Five soldiers lie here. Their names etched in stone at Comines Communal Cemetery Commonwealth Plot. This quiet corner holds the stories of the Second World War. It’s a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made near the Franco-Belgian border. Comines Communal Cemetery Commonwealth Plot is located in a village about nine miles northwest of Lille. It sits at the northern edge of the village on the N.345 road. The graves mark a chapter in history often overlooked. These men fought in the Battle of France. Their final resting place is here in this serene cemetery.
Comines itself straddles the river Lys. Part of the village lies in France. Another part resides in Belgium. The cemetery’s location reflects this unique situation. It is a site of shared history and shared loss. A testament to the shared sacrifice of the soldiers buried here.
The Commonwealth War Graves Commission maintains the plot within the larger cemetery. Five British soldiers are buried here. One is unidentified. Their sacrifice is commemorated. Their names are remembered. Their service is honored in this small but significant space. Their final resting place offers peace. It is a place to reflect on the costs of war.
Private Leonard Oscar Hall died on May 25th 1940. He was 22 years old. Fusilier Paul Scrutton died on June 1st 1940 at the age of 20. Private Leonard Symonds and Private Ronald Arthur Thomas both died on May 25th 1940. They were 22 and 20 respectively. These young lives were lost in the fierce fighting. This battle took place in the region at the end of May 1940. They are remembered here in Comines Communal Cemetery Commonwealth Plot.
Wheelchair access is available. The main entrance is on Rue des Arts. The cemetery offers a quiet space. It is a place for remembrance and reflection. Comines Communal Cemetery Commonwealth Plot. A place of quiet dignity. A place of profound sadness. A place where history sleeps. A place that demands our remembrance.