ROSIÈRES COMMUNAL CEMETERY EXTENSION
Somme
France
GPS Coordinates: Latitude: 49.81793, Longitude: 2.70052
Location Information
Rosieres is a village about 32 kilometres east of Amiens and 7.5 kilometres south of the main road from Amiens to St Quentin.
From Peronne take the N17 towards Roye. Travel for approximately 7 kilometres to Villers Carlonne then turn right towards Amiens on the N29. Travel for 13 kilometres then turn left on the D329 towards Rosieres, then take the D28 towards Caix. Follow the signs for the communal cemetery which is situated on the northern side of the village.
Historical Information
Rosieres was the scene of heavy fighting between the French Sixth Army and the German First Army at the end of August, 1914. It came within the British lines in February 1917.
With the advance to the Hindenburg Line in the spring of 1917, Rosieres became part of the back area; but in the German offensive of March 1918, it was reached by the enemy on the 26th. It was defended on the 27th, in the Battle of Rosieres, by the 8th Division and the 16th Brigade, Royal Horse Artillery; but these troops had to be withdrawn in the night. On the 9th August, after a stubborn defence, the village was retaken by the 2nd Canadian Division and Tanks.
The Extension was made by the units which retook Rosieres. It consisted until the Armistice of four rows (Plot I, A-E) containing 97 graves. It was enlarged subsequently by the concentration of graves from the battlefields surrounding Rosieres and certain smaller cemeteries, including:-
CAMOUFLAGE CEMETERY, Rouvroy-en-Santerre, which was near the South-West side of the road from Rouvroy to Warvillers. It was made by the 32nd Division in March 1917, and contained 16 graves of soldiers from the United Kingdom, 13 of whom belonged to the 2nd K.O.Y.L.I.
POPLAR TRENCH CEMETERY, Meharicourt, which contained 19 graves.
There are 440, 1914-18 war casualties commemorated in this site. Of these, 157 are unidentified and the names of three soldiers from the United Kingdom, two from Australia and one from Canada, known or believed to be buried among the unknown graves, are recorded on special headstones. In addition, special headstones are erected bearing the names of five soldiers buried in Camouflage Cemetery, Rouvroy, and one buried in Rosieres German Cemetery, whose graves were not found on concentration.
The Cemetery covers an area of 1,699 square metres and is enclosed on the East by the Communal Cemetery wall, on the West by a wall, on the North by a concrete curb.
Total Burials: 440.
Identified Casualties: Canada 143, United Kingdom 89, Australia 51. Total 283.
Unidentified Casualties: 157.
The extension was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens and George Hartley Goldsmith
440 Private
Harold Beadle
5th Bn. Australian Infantry, A.I.F.
10th August 1918, aged 24.
Plot II. A. 1.
Son of John and Alice Beadle, of Thomas St., Brighton, Victoria, Australia.
His headstone bears the inscription "In Memory Of The Beloved Son Of Mr. & Mrs. Beadle Of Brighton"
Studio portrait of 440 Private (Pte) Walter Harold Beadle, 5th Battalion from Brighton, Victoria. A 23 year old carpenter prior to enlisting as Harold Beadle on 20 August 1914, he embarked for overseas with C Company, 5th Battalion from Melbourne on 21 October 1914 aboard HMAT Orvieto. While serving at Gallipoli, he was wounded in action on 25 August 1915 and evacuated to Egypt and then to England for medical treatment. After rejoining the 5th Battalion in France on 15 May 1917, he was wounded in action for the second time on 20 September 1917 and again evacuated to England for medical treatment. Following recovery, he rejoined the 5th Battalion in France on 6 May 1918 and was killed in action near Harbonniers on 10 August 1918. Pte Beadle is buried in the Rosieres Communal Cemetery Extension, France. His older brother, 1315 Pte Ernest John Beadle, 7th Battalion was killed in action at Gallipoli on 8 August 1915 and is commemorated on the Lone Pine Memorial.
Harold Beadle
5th Bn. Australian Infantry, A.I.F.
10th August 1918, aged 24.
Plot II. A. 1.
Son of John and Alice Beadle, of Thomas St., Brighton, Victoria, Australia.
