VIGNACOURT BRITISH CEMETERY
Somme
France
GPS Coordinates: Latitude: 50.00959, Longitude: 2.20596
Location Information
Vignacourt is a village in the Department of the Somme on the west of the road from Amiens to Doullens, the D933. From the D933 take the D113 from Flesselles and 5 kilometres along this road the Cemetery will be found at the entrance of the village.
Visiting Information
Wheelchair access to this cemetery is possible with some difficulty.
Historical Information
When the German advance began in March 1918, Vignacourt was occupied by the 20th and 61st Casualty Clearing Stations. It also became a headquarters of Royal Air Force squadrons. The cemetery was begun in April and closed in August, and the burials reflect the desperate fighting of the Australian forces on the Amiens front. Six burials made in the communal cemetery between October 1915 and March 1918 were brought into the cemetery after the Armistice.
Vignacourt British Cemetery contains 584 First World War burials. There are also two burials from the Second World War.
The cemetery was designed by Sir Reginald Blomfield and Arthur James Scott Hutton
Total Burials: 586.
World War One identified Casualties: Australia 425, United Kingdom 147, Canada 11, India 1. Total 584.
World War Two Identified Casualties: United Kingdom 2.
Images in this gallery © Thierry Grier
Memorial to the British soldiers. 1921
Sculptor Albert Dominique Roze
The memorial is a statue of a French soldier, on the base of which are engraved the words:
"Frères D'armes de L'Armée Britannique, tombés au Champ D'Honneur, dormez en paix. Nous veillons sur vous."
("Brothers in arms of the British Army, fallen on the field of honour, sleep in peace; we are watching over you.").
Image above © Thierry Grier
38493 Private
Clement John Fell Batchelor
2nd Bn. Royal Berkshire Regiment
26th April 1918, aged 18.
Plot I. F. 13.
Son of Clement Fell and Annie Batchelor of Napton-on-the-Hill, Warwickshire.
Picture courtesy of Robert Harrison
Clement John Fell Batchelor
2nd Bn. Royal Berkshire Regiment
26th April 1918, aged 18.
Plot I. F. 13.
Son of Clement Fell and Annie Batchelor of Napton-on-the-Hill, Warwickshire.
Picture courtesy of Robert Harrison
Lieutenant William Alexander Buckland
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Captain Henry Douglas Eyre Ralfe
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Lieutenant William Alexander John Buckland, 3rd Squadron, Australian Flying Corps, died 6th May 1918. Plot II. A. 5. Son of Mary Jane and the late John Buckland, of Mirboo North, Gippsland, Victoria, Australia. His headstone bears the inscription "Until The Day Dawn And Shadows Flee Away"
Captain Henry Douglas Eyre Ralfe, 3rd Squadron, Australian Flying Corps, died 6th May 1918, aged 28. Plot II. A. 4. Son of Mary Rae Johnstone Ralfe (now Hon. Mrs. Holmes a Court) and the late Henry Ralfe (Barrister-at-Law). Native of Sydney, New South Wales. His headstone bears the inscription "Beloved Son I Thank My God Upon Ever Remembrance Of You"
Lieutenant Ralfe from Sydney, served in the RAGA from 1911 and gained his Aviators' Certificate (No 1419) at the Central Flying School on 12 May 1915. He enlisted in the AIF at the age of 25 on 21 May 1915 and was appointed a Lieutenant in the Siege Artillery Brigade [see image PB1402]. He embarked for overseas from Melbourne on 17 July 1915 aboard HMAT Orsova and after serving with the Artillery in Egypt, he was promoted to Captain and transferred to England on 10 August 1916 for duties with the Australian Flying Corps (AFC). On 16 December 1916 he was transferred to No 69 Squadron AFC to be the Flight Commander. Captain Ralfe was killed in action in France on 6 May 1918
Lieutenant William Alexander John Buckland, 3rd Squadron, Australian Flying Corps, died 6th May 1918. Plot II. A. 5. Son of Mary Jane and the late John Buckland, of Mirboo North, Gippsland, Victoria, Australia. His headstone bears the inscription "Until The Day Dawn And Shadows Flee Away"
Captain Henry Douglas Eyre Ralfe, 3rd Squadron, Australian Flying Corps, died 6th May 1918, aged 28. Plot II. A. 4. Son of Mary Rae Johnstone Ralfe (now Hon. Mrs. Holmes a Court) and the late Henry Ralfe (Barrister-at-Law). Native of Sydney, New South Wales. His headstone bears the inscription "Beloved Son I Thank My God Upon Ever Remembrance Of You"
Lieutenant Ralfe from Sydney, served in the RAGA from 1911 and gained his Aviators' Certificate (No 1419) at the Central Flying School on 12 May 1915. He enlisted in the AIF at the age of 25 on 21 May 1915 and was appointed a Lieutenant in the Siege Artillery Brigade [see image PB1402]. He embarked for overseas from Melbourne on 17 July 1915 aboard HMAT Orsova and after serving with the Artillery in Egypt, he was promoted to Captain and transferred to England on 10 August 1916 for duties with the Australian Flying Corps (AFC). On 16 December 1916 he was transferred to No 69 Squadron AFC to be the Flight Commander. Captain Ralfe was killed in action in France on 6 May 1918
Lieutenant Henry Douglas Eyre Ralfe, Royal Australian Garrison Artillery (RAGA), in the cockpit of a Bristol Biplane at the Central Flying School at Werribee, Victoria.
