 |
| Delville Wood Cemetery |
The Delville Wood Cemetery lies on the edge of the village Longueval and next to the wood from which it derives it's name.
 |
| Delville Wood and Delville Wood Cemetery |
Longueval was captured by the 9th (Scottish) Division on 14th July 1916. The South African Brigade of that Division captured Delville Wood a day later. The SA Brigade fought for six days to retain the wood suffering heavy casualties.
Thereafter Delville Wood was held till the end of April 1918 when it was lost during the German Spring Offensive, being retaken by the 38th (Welsh) Division on 18th August 1918.
The Delville Wood Cemetery was created after the Armistice being a concentration of smaller cemeteries with most casualties dating from July, August and September 1916.
There cemetery contains graves and commemoration on special memorials of 5,523 casualties of whom the majority, 3,593, are unidentified. The contribution of the British Empire can be seen, the graves include Australians, Canadians, New Zealanders, South Africans in addition from those of the United Kingdom.
Delville Wood Cemetery, Longueval | Cemetery Details | CWGC
 |
Delville Wood Cemetery
Cross of Sacrifice |
 |
Delville Wood Cemetery
Unknown South African Soldier |
 |
Delville Wood Cemetery
South African Soldiers |
Major Gee's inscription reads
TELL ENGLAND WE DIED FOR HER AND HERE WE REST CONTENT
------0------
 |
Delville Wood Cemetery
Private F Doolan DCM |
Private Francis Doolan DCM was killed in action 8th August 1918 serving with the 1st Battalion Kings (Liverpool Regiment). He was awarded the awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM) for actions at Neuve Chappelle where he was wounded.
The citation for his D.C.M. appeared in the London Gazette 16 November 1915:
‘For conspicuous gallantry on the 25th September, 1915, at Cuinchy, when he advanced to the attack with his platoon up to the enemy’s unbroken wire, and remained there, under a very heavy fire, until ordered to return to our trenches. Later he went out several times and brought in wounded men. On the last occasion he was accompanied by Private Avory, 1st King’s Royal Rifle Corps, whom he carried in, when very severely wounded. Private Doolan had previously displayed great coolness and bravery, on the 17th May, at Festubert, in carrying messages under a very severe artillery, machine-gun, and rifle fire.’
It is thought Doolan enlisted 1912 / 1913. Records show he was born 28th January 1904 at 2 Hoey's Court ,Dublin, making him 8 or 9 on enlistment. He is recorded as died in action 8th August 1916, but later turns up in Mountjoy Prison on 8th January 1920.
Francis' brother Patrick Christopher Doolan aged 17 appeared in court in May 1912 charged with attempted larceny. It is thought that Patrick Doolan took his younger brothers name, Francis, in order to enlist in the Army to disguise the fact Patrick had just been released from prison.
------o------
 |
Delville Road Cemetery
Gunner GF Bridges |
Gunner George Bridges
B Battery 76th Brigade RFA
KIA 11th September 1916
