaurevoir.
Historical Information
On 3 October 1918, the 1st King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry captured Prospect Hill, after Le Catelet and Gouy had been taken by the 50th (Northumbrian) Division, the 6th Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers and the 4th King's Royal Rifle Corps. The cemetery was made by the 50th Division and the 18th Field Ambulance immediately after. Plot I formed the original cemetery but this was increased after the Armistice when graves were brought in, mainly from the battlefields north of Gouy, and almost exclusively of men who died in October 1918.
The cemetery contains 538 Commonwealth burials and commemorations of the First World War. 113 of the burials are unidentified and a special memorial commemorates one casualty believed to be buried among them. A group of graves in Plot IV, Row F, are identified as a whole but not individually. The cemetery also contains the grave of one Commonwealth airman of the Second World War.
Total Burials: 537.
World War One Identified Casualties: United Kingdom 349, Australia 66, South Africa 10. Total 423.
World War One Unidentified Casualties: 113
World War Two Identified Casualty: United Kingdom 1. Total 1.
The cemetery was designed by Sir Herbert Baker and John Reginald Truelove
Lieutenant
James Coombe Birt, M. C.
28th Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
3rd October 1918, aged 38.
Plot II. B. 12.
Son of George Howard Birt and Ellen Birt, of Tambellup, Western Australia. Native of Wentworth, New South Wales.
His headstone bears the inscription; "Dear Old Jim Ellensfield ,Tambellup West Australia."
2203, Private F. Plumb witnessed the incident in which James Coombe was mortally wounded;
"He was an O/C, Scouts on Headquarters and I saw him shot by Machine Gun fire in his body. He was badly wounded and was brought in but died later. His batman led a party out to get his body, using a white flag, and was even then wounded by a sniper. he was killed advancing on an enemy Machine Gun post at Prospect Hill, Le Catelet, about 7.30am."
James Coombe Birt, M. C.
28th Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
3rd October 1918, aged 38.
Plot II. B. 12.
Son of George Howard Birt and Ellen Birt, of Tambellup, Western Australia. Native of Wentworth, New South Wales.
His headstone bears the inscription; "Dear Old Jim Ellensfield ,Tambellup West Australia."
2203, Private F. Plumb witnessed the incident in which James Coombe was mortally wounded;
"He was an O/C, Scouts on Headquarters and I saw him shot by Machine Gun fire in his body. He was badly wounded and was brought in but died later. His batman led a party out to get his body, using a white flag, and was even then wounded by a sniper. he was killed advancing on an enemy Machine Gun post at Prospect Hill, Le Catelet, about 7.30am."
Lieutenant
Oswald Fenwicke-Clennell Carr-Ellison, Mentioned in Despatches
2nd Bn. Northumberland Fusiliers
5th October 1918, aged 23.
Plot II. A. 14.
Serbian Order of the White Eagle, V Class. Son of John Ralph and Edith Maude Mary Carr-Ellison, of Allerburn, Alnwick, Northumberland. Native of Hedgeley, Northumberland.
Oswald Fenwicke-Clennell Carr-Ellison, Mentioned in Despatches
2nd Bn. Northumberland Fusiliers
5th October 1918, aged 23.
Plot II. A. 14.
Serbian Order of the White Eagle, V Class. Son of John Ralph and Edith Maude Mary Carr-Ellison, of Allerburn, Alnwick, Northumberland. Native of Hedgeley, Northumberland.
3823 Private
Alexander Davis
22nd Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
4th October 1918, aged 28.
Plot IV. D. 10.
Son of Lewis and Louisa Davis, of 70, Westgarth St., Northcote, Victoria, Australia. Native of Rosslyn, Victoria.
His headstone bears the inscription: "In Memory Of The Dearly Loved Son Of L. & L. Davis Of Melbourne."