May 1918 - The graves of Captain Henry Douglas Eyre Ralfe AFC (pilot) and Lieutenant William Alexander John Buckland AFC (observer). This crew, from No. 3 Squadron AFC, were shot down about 3 km west of Morlancourt on 6 May 1918. Their RE8 was intercepted by five German fighters, and crashed in flames. Lieutenant JHA Treacy AFC, from their squadron, observed the action at a distance and confirmed that the pilot stayed with the aircraft while the observer jumped clear of the fire during the final dive. From the collection of Lieutenant Tom Latham Baillieu who served with
No. 3 Squadron AFC.
3347 Sergeant
David Emmett Coyne, A. M.
31st Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
15th May 1918, aged 22.
Plot II. D. 6.
Son of David Coyne and Annie Hughes Coyne, of Marian, Mackay, Queensland.
His headstone bears the inscription "He Gave His Life To Save His Comrades Rest In Peace"
A farmer from Mackay, Qld prior to enlistment, Pte Coyne embarked with the 7th Reinforcements from Brisbane on HMAT Seang Choon on 4 April 1916. Following short periods with the 47th and 67th Battalions, he was transferred back to the 31st Battalion with the rank of Sergeant. Whilst testing bombs, he accidently dropped one into a trench. After warning the occupants, he threw himself onto the bomb to protect the others and undoubtedly saved several lives. He sustained multiple wounds and succumbed to these wounds on 15 May 1918, aged 22. For this action he was posthumously awarded the Albert Medal (Gold), the only member of the 1st AIF to be so honoured.
David Emmett Coyne, A. M.
31st Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
15th May 1918, aged 22.
Plot II. D. 6.
Son of David Coyne and Annie Hughes Coyne, of Marian, Mackay, Queensland.
His headstone bears the inscription "He Gave His Life To Save His Comrades Rest In Peace"
A farmer from Mackay, Qld prior to enlistment, Pte Coyne embarked with the 7th Reinforcements from Brisbane on HMAT Seang Choon on 4 April 1916. Following short periods with the 47th and 67th Battalions, he was transferred back to the 31st Battalion with the rank of Sergeant. Whilst testing bombs, he accidently dropped one into a trench. After warning the occupants, he threw himself onto the bomb to protect the others and undoubtedly saved several lives. He sustained multiple wounds and succumbed to these wounds on 15 May 1918, aged 22. For this action he was posthumously awarded the Albert Medal (Gold), the only member of the 1st AIF to be so honoured.
283948 Private
Gordon Craig
3rd Bn. London Regiment, (Royal Fusiliers), transf. to (495215) 49th Coy. Labour Corps.
30th May 1918, aged 21.
Plot III. B. 2.
Son of Charlotte Craig and the late Graham Craig, of 8, Norfolk House, Euston Buildings, Euston, London.
His headstone bears the inscription "He Knew No Fear"
Picture courtesy of great nephew, Daniel Hayward
Gordon Craig
3rd Bn. London Regiment, (Royal Fusiliers), transf. to (495215) 49th Coy. Labour Corps.
30th May 1918, aged 21.
Plot III. B. 2.
Son of Charlotte Craig and the late Graham Craig, of 8, Norfolk House, Euston Buildings, Euston, London.
His headstone bears the inscription "He Knew No Fear"
Picture courtesy of great nephew, Daniel Hayward
Second Lieutenant
Francis Evan Degenhardt
27th Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
11th August 1918.
Plot VI. B. 7.
Son of C.A. Degenhardt and Margaret Russell Degenhardt.
His headstone bears the inscription "In Memory Of Our Dear Son & Brother"
Francis Evan Degenhardt
27th Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
11th August 1918.
Plot VI. B. 7.
Son of C.A. Degenhardt and Margaret Russell Degenhardt.