His headstone bears the inscription "In Memory Of The Beloved Son Of Mr. & Mrs. Beadle Of Brighton"
Studio portrait of 440 Private (Pte) Walter Harold Beadle, 5th Battalion from Brighton, Victoria. A 23 year old carpenter prior to enlisting as Harold Beadle on 20 August 1914, he embarked for overseas with C Company, 5th Battalion from Melbourne on 21 October 1914 aboard HMAT Orvieto. While serving at Gallipoli, he was wounded in action on 25 August 1915 and evacuated to Egypt and then to England for medical treatment. After rejoining the 5th Battalion in France on 15 May 1917, he was wounded in action for the second time on 20 September 1917 and again evacuated to England for medical treatment. Following recovery, he rejoined the 5th Battalion in France on 6 May 1918 and was killed in action near Harbonniers on 10 August 1918. Pte Beadle is buried in the Rosieres Communal Cemetery Extension, France. His older brother, 1315 Pte Ernest John Beadle, 7th Battalion was killed in action at Gallipoli on 8 August 1915 and is commemorated on the Lone Pine Memorial.
7464 Private
Samuel Robert Christie
8th Bn. Australian Infantry, A.I.F.
11th August 1918, aged 22.
Plot III. D. 4.
Son of Samuel Robert and Mary Christie, of Newham, Victoria, Australia.
His headstone bears the inscription "Dearly Loved One Sweetly Rest We Miss You Most Who Love You Best"
Studio portrait of 7464 Private (Pte) Samuel Robert Christie. A farmer from Newham, Victoria prior to enlistment, Pte Christie embarked as part of the Sportsmen’s 1000 with the 25th Reinforcements, 8th Battalion from Melbourne on HMAT Nestor on 21 November 1917. On 11 August 1918, aged 22, he was killed in action and was buried in the Rosieres Communal Cemetery Extension, France.
Samuel Robert Christie
8th Bn. Australian Infantry, A.I.F.
11th August 1918, aged 22.
Plot III. D. 4.
Son of Samuel Robert and Mary Christie, of Newham, Victoria, Australia.
His headstone bears the inscription "Dearly Loved One Sweetly Rest We Miss You Most Who Love You Best"
Studio portrait of 7464 Private (Pte) Samuel Robert Christie. A farmer from Newham, Victoria prior to enlistment, Pte Christie embarked as part of the Sportsmen’s 1000 with the 25th Reinforcements, 8th Battalion from Melbourne on HMAT Nestor on 21 November 1917. On 11 August 1918, aged 22, he was killed in action and was buried in the Rosieres Communal Cemetery Extension, France.
3998 Private
Alfred Francis Hawken
5th Bn. Australian Infantry, A.I.F.
10th August 1918.
Special Memorial A. 1.
Son of Frederick and Mary M. Hawken. Born at Somerville, Victoria, Australia.
His headstone bears the inscription "Their Glory Shall Not Be Blotted Out"
Studio portrait of 3998 Private (Pte) Albert Francis Hawken, 12th Reinforcements, 5th Battalion, of Warragul, Vic. Pte Hawken enlisted on 28 July 1915 and embarked from Melbourne aboard HMAT Ceramic on 23 November 1915. He was killed in action on 10 August 1918 in France.
Alfred Francis Hawken
5th Bn. Australian Infantry, A.I.F.
10th August 1918.
Special Memorial A. 1.
Son of Frederick and Mary M. Hawken. Born at Somerville, Victoria, Australia.
His headstone bears the inscription "Their Glory Shall Not Be Blotted Out"
Studio portrait of 3998 Private (Pte) Albert Francis Hawken, 12th Reinforcements, 5th Battalion, of Warragul, Vic. Pte Hawken enlisted on 28 July 1915 and embarked from Melbourne aboard HMAT Ceramic on 23 November 1915. He was killed in action on 10 August 1918 in France.
Second Lieutenant
John Vernon Larkin
8th Bn. Australian Infantry, A.I.F.
9th August 1918, aged 26.
Plot II. C. 12.
Son of Michael and Elizabeth Larkin, of Howitt St., Wendouree, Victoria, Australia.
His headstone bears the inscription "In Loving Memory Of The Dearly Loved Son Of Mr. & Mrs. M Larkin R. I. P.
Studio portrait of 3160 Private John Vernon Larkin, 24th Battalion, from Ballarat, Victoria. He was a 23 year old clerk when he enlisted in the AIF on 20 July 1915 and embarked for overseas with the 7th Reinforcements from Melbourne on 26 November 1915 aboard HMAT Commonwealth. While serving with the 8th Battalion in France, he was wounded in action on 26 July 1916 and evacuated to England for medical treatment. After returning to his battalion in France in November 1916, he was promoted to Lance Corporal on 17 February 1917, to Sergeant on 4 February 1918 and to Second Lieutenant (2nd Lt) on 20 May 1918. 2nd Lt Larkin was killed in action on 9 August 1918 and buried in the Rosieres Communal Cemetery Extension, 32 kilometres east of Amiens, France.
John Vernon Larkin
8th Bn. Australian Infantry, A.I.F.