Lieutenant K. S. Anderson of the 22nd Battalion gave the following details in 1919:
"On the morning of the 4th October 1918 the Battalion attacked and advanced to Ponchaux - about 3 miles in front of Estrees. Private Davis and another were sent out as runners to the firing line with a message to company commanders. private Davis was killed by a sniper and the other runner was badly wounded. The Battalion was relieved that night by the Americans. A few weeks later, a burial party was sent to this area to locate graves and erect crosses. Location of Davis' grave may be obtained from Battalion records. Owing to the sniping, Pte. Davis knew that it was practically impossible to get through to the firing line but volunteered to make the attempt. He was considered by all to be one of the best runners in the Battalion and feared nothing."
Alexander Davis
22nd Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
4th October 1918, aged 28.
Plot IV. D. 10.
Son of Lewis and Louisa Davis, of 70, Westgarth St., Northcote, Victoria, Australia. Native of Rosslyn, Victoria.
His headstone bears the inscription: "In Memory Of The Dearly Loved Son Of L. & L. Davis Of Melbourne."
Lieutenant K. S. Anderson of the 22nd Battalion gave the following details in 1919:
"On the morning of the 4th October 1918 the Battalion attacked and advanced to Ponchaux - about 3 miles in front of Estrees. Private Davis and another were sent out as runners to the firing line with a message to company commanders. private Davis was killed by a sniper and the other runner was badly wounded. The Battalion was relieved that night by the Americans. A few weeks later, a burial party was sent to this area to locate graves and erect crosses. Location of Davis' grave may be obtained from Battalion records. Owing to the sniping, Pte. Davis knew that it was practically impossible to get through to the firing line but volunteered to make the attempt. He was considered by all to be one of the best runners in the Battalion and feared nothing."
1287 Sergeant
Sydney John Folkes, M. M & Bar.
39th Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
1st October 1918.
Plot II. B. 2.
The Folkes brothers, Sydney John Folkes (Right) a labourer from Fynan's Creek, Vic, enlisted in the AIF in August 1915. While in training camp he contracted meningitis and was discharged medically unfit on 17 February 1916. Folkes re-enlisted on 4 April 1916 and was assigned the service number 1287 and posted to D company, 39th Battalion, AIF. He sailed to England from Melbourne aboard HMAT Ascanius (A11). After further training in England Folkes joined his Battalion in France in November 1916. He was awarded the Military Medal in 1917, during the Second Battle of Passchendaele. The recommendation for the award reads, 'On 12 October 1917, East of YPRES, for conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in action. After all Company runners had been wounded he volunteered to act as a runner in the Forward Area where the shell-fire was intense. Not only did he do this, but when the MG (machine gun) men were digging in, he assisted and his courage and cheerfulness were a fine example to all who saw him.' Folkes was promoted to Lance Corporal in December 1917, to Corporal in June 1918, and to Sergeant in July 1918. He was awarded a bar to his Military Medal in August 1918 during the final offensives on the Hindenberg Line in France. The recommendation reads, 'At CLERY-sur-SOMME on 31st August 1918, for gallantry and devotion to duty. He handled the Lewis gun himself and led his men forward against several machine guns which he captured. He then led his men forward to the final objective and having got into touch with the party on his left, established and consolidated the position'. Folkes was killed in action on, 1 October 1918, and is buried at the Prospect Hill Cemetery near Gouy. Sydney's brothers, 1228 Private George Allan, 39th Battalion (centre) and 4772 Private Charles Edward, 22nd Battalion (left), both survived the war and returned to Australia.
Sydney John Folkes, M. M & Bar.
39th Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
1st October 1918.
Plot II. B. 2.
