Hidden from the main road is Trois Arbres Cemetery. It is a place of quiet reflection. It is located near Steenwerck. This cemetery holds the remains of many soldiers from World War One.
Trois Arbres Cemetery was not always a cemetery. In July 1916, the site was chosen for the 2nd Australian Casualty Clearing Station. This was a medical facility. It treated the wounded. Plots 1 and the earlier rows of Plot II were used by this hospital until April 1918.
The village of Steenwerck remained untouched for much of the war. However, on April 10, 1918, the Germans captured it. They held it until October. Trois Arbres fell into German hands a day later. This happened after a defense by the 34th Division.
After the German withdrawal, more burials were made at Trois Arbres Cemetery. This was at the end of 1918. After the Armistice, over 700 graves were brought here. They came from the battlefields of Steenwerck, Nieppe, Bailleul, and Neuve-Eglise. Graves were moved here from other graveyards. These included Douane Cemetery, Fortrie Farm Cemetery and Linen Factory Cemetery.
Today, there are 1,704 Commonwealth servicemen of the First World War buried or commemorated in Trois Arbres Cemetery. 435 of these burials are unidentified. There are special memorials to ten casualties. It is believed they are buried among the unidentified.
Sir Herbert Baker designed Trois Arbres Cemetery. He was a renowned architect. He designed many war cemeteries.
Among those buried here are soldiers who were shot at dawn for desertion. Private Peter Black is one such soldier. He served with the Black Watch. He had deserted before. He was shot not far from here.
Private John King is also buried here. He was an Australian serving in the NZEF. He had a history of absences. He was arrested while roaming near Steenwerck.
Corporal George Latham is another soldier buried here. He was executed for desertion. He was found living with a French woman.
Private Fortunat Auger is also buried here. He was a Canadian. He was one of the first to enlist. He was also one of the first to go absent.
The stories of these men are a stark reminder of the realities of war. Trois Arbres Cemetery is a place to remember their sacrifices. It is a place to reflect on the human cost of conflict. It is also a place to honor their memory.
As you wander through Trois Arbres Cemetery, take a moment to read the inscriptions. Think about the lives of the soldiers buried here. Consider their hopes and dreams. Remember their sacrifices. Their stories live on in this peaceful place.