9th August 1918, aged 26.
Plot II. C. 12.
Son of Michael and Elizabeth Larkin, of Howitt St., Wendouree, Victoria, Australia.
His headstone bears the inscription "In Loving Memory Of The Dearly Loved Son Of Mr. & Mrs. M Larkin R. I. P.
Studio portrait of 3160 Private John Vernon Larkin, 24th Battalion, from Ballarat, Victoria. He was a 23 year old clerk when he enlisted in the AIF on 20 July 1915 and embarked for overseas with the 7th Reinforcements from Melbourne on 26 November 1915 aboard HMAT Commonwealth. While serving with the 8th Battalion in France, he was wounded in action on 26 July 1916 and evacuated to England for medical treatment. After returning to his battalion in France in November 1916, he was promoted to Lance Corporal on 17 February 1917, to Sergeant on 4 February 1918 and to Second Lieutenant (2nd Lt) on 20 May 1918. 2nd Lt Larkin was killed in action on 9 August 1918 and buried in the Rosieres Communal Cemetery Extension, 32 kilometres east of Amiens, France.
6374 Private
Colin McCulloch
8th Bn. Australian Infantry, A.I.F.
9th August 1918, aged 37.
Plot II. B. 5.
Son of Samuel and Elizabeth McCuloch, husband of Ruby F. McCulloch, of Avoca, Victoria, Australia. Born at Skaith, Newton Stewart, Scotland.
His headstone bears the inscription "Beloved Husband Of Ruby, Daddy Of Wee Helen, God Be Gracious"
Studio portrait of 6374 Private (Pte) Colin McCulloch, 8th Battalion, of Buln Buln, Vic.The youngest of 17 children of the McCulloch family who emigrated to Australia from Scotland in 1889, Pte McCulloch worked as a farmer on his father's property before enlisting in March 1916, and left Australia for France with the 20th Reinforcements in September 1916. Married to his wife Ruby the month he enlisted, Pte McCulloch, aged 37, was killed instantly by a German shell during the 8th Battalion's attack on Rosieres on 9 August 1918.
Colin McCulloch
8th Bn. Australian Infantry, A.I.F.
9th August 1918, aged 37.
Plot II. B. 5.
Son of Samuel and Elizabeth McCuloch, husband of Ruby F. McCulloch, of Avoca, Victoria, Australia. Born at Skaith, Newton Stewart, Scotland.
His headstone bears the inscription "Beloved Husband Of Ruby, Daddy Of Wee Helen, God Be Gracious"
Studio portrait of 6374 Private (Pte) Colin McCulloch, 8th Battalion, of Buln Buln, Vic.The youngest of 17 children of the McCulloch family who emigrated to Australia from Scotland in 1889, Pte McCulloch worked as a farmer on his father's property before enlisting in March 1916, and left Australia for France with the 20th Reinforcements in September 1916. Married to his wife Ruby the month he enlisted, Pte McCulloch, aged 37, was killed instantly by a German shell during the 8th Battalion's attack on Rosieres on 9 August 1918.
Images in gallery below © Johan Pauwels
3452 Private
William Thomas McDonald
60th Bn. Australian Infantry, A.I.F.
9th August 1918, aged 19.
Plot II. D. 15.
Son of James C. and Eliza McDonald, of 176, Barkly St., Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia.
His headstone bears the inscription "A Beautiful Memory Left Behind"
Studio portrait of 3452 Private (Pte) William Thomas McDonald. A clerk from North Fitzroy, Victoria prior to enlistment, Pte McDonald embarked with the 9th Reinforcements, 60th Battalion from Sydney on HMAT Port Melbourne on 16 July 1917. On 10 August 1918, aged 19, he was killed in action at Harbonnieres, France and was buried in the Rosieres Communal Cemetery Extension, France.
William Thomas McDonald
60th Bn. Australian Infantry, A.I.F.
9th August 1918, aged 19.
Plot II. D. 15.
Son of James C. and Eliza McDonald, of 176, Barkly St., Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia.
His headstone bears the inscription "A Beautiful Memory Left Behind"
Studio portrait of 3452 Private (Pte) William Thomas McDonald. A clerk from North Fitzroy, Victoria prior to enlistment, Pte McDonald embarked with the 9th Reinforcements, 60th Battalion from Sydney on HMAT Port Melbourne on 16 July 1917. On 10 August 1918, aged 19, he was killed in action at Harbonnieres, France and was buried in the Rosieres Communal Cemetery Extension, France.
Lieutenant
Neil McLachlan, M. C.
6th Bn. Australian Infantry, A.I.F.
10th August 1918.