The Folkes brothers, Sydney John Folkes (Right) a labourer from Fynan's Creek, Vic, enlisted in the AIF in August 1915. While in training camp he contracted meningitis and was discharged medically unfit on 17 February 1916. Folkes re-enlisted on 4 April 1916 and was assigned the service number 1287 and posted to D company, 39th Battalion, AIF. He sailed to England from Melbourne aboard HMAT Ascanius (A11). After further training in England Folkes joined his Battalion in France in November 1916. He was awarded the Military Medal in 1917, during the Second Battle of Passchendaele. The recommendation for the award reads, 'On 12 October 1917, East of YPRES, for conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in action. After all Company runners had been wounded he volunteered to act as a runner in the Forward Area where the shell-fire was intense. Not only did he do this, but when the MG (machine gun) men were digging in, he assisted and his courage and cheerfulness were a fine example to all who saw him.' Folkes was promoted to Lance Corporal in December 1917, to Corporal in June 1918, and to Sergeant in July 1918. He was awarded a bar to his Military Medal in August 1918 during the final offensives on the Hindenberg Line in France. The recommendation reads, 'At CLERY-sur-SOMME on 31st August 1918, for gallantry and devotion to duty. He handled the Lewis gun himself and led his men forward against several machine guns which he captured. He then led his men forward to the final objective and having got into touch with the party on his left, established and consolidated the position'. Folkes was killed in action on, 1 October 1918, and is buried at the Prospect Hill Cemetery near Gouy. Sydney's brothers, 1228 Private George Allan, 39th Battalion (centre) and 4772 Private Charles Edward, 22nd Battalion (left), both survived the war and returned to Australia.
4116 Private
Francis William Graham
22nd Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
4th October 1918, aged 28.
Plot IV. D. 6.
Son of Alexander and Elizabeth Graham, of Milltown, Victoria, Australia.
Click on image to enlarge
His headstone bears the inscription: "The Beloved Son Of Alexander And Elizabeth Graham."
A labourer from Milltown, Victoria prior to enlistment, Pte Graham embarked with the 10th Reinforcements from Melbourne on HMAT Wiltshire on 7 March 1916. Later wounded in action, he was evacuated to England. Following his recovery he rejoined his unit and then temporarily transferred to the 65th Battalion. Rejoining the 22nd Battalion he was gassed but remained on duty. On 4 October 1918, aged 28, he was killed in action.
Francis William Graham
22nd Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
4th October 1918, aged 28.
Plot IV. D. 6.
Son of Alexander and Elizabeth Graham, of Milltown, Victoria, Australia.
Click on image to enlarge
His headstone bears the inscription: "The Beloved Son Of Alexander And Elizabeth Graham."
A labourer from Milltown, Victoria prior to enlistment, Pte Graham embarked with the 10th Reinforcements from Melbourne on HMAT Wiltshire on 7 March 1916. Later wounded in action, he was evacuated to England. Following his recovery he rejoined his unit and then temporarily transferred to the 65th Battalion. Rejoining the 22nd Battalion he was gassed but remained on duty. On 4 October 1918, aged 28, he was killed in action.
Left to right: Captain C. Raymond Hulsart, Lieutenant Paul McLoud and 2nd Lieutenant E. N. Holstrom of the Eleventh Engineers, USA, the two former of who were decorated for gallantry at Gouzeaucourt, 30 November 1917. © IWM (Q 6361)
4035 Sapper
Michael Francis Hardiman
2nd Coy. Australian Tunnelling Corps
4th October 1918, aged 41.
Plot IV. C. 19.
Son of John and Catherine Hardiman. Native of Mitiams, Victoria.
Click on image to enlarge
His headstone bears the inscription: "Sunshine And Shadows Pass But Loving Memories For Ever Last."
A farmer from Mitiano, Victoria when he enlisted and embarked for overseas from Melbourne aboard HMAT Warilda. While serving with the 2nd Australian Tunnelling Company in France, he was wounded in action on 19 March 1917. He returned to his unit and was killed in action on 4 October 1918.
Michael Francis Hardiman
2nd Coy. Australian Tunnelling Corps
4th October 1918, aged 41.
Plot IV. C. 19.
Son of John and Catherine Hardiman. Native of Mitiams, Victoria.
Click on image to enlarge
His headstone bears the inscription: "Sunshine And Shadows Pass But Loving Memories For Ever Last."
