Ypres 2016 - Langemarck German Cemetery

The German Cemetery began as a small group of graves in 1915. The cemetery was used to intern German casualties throughout the period of the Great War. During the 1930's the sites of German soldiers buried in the Ypres Salient were consolidated and Langemarck became the only German Cemetery in the Ypres Salient.

The cemetery was officially inaugurated on 10^th July 1932.

German Military Cemetery Langemarck

German Military Cemetery Langemarck

On entering the cemetery, there is a mass grave, the comrades' grave 'kameradengraf' which contains contains 24,917 servicemen.



Sculptures - Comrades Grave

Langemarck German Cemetery
Comrades Grave Name Tablet

A bronze wreath  contains the inscription "Ich habe dich bei deinem namen gerufen, du bisst mein" (I have called your name, you are mine) Isaiah (43.1).


Bronze Wreath Comrades Grave

The total number commemorated at Langemarck is recorded as 44,234.

Langemark German Cemetery

The German soldiers are not buried in individual graves, a number of casualties being buried in the same grave.

The cemetery incorporates German bunkers

Langemark German Cemetery - German Bunker

Langemark German Cemetery
Basalt Crosses

Langemark German Cemetery
German Unit Commemoration Blocks

Langemark German Cemetery

Langemark German Cemetery

The Langemark German Military Cemetery is the resting place for two British casualties.

CWGC LANGEMARK GERMAN MILITARY CEMETERY

Langemark German Cemetery
British Casualties



CWGC Information

Private Albert Carlill
Private Leonard Harry Lockley


Ypres 2016 - Battle of Langemarck

On 22nd October 1914 the German 4th Army launched two major assaults against the BEF. To the south east of Ypres, the German XXVII Corps attacked the 7th Division who were in hastly prpapred defences to the south of Zonnebeke.

Attacking from the north and north east were the German XXVI Reserve Corps with their axis on Langemarck, assaulting the advancing I Corps who were hastily digging in.

The German engaged in repeated attacks along the line, the 7th Division coming under heavy artillery bombardment. Despite the ferocious attacks, the more experienced British troops were able to halt the assault. Only in the area of Kortekeer did the Germans break through, but they were dislodged in a counter attack on the morning of the 22nd October. The same day the French 17th Division launched a counter attack from the 2nd Divisions position, but this failed.

The area around Langemark had seen some heavy fighting. The inexperienced German troops, many of who were student volunteers, had advanced in waves, reportedly signing 'Deutschland, Deutschland über alles, suffered heavy casualties. This became a German legend  'Der Kindermord bei   Ypern--massacre of the innocents.

'Der Kindermord bei   Ypern

I Corps in the hastily prepared defences held on, and were relieved by the French XXX Division on the 23rd October.

Lang marck Looking North from 1st Division area

Langemarck looking East from  1st Division area

Ypres 2010 - Pilkem Ridge / Langemarck

Pilkem Ridge
On the 24th October 1917, the Commanding Officer 250 Brigade led his Battery Commanders onto Pilkem Ridge.



“Fifty square miles of slime and filth from which every shell that burst threw up ghastly relics and raised stenches too abominable to describe; and over all, dominating all, a never-ceasing ear shattering fire and the sickly reek of the deadly mustard gas “
The history of the 1st Northumberland Bde RFA (TF) 1914-1919

Langenarck
After the BC’s recce, it was onto Langemarck, where the guns of 250 Brigade deployed. In 1917 Langemarck had been reduced to rubble, the Northumbrians using the floors of the demolished buildings to provide firm platforms.