Plot III. B. 15.
Studio portrait of Lieutenant (Lt) Neil McLachlan, 6th Battalion of Meredith, Victoria. A school teacher prior to enlisting, he embarked with the 6th Battalion from Melbourne aboard HMAT Ceramic (A40) on 23 November 1915, as 3878 Private (Pte) McLachlan. He was appointed to a commissioned rank on 6 December 1917. On 10 August 1918, he was killed in action during operations at Rosieres Ridge, France, aged 23. He is buried in the Rosieres Communal Cemetery Extension, France. Lt McLachlan was awarded the Military Cross for his actions during the attack on Glencourse Wood on 20 September 1917 when "he led his platoon with great dash and determination against an enemy strong post which was holding up his platoon on the left. He engaged it from the flank and captured it with 22 prisoners." Lieut McLachan's elder brother, 4767 Pte John James Mclachlan, was killed in action on 13 November 1916, during the Battle of the Somme, France and is commemorated on the Villers-Bretonneux Memorial in France.
Neil McLachlan, M. C.
6th Bn. Australian Infantry, A.I.F.
10th August 1918.
Plot III. B. 15.
Studio portrait of Lieutenant (Lt) Neil McLachlan, 6th Battalion of Meredith, Victoria. A school teacher prior to enlisting, he embarked with the 6th Battalion from Melbourne aboard HMAT Ceramic (A40) on 23 November 1915, as 3878 Private (Pte) McLachlan. He was appointed to a commissioned rank on 6 December 1917. On 10 August 1918, he was killed in action during operations at Rosieres Ridge, France, aged 23. He is buried in the Rosieres Communal Cemetery Extension, France. Lt McLachlan was awarded the Military Cross for his actions during the attack on Glencourse Wood on 20 September 1917 when "he led his platoon with great dash and determination against an enemy strong post which was holding up his platoon on the left. He engaged it from the flank and captured it with 22 prisoners." Lieut McLachan's elder brother, 4767 Pte John James Mclachlan, was killed in action on 13 November 1916, during the Battle of the Somme, France and is commemorated on the Villers-Bretonneux Memorial in France.
3547 Corporal
Alexander Miller
10th Bn. Australian Infantry, A.I.F.
11th August 1918, aged 25.
Plot II. E. 16.
Son of David and Emily Miller. Born at Port Pirie, South Australia.
His headstone bears the inscription "Australia Mourns Her Hero's Fate True To Country King And Mate"
Studio portrait of 3547 Private (Pte) Alexander Miller 27th Battalion, of Port Pirie, SA. A clerk prior to enlistment, Pte Miller embarked on aboard HMAT Borda (A30) on 12 January 1916. He was transferred to the 10th Battalion in February 1916 and promoted to corporal in May 1917. Corporal Miller was fatally wounded in action at Crepy Wood near Lihons, France, on 11 August 1918.
Alexander Miller
10th Bn. Australian Infantry, A.I.F.
11th August 1918, aged 25.
Plot II. E. 16.
Son of David and Emily Miller. Born at Port Pirie, South Australia.
His headstone bears the inscription "Australia Mourns Her Hero's Fate True To Country King And Mate"
Studio portrait of 3547 Private (Pte) Alexander Miller 27th Battalion, of Port Pirie, SA. A clerk prior to enlistment, Pte Miller embarked on aboard HMAT Borda (A30) on 12 January 1916. He was transferred to the 10th Battalion in February 1916 and promoted to corporal in May 1917. Corporal Miller was fatally wounded in action at Crepy Wood near Lihons, France, on 11 August 1918.
5208 Private
Rupert John Soawyer
"B" Company, 8th Bn. Australian Infantry, A.I.F.
9th August 1918, aged 21.
Plot II. A. 16.
Studio portrait of 5208 Private (Pte) Rupert John Soawyer, 8th Battalion, of Abbotsford, Vic. A hatter and with three and a half years pre-war service in senior cadets, Pte Soawyer enlisted in July 1915, and left Australia for service on the Western Front with the 16th Reinforcements of the 5th Battalion in April 1916. After a brief posting to the Cyclist Training Battalion, he was transferred to the 8th Battalion in September 1916. Pte Soawyer was killed in action during the 8th Battalion's attack on the German positions near Vaurvilers on 9 August 1918, age 21.
Rupert John Soawyer
"B" Company, 8th Bn. Australian Infantry, A.I.F.
9th August 1918, aged 21.
Plot II. A. 16.