A farmer from Mitiano, Victoria when he enlisted and embarked for overseas from Melbourne aboard HMAT Warilda. While serving with the 2nd Australian Tunnelling Company in France, he was wounded in action on 19 March 1917. He returned to his unit and was killed in action on 4 October 1918.
93666 Private
D. W. Hobby
17th Bn. Royal Welsh Fusiliers
8th October 1918.
Plot VI. D. 16.
D. W. Hobby
17th Bn. Royal Welsh Fusiliers
8th October 1918.
Plot VI. D. 16.
678A Lance Corporal
Patrick Leo Kelley
22nd Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
4th October 1918, aged 22.
Plot I. E. 6.
Son of William and Jane E. Kelley, of 41, Orange Avenue, Mildura, Victoria, Australia. Native of Macarthur, Victoria.
His headstone bears the inscription: "Thy Will Be Done."
Patrick Leo Kelley, 6th Machine Gun Company (later 22nd Battalion) of Fernbank, Macarthur, Victoria. A school teacher prior to enlisting, he embarked from Melbourne aboard HMAT Suevic (A29) on 21 June 1917. On 4 October 1918, he was killed in action during operations near Beaurevoir, France, aged 22.
Patrick Leo Kelley
22nd Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
4th October 1918, aged 22.
Plot I. E. 6.
Son of William and Jane E. Kelley, of 41, Orange Avenue, Mildura, Victoria, Australia. Native of Macarthur, Victoria.
His headstone bears the inscription: "Thy Will Be Done."
Patrick Leo Kelley, 6th Machine Gun Company (later 22nd Battalion) of Fernbank, Macarthur, Victoria. A school teacher prior to enlisting, he embarked from Melbourne aboard HMAT Suevic (A29) on 21 June 1917. On 4 October 1918, he was killed in action during operations near Beaurevoir, France, aged 22.
6762 Sergeant
James Archibald Lee
25th Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
3rd October 1918, aged 23.
Plot II. E. 19.
Son of Archibald and Sarah Anna Lee, of 14, Trafalgar St., Annandale, New South Wales.
His headstone bears the inscription: "Son Of Mrs. & Mr. A.Lee Of Annandale, Sydney."
James Archibald Lee
25th Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
3rd October 1918, aged 23.
Plot II. E. 19.
Son of Archibald and Sarah Anna Lee, of 14, Trafalgar St., Annandale, New South Wales.
His headstone bears the inscription: "Son Of Mrs. & Mr. A.Lee Of Annandale, Sydney."
2116 Private
Albert John Marner, M. M.
39th Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
1st October 1918, aged 28.
Plot II. B. 1.
Son of William and Elizabeth Marner, of Wirrabara, South Australia.
A farmer prior to enlistment he embarked with the 3rd Reinforcements on HMAT Achises (A68) on 28 August 1916. Pte Marner was awarded the Military Medal for gallantry in the capture of a German machine gun at Clery- sur-Somme on 31 August 1918. A few weeks later he was killed in action on 1 October 1918, aged 28.
Albert John Marner, M. M.
39th Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
1st October 1918, aged 28.
Plot II. B. 1.
Son of William and Elizabeth Marner, of Wirrabara, South Australia.
A farmer prior to enlistment he embarked with the 3rd Reinforcements on HMAT Achises (A68) on 28 August 1916. Pte Marner was awarded the Military Medal for gallantry in the capture of a German machine gun at Clery- sur-Somme on 31 August 1918. A few weeks later he was killed in action on 1 October 1918, aged 28.
Captain
James Murray McLaggan, M. C.
Royal Army Medical Corps, attd. 3rd Bn. Royal Fusiliers
4th October 1918, aged 27.
Plot II. D. 14.
Son of James McLaggan, of Tollapark, Kinross. Native of Torphins, Aberdeenshire.
His headstone bears the inscription: "I Have Called Thee By Thy Name Thou Art Mine."
James Murray McLaggan, M. C.
Royal Army Medical Corps, attd. 3rd Bn. Royal Fusiliers
4th October 1918, aged 27.
Plot II. D. 14.
