SPOILBANK CEMETERY
West-Vlaanderen
Belgium
GPS Coordinates - Latitude: 50.82003, Longitude: 2.89949
Location Information
Spoilbank Cemetery is located 5 Kms south of Ieper town centre, on the Vaartstraat, a road leading from the Rijselseweg (N365) connecting Ieper to Armentieres.
From Ieper town centre the Rijselseweg is located via the Rijselsestraat, through the Rijselpoort (Lille Gate) and by crossing the Ieper ring road, towards Armentieres and Lille. The road name then changes to Rijselseweg. 3 Kms along the Rijselseweg lies the left hand turning onto Vaartstraat.
The cemetery is located 1.6 Kms along the Vaartstraat on the left hand side of the road.
Visiting Information
Wheelchair access to this cemetery is possible via the main entrance.
Historical Information
Spoilbank Cemetery (also known as Chester Farm Lower Cemetery or Gordon Terrace Cemetery) was begun in February 1915, and used by troops holding this sector until March 1918. It is particularly associated with the casualties of the 2nd Suffolks on "The Bluff" early in 1916. It was enlarged after the Armistice when graves were brought in from the battlefields of Ypres.
The cemetery contains 520 burials and commemorations of the First World War. 125 of the burials are unidentified and special memorials are erected to 11 casualties known or believed to be buried among them.
Total Burials: 520.
Identified Casualties: United Kingdom 323, Australia 62. Canada 10. Total 395.
Unidentified Casualties: United Kingdom 113, Australia 6, Canada 6. Total 125.
The cemetery was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens and William Harrison Cowlishaw
Spoilbank Cemetery is located 5 Kms south of Ieper town centre, on the Vaartstraat, a road leading from the Rijselseweg (N365) connecting Ieper to Armentieres.
From Ieper town centre the Rijselseweg is located via the Rijselsestraat, through the Rijselpoort (Lille Gate) and by crossing the Ieper ring road, towards Armentieres and Lille. The road name then changes to Rijselseweg. 3 Kms along the Rijselseweg lies the left hand turning onto Vaartstraat.
The cemetery is located 1.6 Kms along the Vaartstraat on the left hand side of the road.
Visiting Information
Wheelchair access to this cemetery is possible via the main entrance.
Historical Information
Spoilbank Cemetery (also known as Chester Farm Lower Cemetery or Gordon Terrace Cemetery) was begun in February 1915, and used by troops holding this sector until March 1918. It is particularly associated with the casualties of the 2nd Suffolks on "The Bluff" early in 1916. It was enlarged after the Armistice when graves were brought in from the battlefields of Ypres.
The cemetery contains 520 burials and commemorations of the First World War. 125 of the burials are unidentified and special memorials are erected to 11 casualties known or believed to be buried among them.
Total Burials: 520.
Identified Casualties: United Kingdom 323, Australia 62. Canada 10. Total 395.
Unidentified Casualties: United Kingdom 113, Australia 6, Canada 6. Total 125.
The cemetery was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens and William Harrison Cowlishaw
Images in this gallery © Werner Van Caneghem
3135 Lance Corporal
Arthur Wilfred Auhl
53rd Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
24th September 1917, aged 20.
Plot I. Q. 6.
Son of Henry Auhl, of Corrunna Rd., Stanmore, New South Wales, and the late Ottilla Luise Auhl. Born at Condobolin, New South Wales.
Lance Corporal Auhl was No.1 on a Lewis Gun in Glencorse Wood when he was buried by a shell explosion. His comrades immediately began to dig him out but he was found to have been killed by the explosion.
Arthur Wilfred Auhl
53rd Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
24th September 1917, aged 20.
Plot I. Q. 6.
Son of Henry Auhl, of Corrunna Rd., Stanmore, New South Wales, and the late Ottilla Luise Auhl. Born at Condobolin, New South Wales.
Lance Corporal Auhl was No.1 on a Lewis Gun in Glencorse Wood when he was buried by a shell explosion. His comrades immediately began to dig him out but he was found to have been killed by the explosion.
3085 Private
Charles Gordon
47th Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
17th January 1918
Plot I. A. 14.
388, Private J. Pattinson witnessed Charles Gordon's death:
"I saw him killed while asleep in bed in a tunnel near Hill 60. A dud lobbed on top of the tunnel but went through and caused the tunnel to fall in, completely covering Charlie Gordon and Corporal T. J. McLean and smothering them. We got them out and I saw them buried in a cemetery alongside each other at Spoilbank. A large round white cross was erected over the grave."
Charlie Gordon and Thomas McLean still lie alongside each other in Spoilbank Cemetery in graves I. A. 14/15 respectively.
Charles Gordon
47th Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
17th January 1918
Plot I. A. 14.