Studio portrait of 5208 Private (Pte) Rupert John Soawyer, 8th Battalion, of Abbotsford, Vic. A hatter and with three and a half years pre-war service in senior cadets, Pte Soawyer enlisted in July 1915, and left Australia for service on the Western Front with the 16th Reinforcements of the 5th Battalion in April 1916. After a brief posting to the Cyclist Training Battalion, he was transferred to the 8th Battalion in September 1916. Pte Soawyer was killed in action during the 8th Battalion's attack on the German positions near Vaurvilers on 9 August 1918, age 21.
6594 Private
Frank Peter Tighe
5th Bn. Australian Infantry, A.I.F.
Killed in action on 9th August 1918, aged 21.
Plot II. A. 13.
Son of Margaret Elizabeth Shanks, Half brother to Ellen Margaret Bird nee Shanks
Frank's mother was his next of kin in his military file. Her name at the time was Margaret Elizabeth Shanks, as she had divorced Franks father and remarried.
Margaret Elizabeth Shanks is my Great Grandma and Ellen Margaret Shanks is my Grandma, that is my connection to Frank Tighe.
Images and additional text provided by Christine Murray
Frank Peter Tighe
5th Bn. Australian Infantry, A.I.F.
Killed in action on 9th August 1918, aged 21.
Plot II. A. 13.
Son of Margaret Elizabeth Shanks, Half brother to Ellen Margaret Bird nee Shanks
Frank's mother was his next of kin in his military file. Her name at the time was Margaret Elizabeth Shanks, as she had divorced Franks father and remarried.
Margaret Elizabeth Shanks is my Great Grandma and Ellen Margaret Shanks is my Grandma, that is my connection to Frank Tighe.
Images and additional text provided by Christine Murray
3948 Corporal
Albert Charles Toole
8th Bn. Australian Infantry, A.I.F.
9th August 1918, aged 20.
Plot II. A. 14.
Son of William Hopwood Toole and Mary Elizabeth Toole. Born at Allendale, Victoria, Australia.
His headstone bears the inscription "The Lord Gave And The Lord Hath Taken Away"
Studio portrait of 3948 Corporal (Cpl) Albert Charles Toole, 8th Battalion, of Ararat, Vic. Cpl Toole enlisted on 15 July 1915 and was killed in action on 9 August 1918 at Rosieres, France.
Albert Charles Toole
8th Bn. Australian Infantry, A.I.F.
9th August 1918, aged 20.
Plot II. A. 14.
Son of William Hopwood Toole and Mary Elizabeth Toole. Born at Allendale, Victoria, Australia.
His headstone bears the inscription "The Lord Gave And The Lord Hath Taken Away"
Studio portrait of 3948 Corporal (Cpl) Albert Charles Toole, 8th Battalion, of Ararat, Vic. Cpl Toole enlisted on 15 July 1915 and was killed in action on 9 August 1918 at Rosieres, France.
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3984 Private Victor Louis Woolf, 8th Bn. Australian Infantry, A.I.F. died 9th August 1918, aged 22. Plot II. A. 8. Born at Melbourne. Son of Louis and Adeline Woolf, of Seaview St., Randwick, New South Wales. His headstone bears the inscription "A Soldier And A Man He Died Honoured By All His Country's Pride"
Private Victor Louis Herman (Vic) Woolf, 8th Battalion was a leatherworker of East Brunswick, Vic, he enlisted on 13 July 1915 and sailed with the 12th Reinforcements aboard HMAT Ceramic on 23 November 1915. He was killed in action, aged 22, on 9 August 1918 in France and is buried at Rosieres Communal Cemetery, France.
The second image above shows his brother (standing) Alfred, who was a grocer of East Brunswick, Vic, Dvr Alfred Woolf enlisted on 7 August 1915 and sailed aboard HMAT Persic with the 22nd Company on 3 June 1916. He was recommended for a Military Medal (MM) on 22 March 1918 after bravely handling bolting heavy draft horses under shell fire. Dvr Woolf returned to Australia on 11 May 1919.
Private Victor Louis Herman (Vic) Woolf, 8th Battalion was a leatherworker of East Brunswick, Vic, he enlisted on 13 July 1915 and sailed with the 12th Reinforcements aboard HMAT Ceramic on 23 November 1915. He was killed in action, aged 22, on 9 August 1918 in France and is buried at Rosieres Communal Cemetery, France.
The second image above shows his brother (standing) Alfred, who was a grocer of East Brunswick, Vic, Dvr Alfred Woolf enlisted on 7 August 1915 and sailed aboard HMAT Persic with the 22nd Company on 3 June 1916. He was recommended for a Military Medal (MM) on 22 March 1918 after bravely handling bolting heavy draft horses under shell fire. Dvr Woolf returned to Australia on 11 May 1919.
