Over 1500 souls rest here. At Rue-Petillon Military Cemetery. Their stories etched in stone. Each headstone a silent testament. To sacrifice during the Great War.
Rue-Petillon Military Cemetery stands as a poignant reminder. Of the brutal battles fought near Fleurbaix. British soldiers first began burying their fallen comrades here in December 1914. The cemetery served as a burial ground until the Spring Offensive of 1918. German forces captured the area. The Allies retook the sector in September 1918. By war’s end the cemetery held twelve battalion burial grounds. Many of those interred died of wounds. In a dressing station known as Eaton Hall during the war. It was located near the cemetery.
After the Armistice the cemetery expanded. Graves were concentrated here from battlefields around Fleurbaix. Many smaller burial grounds were consolidated. Soldiers from diverse Commonwealth units are buried here. British Irish Canadian New Zealand and Indian soldiers rest here. Over 260 Australian Imperial Force soldiers are also buried here.
The Australian Imperial Force arrived in Marseilles in late March 1916. They were transported north. After a brief stay near Hazebrouck they were posted to trenches south of Armentières. Many had survived Gallipoli. But none had fought on the Western Front before.
One of their first encounters with German forces was on May 5 1916. Units of the 6th Bavarian Reserve Regiment raided Australian trenches. A bombardment preceded the raid. Dozens of casualties resulted. German soldiers captured prisoners then retreated. For weeks activity increased. Artillery units exchanged fire. German snipers took a heavy toll.
On May 30th another raid occurred. The 11th Battalion AIF at Cordonnerie Farm was attacked. British and Australian miners were tunnelling nearby. The Germans aimed to identify Commonwealth regiments and destroy mine shafts. A devastating bombardment ensued. The flimsy breastworks protecting the Australians were destroyed.
Despite the chaos the 11th Battalion rallied. They fired upon the advancing Germans. The raiders entered the Australian positions. They captured prisoners before retreating. The raid caused over 100 Australian casualties. Over 40 were killed. Many of those killed were buried at Rue-Petillon. This cemetery also holds over 100 Australians killed at the Battle of Fromelles.
Among the many stories within these walls is that of Sepoy Ram Singh. He was a member of the 90th Punjabis. He died on July 8 1915. Note that he is honored here. Sikhs and Hindus cremate their dead so soldiers are commemorated in this way.
Rue-Petillon Military Cemetery isn’t just a cemetery. It’s a place of quiet remembrance. A place where the echoes of courage sacrifice and loss resonate. A tribute to those who gave their all for their countries. This is Rue-Petillon. A place etched in history. A place of solemn peace.