Son of James McLaggan, of Tollapark, Kinross. Native of Torphins, Aberdeenshire.
His headstone bears the inscription: "I Have Called Thee By Thy Name Thou Art Mine."
12665 Private
Samuel McMullan
6th Bn. Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers
3rd October 1918.
Plot II. C. 13.
Samuel McMullan
6th Bn. Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers
3rd October 1918.
Plot II. C. 13.
156215 Private
Jabez Mountain
38th Bn. Machine Gun Corps (Infantry)
9th October 1918, aged 30.
Plot VI. B. 18.
Son of Jabez and Elizabeth Mountain, of Old Leak, Lincs.; husband of Margaret Alice Mountain, of 1, Caledonian Rd., Newtown, Retford, Notts.
His headstone bears the inscription: "Father In Thy Gracious Keeping Leave We Now Our Loved One Sleeping."
Jabez Mountain
38th Bn. Machine Gun Corps (Infantry)
9th October 1918, aged 30.
Plot VI. B. 18.
Son of Jabez and Elizabeth Mountain, of Old Leak, Lincs.; husband of Margaret Alice Mountain, of 1, Caledonian Rd., Newtown, Retford, Notts.
His headstone bears the inscription: "Father In Thy Gracious Keeping Leave We Now Our Loved One Sleeping."
A little girl rescued from Masnieres with a British soldier at Gouzeaucourt, 22 November 1917. © IWM (Q 3204)
2684 Private
Eccles Vallance Newman
2nd Australian Pioneers
3rd October 1918, aged 21.
Plot II. B.19.
Son of James and Isabella Newman, of Johnson's Creek, Alexandra, Victoria, Australia. Native of Mansfield, Victoria.
His headstone bears the inscription: "A Loving Son And Brother His Duty Nobly Done. Our Brave Boy."
4901 Lance Corporal, J. T. Stacey gave the following details about the death of Private Newman;
"I saw Newman, Llewellyn and Maskill killed by a shell near Estrees about 11.30 a.m. Newman (hit in head) Llewellyn (head and body) were killed instantly, Maskill (head and arms) died about a quarter of an hour after. They were on road work in a sunken road at the time.
I sent Newman's wallet home from England to his people and I wrote and told them about his death and sent them a sketch showing where he was buried (giving names of surrounding places) I buried the three of them together near where they fell, and put crosses up. Newman and Llewellyn were great friends, took their leave together, were wounded together, in hospital together and finally were killed together."
Eccles Vallance Newman
2nd Australian Pioneers
3rd October 1918, aged 21.
Plot II. B.19.
Son of James and Isabella Newman, of Johnson's Creek, Alexandra, Victoria, Australia. Native of Mansfield, Victoria.
His headstone bears the inscription: "A Loving Son And Brother His Duty Nobly Done. Our Brave Boy."
4901 Lance Corporal, J. T. Stacey gave the following details about the death of Private Newman;
"I saw Newman, Llewellyn and Maskill killed by a shell near Estrees about 11.30 a.m. Newman (hit in head) Llewellyn (head and body) were killed instantly, Maskill (head and arms) died about a quarter of an hour after. They were on road work in a sunken road at the time.
I sent Newman's wallet home from England to his people and I wrote and told them about his death and sent them a sketch showing where he was buried (giving names of surrounding places) I buried the three of them together near where they fell, and put crosses up. Newman and Llewellyn were great friends, took their leave together, were wounded together, in hospital together and finally were killed together."
Lieutenant
Ernest Ellerman Paterson, M. C.
22nd Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
3rd October 1918, aged 37.
Plot IV. D. 15.
Son of James and Mary Ann Paterson; husband of Charlotte W. Paterson, of 27, Griffith St., Richmond, Victoria, Australia.
His headstone bears the inscription: "In Memory Of The Dearly Loved Husband Of C.W. Paterson."
