Friday, 10 March 2023

Somme 2023 - Newfoundland Park Cemeteries

 Within the Newfoundland Park are three Commonwealth War Graves Commission Cemeteries.

Y Ravine Cemetery | Hunter's Cemetery |  Hawthorn Ridge Cemetery No2

Newfoundland Park Cemeteries

Y Ravine Cemetery

The Y-Ravine cemetery was made by the V Corps in the spring of 1917, when battlefields in the area were cleared. It contains over 400 casualties. Over a third are unidentified and a special memorial records another 53 names. 

Y Ravine Cemetery, Beaumont-Hamel | Cemetery Details | CWGC

Newfoundland Park Y Ravine Cemetery

Hunters Cemetery

Hunter's Cemetery is named after the Reverend Hunter, a chaplain attached to the Black Watch who were part of the 51st Highland Division. 

Hunter's Cemetery, Beaumont-Hamel | Cemetery Details | CWGC

The village of Beaumont Hamel was attacked on 1st July 1916, however, it would be the 13th November before it was secured. Soldiers of the 51st Division who fell in the capture of Beaumont-Hamel were buried in a large shell hole after the battle and the cemetery formed on the location.

There are over 40 casualties commemorated, not with individual graves, but with headstones formed on a circular plinth on which the Cross of Sacrifice is located.

Newfoundland Park Hunter's Cemetery

Newfoundland Park Hunter's Cemetery
Headstones and Cross of Sacrifice

Hunter's Cemetery
Private J Armstrong
6th Black Watch

Private James Armstrong was the son of William and Catherine Armstrong, of 18, South Street. Perth. The house was located directly opposite of the Greyfriars pub in Perth.

Hawthorn Ridge Cemetery No2

Hawthorn Ridge Cemetery No.2 was initiated  in the spring of 1917  by the V Corps, with seven isolated graves being brought in after the Armistice. The cemetery contains over 200 casualties of which over 50 are unidentified. The great majority fell on the 1st July, 1916.

Hawthorn Ridge Cemetery No.2, Auchonvillers | Cemetery Details | CWGC

Hawthorn Ridge Cemetery No2

Hawthorn Ridge Cemetery No2
Cross of Sacrifice