388, Private J. Pattinson witnessed Charles Gordon's death:
"I saw him killed while asleep in bed in a tunnel near Hill 60. A dud lobbed on top of the tunnel but went through and caused the tunnel to fall in, completely covering Charlie Gordon and Corporal T. J. McLean and smothering them. We got them out and I saw them buried in a cemetery alongside each other at Spoilbank. A large round white cross was erected over the grave."
Charlie Gordon and Thomas McLean still lie alongside each other in Spoilbank Cemetery in graves I. A. 14/15 respectively.
1559 Private
Stephen Jellicoe
4th Bn. attached to 5th Bn. Cheshire Regiment
5th June 1915, aged 20.
Plot I. F. 10.
Son of William and Sarah A. Jellicoe, of 25, Railway Rd., Rock Ferry, Cheshire.
His headstone bears the inscription "Loving Thoughts Of You Often Bring A Silent Tear Mother
Birkenhead News. Wednesday June 23, 1915.
South-End Soldier Sniped.
When Just About to Fire.
The sad news has reached Mrs Jellicoe, who resides at 25 Railway Rd, Rock Ferry, that her son, Private Stephen Jellicoe off the 4th battalion Cheshire regiment, but who was attached to the 5th battalion, has been killed in action. His mother has received the following letter from Lance Corporal Arthur Pardoe. He writes "with the deepest regret I write these few lines, informing you of your son's death. This sad fatality took place on the afternoon of the fourth inst., and although we exhausted every means available, he died the death of a soldier before we could get him to a dressing station. As his section commander he interested me much, for being an athlete myself I admired his capabilities. I do not think I shall ever forget that eventful afternoon, as it registered the serious casualty of all in my section. Whilst going on my tour of duty I visited Private Jellicoe's observation post, and at the same time exchanged a few words with him. He reported the harassing attention of a German sniper on our left and said he intended keeping a sharp look out for him. Evidently, he had located him and indulging in a careful aim he pulled the trigger, but before that bullet could have reached its mark he received one in the forehead from the gun of a sniper cleverly concealed in the grass some 80 yards away. His departure is a big loss to me, for being a strong man he made work easy, and kept up our spirits by his cheerful disposition. I can well assure you he was well liked and respected by all his comrades out here."
Private S. Jellicoe, who was 20 years of age, set sail for France on February 15th and attained his 20th birthday whilst serving. Before the war he was an apprentice driller at Messers. Cammell Laird, and Co, and was a popular local athlete, having played football for the New Ferry team.
The battalion war diary for the day simply states, 1 man died of wounds recieved in action in trenches near Ypres.
Image and newspaper obituary provided by Chris Lloyd Jones
Stephen Jellicoe
4th Bn. attached to 5th Bn. Cheshire Regiment
5th June 1915, aged 20.
Plot I. F. 10.
Son of William and Sarah A. Jellicoe, of 25, Railway Rd., Rock Ferry, Cheshire.
His headstone bears the inscription "Loving Thoughts Of You Often Bring A Silent Tear Mother
Birkenhead News. Wednesday June 23, 1915.
South-End Soldier Sniped.
When Just About to Fire.
The sad news has reached Mrs Jellicoe, who resides at 25 Railway Rd, Rock Ferry, that her son, Private Stephen Jellicoe off the 4th battalion Cheshire regiment, but who was attached to the 5th battalion, has been killed in action. His mother has received the following letter from Lance Corporal Arthur Pardoe. He writes "with the deepest regret I write these few lines, informing you of your son's death. This sad fatality took place on the afternoon of the fourth inst., and although we exhausted every means available, he died the death of a soldier before we could get him to a dressing station. As his section commander he interested me much, for being an athlete myself I admired his capabilities. I do not think I shall ever forget that eventful afternoon, as it registered the serious casualty of all in my section. Whilst going on my tour of duty I visited Private Jellicoe's observation post, and at the same time exchanged a few words with him. He reported the harassing attention of a German sniper on our left and said he intended keeping a sharp look out for him. Evidently, he had located him and indulging in a careful aim he pulled the trigger, but before that bullet could have reached its mark he received one in the forehead from the gun of a sniper cleverly concealed in the grass some 80 yards away. His departure is a big loss to me, for being a strong man he made work easy, and kept up our spirits by his cheerful disposition. I can well assure you he was well liked and respected by all his comrades out here."
Private S. Jellicoe, who was 20 years of age, set sail for France on February 15th and attained his 20th birthday whilst serving. Before the war he was an apprentice driller at Messers. Cammell Laird, and Co, and was a popular local athlete, having played football for the New Ferry team.
The battalion war diary for the day simply states, 1 man died of wounds recieved in action in trenches near Ypres.