A commercial traveller prior to enlistment he embarked from Melbourne with the 18th Reinforcements aboard HMAT Hororata (A20) on 23 November 1916. Lt Paterson was awarded a Military Cross (MC) in May 1918 at Ville-sur-Ancre for conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty after his company commander was wounded early in the attack, and he took command, and, under heavy artillery and machine gun fire, reorganised the company and advanced on the objective. He was suddenly confronted with a hostile machine gun detachment, who were bringing their guns into action. According to the recommendation "He immediately attacked and captured the gun, making prisoners of the men. His company suffered heavy losses, both in officers and men, but he maintained their spirit and endurance by his cool handling of the situation and his courage and composure under heavy fire." Lt Paterson was later killed in action fighting for the Hindenburg Line on 3 October 1918, he was 37 years of age.
Ernest Ellerman Paterson, M. C.
22nd Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
3rd October 1918, aged 37.
Plot IV. D. 15.
Son of James and Mary Ann Paterson; husband of Charlotte W. Paterson, of 27, Griffith St., Richmond, Victoria, Australia.
His headstone bears the inscription: "In Memory Of The Dearly Loved Husband Of C.W. Paterson."
A commercial traveller prior to enlistment he embarked from Melbourne with the 18th Reinforcements aboard HMAT Hororata (A20) on 23 November 1916. Lt Paterson was awarded a Military Cross (MC) in May 1918 at Ville-sur-Ancre for conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty after his company commander was wounded early in the attack, and he took command, and, under heavy artillery and machine gun fire, reorganised the company and advanced on the objective. He was suddenly confronted with a hostile machine gun detachment, who were bringing their guns into action. According to the recommendation "He immediately attacked and captured the gun, making prisoners of the men. His company suffered heavy losses, both in officers and men, but he maintained their spirit and endurance by his cool handling of the situation and his courage and composure under heavy fire." Lt Paterson was later killed in action fighting for the Hindenburg Line on 3 October 1918, he was 37 years of age.
5078 Private
James William Poulter
22nd Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
4th October 1918, aged 19.
Plot IV. A. 18.
Son of William Haylock Poulter and Alice Mary Poulter, of Greensborough, Victoria, Australia.
His headstone bears the inscription: "Peace, Perfect Peace."
A driver from Greensborough, Vic prior to enlistment, Pte Poulter embarked with the 13th Reinforcements from Melbourne on HMAT Ayrshire on 3 July 1916. After being twice wounded in action, he was killed in action on 4 October 1918, aged 19.
James William Poulter
22nd Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
4th October 1918, aged 19.
Plot IV. A. 18.
Son of William Haylock Poulter and Alice Mary Poulter, of Greensborough, Victoria, Australia.
His headstone bears the inscription: "Peace, Perfect Peace."
A driver from Greensborough, Vic prior to enlistment, Pte Poulter embarked with the 13th Reinforcements from Melbourne on HMAT Ayrshire on 3 July 1916. After being twice wounded in action, he was killed in action on 4 October 1918, aged 19.
5656 Corporal
Edward Charles Robinson
26th Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
3rd October 1918, aged 33.
Plot I. E. 3.
Son of Edward Charles and Mary Ann Robinson, of Salisbury Rd., Stanmore, New South Wales.
His headstone bears the inscription: "Peace, Perfect Peace."
Wounded by machine gun fire in the right arm and side at Belle Vue Farm near Estrees. He remained conscious for a while and was bandaged up but later died of his wounds and was buried near where he fell.
Edward Charles Robinson
26th Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
3rd October 1918, aged 33.
Plot I. E. 3.
Son of Edward Charles and Mary Ann Robinson, of Salisbury Rd., Stanmore, New South Wales.
His headstone bears the inscription: "Peace, Perfect Peace."
Wounded by machine gun fire in the right arm and side at Belle Vue Farm near Estrees. He remained conscious for a while and was bandaged up but later died of his wounds and was buried near where he fell.
315710 Private
George Simon
13th Bn. Black Watch (Royal Highlanders)
8th October 1918, aged 28.
Plot IV. B. 7.