His headstone bears the inscription "In Memory Of Our Dear Son & Brother"
3224 Private
Victor Clarence Dyer
56th Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
7th July 1918.
Plot IV. B. 10.
Studio portrait of 3224 Private (Pte) Victor Clarence Dyer, 56th Battalion. A fireman from Waverley, NSW prior to enlistment, Pte Dyer embarked with the 7th Reinforcements, 30th Battalion from Sydney aboard HMAT Hororata on 2 May 1916. On 7 July 1918 he died at Vignacourt in the Somme area of France as a result of wounds sustained during the Battle of Hamel and was buried in the Vignacourt British Cemetery.
Victor Clarence Dyer
56th Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
7th July 1918.
Plot IV. B. 10.
Studio portrait of 3224 Private (Pte) Victor Clarence Dyer, 56th Battalion. A fireman from Waverley, NSW prior to enlistment, Pte Dyer embarked with the 7th Reinforcements, 30th Battalion from Sydney aboard HMAT Hororata on 2 May 1916. On 7 July 1918 he died at Vignacourt in the Somme area of France as a result of wounds sustained during the Battle of Hamel and was buried in the Vignacourt British Cemetery.
6524 Private
Carl Francis Harris
48th Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
8th August 1918, aged 19.
Plot V. B. 15.
Son of George Fredrick and Rosetta Elizabeth Harris, of "Thanet," Bell St., Maroubra, Sydney, New South Wales. Native of Cardiff, Glam.
His headstone bears the inscription "Never To Be Forgotten By His Loved Ones"
Carl Francis Harris
48th Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
8th August 1918, aged 19.
Plot V. B. 15.
Son of George Fredrick and Rosetta Elizabeth Harris, of "Thanet," Bell St., Maroubra, Sydney, New South Wales. Native of Cardiff, Glam.
His headstone bears the inscription "Never To Be Forgotten By His Loved Ones"
Images in gallery below © Geerhard Joos
3191 Private
Cyrille Knockaert
27th Bn. Australian Infantry. A. I. F.
11th August 1918, aged 24.
Plot V. D. 12.
Cyrille Knockaert was born on November 20th 1893 in Nieuwpoort, Belgium, His mother was my great grandmother Bertha Denolf and his father Cyrillus Knockaert, Cyrille had 4 older and 3 younger brothers and sisters amongst which my grandmother was the youngest.
He emigrated (from Belgium) to Australia and joined the army there on august 6th, 1915 as private 3191, 27th Battalion Australian Infantry, A. I. F. He died of wounds on august 11th 1918 age 25 during the Battle of Amiens.
Picture courtesy of Monique Vankeerberghen
Cyrille Knockaert
27th Bn. Australian Infantry. A. I. F.
11th August 1918, aged 24.
Plot V. D. 12.
Cyrille Knockaert was born on November 20th 1893 in Nieuwpoort, Belgium, His mother was my great grandmother Bertha Denolf and his father Cyrillus Knockaert, Cyrille had 4 older and 3 younger brothers and sisters amongst which my grandmother was the youngest.
He emigrated (from Belgium) to Australia and joined the army there on august 6th, 1915 as private 3191, 27th Battalion Australian Infantry, A. I. F. He died of wounds on august 11th 1918 age 25 during the Battle of Amiens.
Picture courtesy of Monique Vankeerberghen
27266 Gunner
Thomas Francis Molyneaux
5th Bde. Australian Field Artillery
4th June 1918, aged 27.
Plot III. B. 19.
Son of James and Isabella Molyneaux. Native of Sydney.
His headstone bears the inscription "So Dearly Loved. R. I. P."
Beloved son of James and Isabella Molyneaux. Brother to Naomi Molyneaux & Margaret Veronica Molyneaux . Uncle to the Craddocks (John, James, Francis, Leonard, Phillip, Thomas & Naomi)
He was dearly missed by his sisters (parents previously deceased) and family. Born in Paddington (NSW) on 1 Sept 1890. He was not married. Enlisted in Australian Imperial Forces (A.I.F.) on 15 May 1916. Previously rejected from service due to smallness of frame.Height: 5' 7" / Weight: 55Kg / Complexion: Fair / Eyes: Blue. (A. I. F mail also mentions the 11th Field Artillery Brigade). Died of wounds received in action in Ribemont, France. Died on 4 June 1918, 3 days after being Gassed (Aged 27 years)
Image courtesy of nephew, Tom McDonald
Thomas Francis Molyneaux
5th Bde. Australian Field Artillery
4th June 1918, aged 27.
Plot III. B. 19.
Son of James and Isabella Molyneaux. Native of Sydney.
His headstone bears the inscription "So Dearly Loved. R. I. P."