Image and newspaper obituary provided by Chris Lloyd Jones
3163 Private
James Leslie Nunn
12th Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
16th March 1918, aged 23.
Plot II. B. 15.
10th Reinforcements, 12th Battalion, of Launceston, Tas. Pte Nunn enlisted on 27 July 1915 and embarked from Melbourne aboard HMAT Port Lincoln on 16 October 1915.
James Leslie Nunn
12th Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
16th March 1918, aged 23.
Plot II. B. 15.
10th Reinforcements, 12th Battalion, of Launceston, Tas. Pte Nunn enlisted on 27 July 1915 and embarked from Melbourne aboard HMAT Port Lincoln on 16 October 1915.
G/11271 Private
Thomas Charles Sturton Simmonds
"D" Coy. 11th Bn. The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment
killed in action near the "Spoilbank" 11th December 1916, aged 26.
Plot I. B. 2.
Son of William James and Catherine Simmonds; husband of Florence Mabel Parnell (formerly Simmonds), of Sandridge Garage, Ascot, Berks. Native of Waterford.
Thomas Charles Sturton Simmonds
"D" Coy. 11th Bn. The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment
killed in action near the "Spoilbank" 11th December 1916, aged 26.
Plot I. B. 2.
Son of William James and Catherine Simmonds; husband of Florence Mabel Parnell (formerly Simmonds), of Sandridge Garage, Ascot, Berks. Native of Waterford.
11376 Private
John James Simpson
12th Bn. Manchester Regiment
14th February 1916, aged 38.
Plot I. A. 3.
Son of William Lloyd Simpson and Isabella Simpson; husband of Margaret Abbott (formerly Simpson), of 125, Gorton Lane, West Gorton, Manchester.
Picture courtesy of Neil and Brandie Snelson.
John James Simpson
12th Bn. Manchester Regiment
14th February 1916, aged 38.
Plot I. A. 3.
Son of William Lloyd Simpson and Isabella Simpson; husband of Margaret Abbott (formerly Simpson), of 125, Gorton Lane, West Gorton, Manchester.
Picture courtesy of Neil and Brandie Snelson.
2473 Corporal
James Bertram Snelling
4th Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
22nd March 1918, aged 24.
Plot I. K. 21.
Son of James Alfred Snelling, of 4, Leamington Terrace, Spring Grove Rd., Chiswick, London, England. Native of Hammersmith, London, England.
Originally of the 19th (later 4th) Battalion of Liverpool, NSW. A railway porter prior to enlisting, he embarked from Sydney aboard HMAT Themistocles (A32) on 5 October 1915.
James Bertram Snelling
4th Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
22nd March 1918, aged 24.
Plot I. K. 21.
Son of James Alfred Snelling, of 4, Leamington Terrace, Spring Grove Rd., Chiswick, London, England. Native of Hammersmith, London, England.
Originally of the 19th (later 4th) Battalion of Liverpool, NSW. A railway porter prior to enlisting, he embarked from Sydney aboard HMAT Themistocles (A32) on 5 October 1915.
Captain
Harry Webber
12th Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
10th March 1918, aged 23.
Plot II. D. 5.
Son of Henry Thomas and Isabella Webber, of 991, Gunn St., Launceston, Tasmania.
A 19 year old fitter and turner prior to enlisting on 20 August 1914, he embarked for overseas with B Company from Hobart on 20 October 1914 aboard HMAT Geelong. After joining the 12th Battalion at Gallipoli, he was wounded and suffered several periods of sickness. On recovering, he rejoined the battalion in France where he was again wounded and experienced sickness. In January 1918 he was Mentioned in Despatches and subsequently killed in action at Hollebeke, Belgium on 10 March 1918.
Harry Webber
12th Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
10th March 1918, aged 23.
Plot II. D. 5.
Son of Henry Thomas and Isabella Webber, of 991, Gunn St., Launceston, Tasmania.
A 19 year old fitter and turner prior to enlisting on 20 August 1914, he embarked for overseas with B Company from Hobart on 20 October 1914 aboard HMAT Geelong. After joining the 12th Battalion at Gallipoli, he was wounded and suffered several periods of sickness. On recovering, he rejoined the battalion in France where he was again wounded and experienced sickness. In January 1918 he was Mentioned in Despatches and subsequently killed in action at Hollebeke, Belgium on 10 March 1918.
The Spoil Bank
Air Photo. No. 9174. Sheet 28125 Spoilbank. © IWM (Q 50264)
Three derelict British tanks abandoned east of Zillebeke in 1917.© IWM (Q 3230)
Battle of the Menin Road Ridge. Troops of the 13th Battalion, Durham Light Infantry digging out wounded from their Regimental Aid Post near Zillebeke after the position had be hit by German artillery fire, 20 September 1917. © IWM (Q 5979)