Son of William and Annie Simon, of Townhead, Logie-Coldstone, Dinnet, Aberdeenshire.
George Simon
13th Bn. Black Watch (Royal Highlanders)
8th October 1918, aged 28.
Plot IV. B. 7.
Son of William and Annie Simon, of Townhead, Logie-Coldstone, Dinnet, Aberdeenshire.
156209 Private
William Henry Spencer
38th Bn. Machine Gun Corps (Infantry) Formerly 77533 Sherwood Foresters (Notts and Derby Regiment)
9th October 1918, aged 31.
Plot IV. C .5.
His headstone bears the inscription: "Gone But Not Forgotten."
Husband of Edith Mellors (formerly Spencer). of 23, Dalestorth St., Sutton-in-Ashfield, Notts.
William Henry Spencer worked for Messrs Dove and Clarke before enlisting in February 1916.
He married Edith Harris in 1909 and they had two sons Edrick and Ralph who lived at 23 Dalestorth Street, Sutton-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire.
He was killed in action near Villers-Outreaux on 9th October 1918.
Picture and information courtesy of Lynne Weston
William Henry Spencer
38th Bn. Machine Gun Corps (Infantry) Formerly 77533 Sherwood Foresters (Notts and Derby Regiment)
9th October 1918, aged 31.
Plot IV. C .5.
His headstone bears the inscription: "Gone But Not Forgotten."
Husband of Edith Mellors (formerly Spencer). of 23, Dalestorth St., Sutton-in-Ashfield, Notts.
William Henry Spencer worked for Messrs Dove and Clarke before enlisting in February 1916.
He married Edith Harris in 1909 and they had two sons Edrick and Ralph who lived at 23 Dalestorth Street, Sutton-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire.
He was killed in action near Villers-Outreaux on 9th October 1918.
Picture and information courtesy of Lynne Weston
Lieutenant
Bruce Garie Thomson
3rd Sqdn. Australian Flying Corps
3rd October 1918, aged 24.
Plot III. A. 11.
Son of David Murray Thomson and Annie Thomson, of 26, Sussex St., Glenelg, South Australia. Native of Kapunda, South Australia.
His headstone bears the inscription: "I Saw The Powers Of Darkness Put To Flight I Saw The Morning Break."
569 Corporal, E. J. McCarthy later gave these details about the death of Lieutenant Thomson;
"Thomson was the observer with Pilot Taylor. I saw them leave the ground at Bouvincourt on Oct. 3rd 1916, I was told their machine was hit by a shell. The machine was found alongside two graves on which was a statement that two unknown Australian airmen were buried. the machine number was the one that Thomson and Taylor left the ground in. This proves that the bodies were those of Thomson and Taylor." (Lieutenant John Gould-Taylor, 3rd Sqdn, Australian Flying Corps is now buried next to Bruce Thomson in Plot III. A. 12.)
Bruce Garie Thomson
3rd Sqdn. Australian Flying Corps
3rd October 1918, aged 24.
Plot III. A. 11.
Son of David Murray Thomson and Annie Thomson, of 26, Sussex St., Glenelg, South Australia. Native of Kapunda, South Australia.
His headstone bears the inscription: "I Saw The Powers Of Darkness Put To Flight I Saw The Morning Break."
569 Corporal, E. J. McCarthy later gave these details about the death of Lieutenant Thomson;
"Thomson was the observer with Pilot Taylor. I saw them leave the ground at Bouvincourt on Oct. 3rd 1916, I was told their machine was hit by a shell. The machine was found alongside two graves on which was a statement that two unknown Australian airmen were buried. the machine number was the one that Thomson and Taylor left the ground in. This proves that the bodies were those of Thomson and Taylor." (Lieutenant John Gould-Taylor, 3rd Sqdn, Australian Flying Corps is now buried next to Bruce Thomson in Plot III. A. 12.)
978 Private
Leslie Charles Tillack
26th Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
3rd October 1918, aged 20.
Plot III. A. 1.