Beloved son of James and Isabella Molyneaux. Brother to Naomi Molyneaux & Margaret Veronica Molyneaux . Uncle to the Craddocks (John, James, Francis, Leonard, Phillip, Thomas & Naomi)
He was dearly missed by his sisters (parents previously deceased) and family. Born in Paddington (NSW) on 1 Sept 1890. He was not married. Enlisted in Australian Imperial Forces (A.I.F.) on 15 May 1916. Previously rejected from service due to smallness of frame.Height: 5' 7" / Weight: 55Kg / Complexion: Fair / Eyes: Blue. (A. I. F mail also mentions the 11th Field Artillery Brigade). Died of wounds received in action in Ribemont, France. Died on 4 June 1918, 3 days after being Gassed (Aged 27 years)
Image courtesy of nephew, Tom McDonald
6856 Private
Stephen Ernest Sampson
37th Bn. Australian Infantry (A. I. F.)
4th April 1918.
Plot I. A. 2.
Steve was born on 5th May, 1898, the eldest child of Sydney and Sarah Sampson.
He lived in Kurri Kurri, NSW from 1903, and had started work as a wheeler in a local coal mine, when he enlisted in the AIF 2nd November 1918, at his second attempt. Arrived in France on 29-5-1917, where he had extra training until transferred to 37th Battalion 18-6-1917. He was wounded in action 12-10-1917 and returned to battalion 20-2-1918. On 4-4-1918 he received shrapnel wound to the left side of his body. He was transferred to 20th CCS at Vignacourt, where he died and was buried that day in Vignacourt British War Cemetery, one month and one day before his 20th birthday.
Missed by parents, siblings, Mervyn, Percy, Lyla and Gwendolyn, and always remembered by their families.
"Now the battle day is passed, Peacefully he sleeps at last" . Mother's requested verse for his grave.
Picture and above information supplied by Kim Bennett
Stephen Ernest Sampson
37th Bn. Australian Infantry (A. I. F.)
4th April 1918.
Plot I. A. 2.
Steve was born on 5th May, 1898, the eldest child of Sydney and Sarah Sampson.
He lived in Kurri Kurri, NSW from 1903, and had started work as a wheeler in a local coal mine, when he enlisted in the AIF 2nd November 1918, at his second attempt. Arrived in France on 29-5-1917, where he had extra training until transferred to 37th Battalion 18-6-1917. He was wounded in action 12-10-1917 and returned to battalion 20-2-1918. On 4-4-1918 he received shrapnel wound to the left side of his body. He was transferred to 20th CCS at Vignacourt, where he died and was buried that day in Vignacourt British War Cemetery, one month and one day before his 20th birthday.
Missed by parents, siblings, Mervyn, Percy, Lyla and Gwendolyn, and always remembered by their families.
"Now the battle day is passed, Peacefully he sleeps at last" . Mother's requested verse for his grave.
Picture and above information supplied by Kim Bennett
6430 Private
Hiram Winters
24th Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
21st April 1918, aged 22.
Plot I. D. 6.
Born Abbotsford, Victoria; son of Florence Greenwood. He enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force on 12 September 1916 and embarked for active service abroad with the 18th Reinforcements on 23 November 1916 per HMAT "Hororata" (A20). He died of wounds received in action at the 20th Casualty Clearing Station, France.
Hiram Winters
24th Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
21st April 1918, aged 22.
Plot I. D. 6.
Born Abbotsford, Victoria; son of Florence Greenwood. He enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force on 12 September 1916 and embarked for active service abroad with the 18th Reinforcements on 23 November 1916 per HMAT "Hororata" (A20). He died of wounds received in action at the 20th Casualty Clearing Station, France.
5042 Private
Unni William Woodward
19th Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
29th April 1918, aged 31.
Plot 1. C. 10.
Son of Henry Benjamin and Elizabeth Ann Woodward, of "Bombalo," Craning St., Hurlstone Park, New South Wales. Native of Belmore, New South Wales.
His headstone bears the inscription "For In A Hero's Grave He Lies His Body Rests His Memory Never Dies"
Great uncle of Stuart Chalmers and great great uncle of Victoria Westley-Wise who provided the photo.
Unni William Woodward
19th Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
29th April 1918, aged 31.
Plot 1. C. 10.
Son of Henry Benjamin and Elizabeth Ann Woodward, of "Bombalo," Craning St., Hurlstone Park, New South Wales. Native of Belmore, New South Wales.
His headstone bears the inscription "For In A Hero's Grave He Lies His Body Rests His Memory Never Dies"
Great uncle of Stuart Chalmers and great great uncle of Victoria Westley-Wise who provided the photo.
