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SUFFOLK CEMETERY, LA ROLANDERIE FARM

​Erquinghem-Lys
​​​
​Nord

​France


​GPS Coordinates: Latitude: 50.66758, Longitude: 2.85365​
​

Picture
Picture © Werner Van Caneghem
Location Information

Erquinghem-Lys is a village and commune in the Department of the Nord, on the main road from Estaires to Armentieres and on the south bank of the river Lys.

From the Mairie in Erquinghem head north east towards Armentieres. After the school (approximately 300 metres), turn right towards Bois Grenier. Continue along this road for 900 metres crossing the railway line on the way then turn right into the farmyard. The track leading to the Cemetery is immediately after the barn building.


Visiting Information

Access from the main road is via a farm track, through a farm.

The track is very rough and difficult and often waterlogged in winter. It is adviseable to leave vehicles parked at the beginning of the track (the farm is private property) and continue on foot, as the track is often unsuitable for cars.

Wheelchair access is possible with some difficulty.


Historical Information

Erquinghem-Lys remained in British hands from October 1914 until the 10th April 1918, and it was finally retaken in September 1918.

La Rolanderie Farm was used by the 34th Division as Brigade Headquarters in February and August 1916 and in March 1918. Between the 8th and the 19th April 1918, this cemetery was made on the South-West side of the Farm. It had then become the headquarters of the 121st Brigade, and was severely shelled and bombed.

The cemetery contains the graves of 43 soldiers from the United Kingdom, of whom 36 belonged to the 11th and 12th Suffolk Regiment, and of whom eight are unidentified. The name, originally La Rolanderie Farm Military Cemetery, was changed in May 1925 at the request of the late O.C. 11th Battalion, Suffolk Regiment.

The cemetery covers an area of 405 square metres and is enclosed by a low brick wall.

Casualty Details: UK 43, Total Burials: 43
Suffolk Cemetery, La Rolanderie Farm
Picture
Lieutenant
Edward Trevor Bolton, Mentioned in Despatches
11th Bn. Suffolk Regiment
10th April 1918, aged 34.
Plot II. A. 3.

Husband of Elsie J. T. Bolton, of 1, The Mansions, Earl's Court Rd., Earl's Court, London.

His headstone bears the inscription: "They Played The Game."

Picture
Lieutenant 
Reginald Theobald, M. C.
​"C" Coy. 11th Bn. Suffolk Regiment
10th April 1918, aged 23.
Plot I. B. 9.

​
Son of Jessie J. Theobald, of "Brentor," 13, Letchworth Avenue, Maidstone Rd., Chatham, and the late W. Theobald.

His headstone bears the inscription: 
"Faithful Unto Death."

Loading wounded from the Mairie at Erquinghem-Lys to ambulance wagon. March 1915. 18th Field Ambulance, 6th Division. © IWM (Q 50228)
Loading sick and wounded on to ambulance wagon from the Mairie at Erquinghem-Lys to the casualty clearing station, February 1915. 18th Field Ambulance, 6th Division. © IWM (Q 50227)
Piles of dug-out frames in the Royal Engineers' Yard at Erquinghem, 7th February 1915. (Note the Church spire in the background) © IWM (Q 51574)
The effect of the first shell which landed in Erquinghem-Lys, November 1914. The stable was demolished and two horses (seen left and right) were killed. The driver, between them, who was grooming them at the time, was untouched. Lieutenant Colonel A A Watson, commanding officer of the 18th Field Ambulance, 6th Division, is in the centre. © IWM (Q 50226)
Picture
Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders digging support trenches at Erquinghem-Lys. October or November 1914. © IWM Q 50225

Nearby Cemeteries

Erquinghem-Lys Churchyard Extension
Cite Bonjean Military Cemetery
Croix-du-Bac British Cemetery

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​ 2005-2023 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
.​
Disclaimer 

The casualty numbers for each cemetery and G. P. S. Coordinates are taken from the C. W. G. C. site. We are aware that there can be discrepancies in the burial numbers quoted due to rededication burials.

  • Home
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  • Belgium
    • Commonwealth Cemeteries in Belgium in Alphabetical Order
    • Commonwealth Cemeteries in Belgium >
      • HAINAUT
      • WEST-VLAANDEREN
      • OTHER BELGIAN DEPARTMENTS
    • BELGIAN MILITARY CEMETERIES
    • BELGIAN MEMORIALS
  • France
    • Commonwealth Cemeteries in France in Alphabetical Order
    • Commonwealth Cemeteries in France >
      • AISNE
      • MARNE
      • NORD
      • OISE
      • PAS DE CALAIS
      • SEINE-ET-MARNE
      • SEINE-MARITIME
      • SOMME
      • OTHER FRENCH DEPARTMENTS
    • FRENCH CEMETERIES WORLDWIDE
    • French Memorials
  • Gallipoli
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  • Regimental Badges
  • "Silent Cities" Revisited