citebonjean

graves

IN MEMORy by Pierre Vandervelden

The visit of Commonwealth graves in Communals Cemeteries & Churchyards in Belgium & France

CITE BONJEAN Military Cemetery (Armentieres) (Nord France)

Page 1 The Pictures

Page 2 List of Casualties


Pte Adrian Croese 11/03/1917


Pte Arthur Henry Austin 17/03/1917 aged 19 Here left, with his parents, and brother George MM for his niece and George's granddaughter, Suzie Clark


Pte Edward Lancelot Herbert 16/11/1916 aged 21 Edward enlisted in 1916, and left N.Z. 29/07/1916, after one month in England, he was sent to France where he only survived one week, being killed by a howitzer shell that explosed prematurely from one of his own batteries.


Cpl Lawrence Phillip Thaxter KIA 25/12/1887 - 15/10/1916 for Ian Rawnsley and family


Pte Lawrence James Darrigan 28/01/1917 aged 26


Pte Claude Harry Davis 1889 - 30/07/1916 for his great niece Linda Ball

Capt Colvin Stewart Algie 06/07/1887 - 21/07/1916
He was KiA during the Battle of The Somme.
Having nine years' military training, he volunteered for active service in 08/1914, and went through the Gallipoli campaign, being twice wounded.
Teacher by profession, Colvin was the eldest son of Capt. J. A. Algie N.Z. (recently on service in Samoa) and was husband of Mrs A.E. Algie, Malfroy Road, Rotorua, New Zealand.
Capt. Algie was the eldest brother of Sir Ronald Macmillan Algie (22/10/1888 – 23/07/1978) who became a New Zealand politician, serving as a cabinet minister and as Speaker of the N.Z. House of Representatives.
for Luke Simmonds (Rosmini College - NZ)


Spr Alfred Lobley 14/11/1916 aged 26 Alfred was born in Dunolly, Victoria and former labourer. for Paul Page


Pte Bertram Frank Hopping 03/07/1916

Pte Arthur Reid Marshall KiA 14/02/1917
He was son of Thomas Reid Marshall and Helene Marshall. Born at Toowoomba Queensland.
Arthur was a single labourer, living in Drayton when he enlisted on 25/10/1915 aged 21.
He embarked on the "Bordia" in Sydney on 05/06/1916 and disembarked in Southampton on 23/07/1916 before to be sent overseas on 25/11/1916.
he was wounded in the field on 28/12/1916, admitted in the Etaples hospital with a contused shoulder and shock.
Arthur rejoigned his Rgt on 26/01/1917 before to be killed 3 weeks after.
for his great niece Patricia Freestun and family




Pte Ira Rubel Evans 14/07/1916 aged 21 Ira was marksman. Postcard of the cemetery brought back to NZ in early 1920s by his brother. for Bill Snell and family

Pte Sam Hill Rawson 23/02/1916
He was the nephew of Charles and Hannah Hill who raised him from childhood in Hasland, Chesterfield, Derbyshire, England.
His family received two letters:
from his pal L/Cpl J. W. Potter:
"February 23rd 1916,
Dear Friend,
It is with deepest regret that I have to write and Inform you that Sam was killed during a bombardment of our trenches which occurred this morning about five O’clock, I expect our parson will let you know all the particulars, All the boys here wish to offer their sincere sympathy to you during your bereavement. There was another young man from Chesterfield killed during the same bombardment; his name is Corp. A. Smedley from Whittington. I saw that Sam was wrapped up in a blanket and that all was done for him as far as it was possible to be done under the circumstances.
Yours Sincerely."
and from Chaplain E. O'Clifford:
"February 24th 1916,
Dear Mr. Hill
I regret to inform you that your nephew, Private S. Rawson.11975, Of the 8th Lincoln s, was killed in the trenches yesterday.
It will be some consolation to you to know that he did not suffer.
He as given his life for his country, It is this thought that helps those who mourn to bear their cross with a patient and willing obedience.
It is only a few days ago that he attended the Church parade, I conducted the burial service this morning, and have arranged to have a cross erected, I am writing to you as your name was given to me as his next- of- kin, May God comfort and sustain all who mourn.
Yours Sincerely"
for Barry & Julie Smith


Pte Edward Owen Edwards 11/01/1900 - 20/12/1917 He was born in Water Street Smithfield New South Wales (Aus.) Known as "Owen", he was the son of Henry Edwards and Ada Caroline Edwards. His father was baker. He enlisted on 14/01/1916 under his real name to be with his mates, but was rejected as being too young. Subsequently he re enlisted under Owen Edward Edward, put his age as 18 years. Edward embarked in Sydney (Aus.) on 13/05/1916 on A72 "Beltana" disembarked in Plymouth on 09/07/1916. "Owen" passed by Camiers and Etaples, he saw action in Trouville, Rouelles and throughout Belgium. He was hospitalized in France with damaged vision and other complications and repatriated to England for a period from 19/05/1917. During this time in England, Owen'S AIF records were corrected to Edward Owen Edwards, adding the "S" of his real name. The mention of his age on his headstone is 19, in fact he was only 17. for his great nephew Barry D. Gray (Perth, Aus.)


Pte Gilbert Harold Fogg 22/01/1917 for his great niece Ailsa Lee (Aus.)


Pte William Brennan 29/06/1916 aged 21 His three brothers also gave their lives during the war: L/Cpl Richard Mortimer Brennan 08/10/1918 aged 21, buried in Marcoing British Cemetery; Gnr John Brennan 11/10/1917, buried in Divisional Cemetery (Ypres); Pte Adolphus Michael Brennan 23/03/1915 aged 19, buried in Wellington (Karori) Cemetery, N. Z.


Pte John Harvie 20/12/1914 aged 30 He came from Stevenston,Ayrshire,Scotland. John was shot by snipper. for his great nephew Sam Smith

Pte Edward James Walter 25/01/1916 aged 36
Edward James Walter enlisted in the Duke of Cambridge's Own/Middlesex Regiment on 21/03/1915 in Dover, giving his age as 35 years and 9 months and previous employment as Miner.
He was attested 4 days later at Mill Hill and posted on the 26/03/1915.
His second, and final, tour of duty with the BEF commenced on 17/08/1915.
He was Killed in Action somewhere in the Northern France/Flanders area.
He left behind his wife of 16 years, Emily Eliza, and their 7 children George Alexander (16), William Henry (13) Frederick (11), Jessie Emma Margaret (9), Emily (8), Daisy Annie (7) and Helen (4).
for his great grandson Richard Spicer and family
Edward is also commemorated here, here and here.


Pte William Oliver Turnbull 11/06/1916 aged 30


Pte Wilfred Armstrong 26/01/1916 aged 20 for his nephew Peter Armstrong and family

2 145 casualties

IF You have a casualty picture, please send me a copy, I'll be glad to show it on this page.

IF You want a king size copy of this picture (300/900 ko - 2592/1944 pixels) please e-mail me.

IF You want picture of a particular grave, in this cemetery, please e-mail me.

Casualties informations come usualy from Commonwealth War Graves Commission, see links for more informations