Son of Henry Charles and E. E. S. Tillack, of Colebrook, Tasmania. Native of Richmond, Tasmania.
His headstone bears the inscription: "Have Mercy Upon Him Lord And Let Perpetual Light Shine Upon Him."
Leslie Charles Tillack
26th Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
3rd October 1918, aged 20.
Plot III. A. 1.
Son of Henry Charles and E. E. S. Tillack, of Colebrook, Tasmania. Native of Richmond, Tasmania.
His headstone bears the inscription: "Have Mercy Upon Him Lord And Let Perpetual Light Shine Upon Him."
32110 Serjeant
Arthur Varney, M. M.
11th Bn. Sherwood Foresters (Notts and Derby Regiment)
4th October 1918, aged 20.
Plot III. A. 5.
Son of Arthur and Zipporah Varney, of 4, Field Row, Belper, Derbyshire.
His headstone bears the inscription: "One Of The Best God Gave Till We Meet Again."
Arthur Varney, M. M.
11th Bn. Sherwood Foresters (Notts and Derby Regiment)
4th October 1918, aged 20.
Plot III. A. 5.
Son of Arthur and Zipporah Varney, of 4, Field Row, Belper, Derbyshire.
His headstone bears the inscription: "One Of The Best God Gave Till We Meet Again."
4538 Private
Edmund Charles Wall
19th Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
3rd October 1918.
Plot III. D. 17.
Son of Jeremiah and Anne Wall; husband of Mabel Florence Wall, of 135 York St., North Sydney, New South Wales.
Edmund Charles Wall
19th Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
3rd October 1918.
Plot III. D. 17.
Son of Jeremiah and Anne Wall; husband of Mabel Florence Wall, of 135 York St., North Sydney, New South Wales.
90203 Private
Dan Walton
38th Bn. Machine Gun Corps (Infantry)
9th October 1918, aged 23.
Plot VI. B. 19.
Nephew of Mrs. M. A. Taylor, of 132, Brougham St., Burnley.
His headstone bears the inscription: "Sheltered From The Storms Of Life."
Dan Walton enlisted in April 1915 and was posted to France in June 1917, he was originally a member of the Army Service Corps. He was later to be gassed in March 1918. Dan was an orphan and lived with his Aunt, Mrs Taylor at 132 Brougham Street in Burnley. He worked as a clerk for the Burnley Co-operative Society prior to enlisting.
Dan Walton
38th Bn. Machine Gun Corps (Infantry)
9th October 1918, aged 23.
Plot VI. B. 19.
Nephew of Mrs. M. A. Taylor, of 132, Brougham St., Burnley.
His headstone bears the inscription: "Sheltered From The Storms Of Life."
Dan Walton enlisted in April 1915 and was posted to France in June 1917, he was originally a member of the Army Service Corps. He was later to be gassed in March 1918. Dan was an orphan and lived with his Aunt, Mrs Taylor at 132 Brougham Street in Burnley. He worked as a clerk for the Burnley Co-operative Society prior to enlisting.
Second Lieutenant
Charles Woodley
9th Bn. King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry
8th October 1918, aged 26.
Plot V. A. 20.
Son of Stephen and Matilda Woodley, of Cambridge Rd., Duxford, Cambridge.
His headstone bears the inscription: "Lord All Pitying, Jesu Blest Grant Him Thine Eternal Rest."
Charles Woodley
9th Bn. King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry
8th October 1918, aged 26.
Plot V. A. 20.
Son of Stephen and Matilda Woodley, of Cambridge Rd., Duxford, Cambridge.
His headstone bears the inscription: "Lord All Pitying, Jesu Blest Grant Him Thine Eternal Rest."
Battle of St Quentin Canal (Saint-Quentin). Men of the 5th Australian Division advancing across country in artillery formation from its assembly area around Hesbecourt towards Bellicourt and the starting line of the 30th American Division. An 8th Battalion, Tank Corps, Mark V Tank with 'crib' is going ahead, near Bellicourt, 29th September 1918. © IWM (Q 9367)
