Here lies Ration Farm La Plus Douve Annexe CWGC Cemetery. A quiet place it is. Yet its serenity belies a tumultuous past. This small cemetery holds the stories of hundreds of soldiers. They fought in the First World War. Many gave their lives nearby.
Ration Farm La Plus Douve Annexe CWGC Cemetery in Lille is more than just a place of rest. It’s a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made during the Great War. Situated in the valley of the river Douve it played a crucial role. It was used as a battalion headquarters. It was also known as Ration Farm. This was because transport could bring rations here at night.
Imagine the scene. The year is 1915. The relentless shelling shakes the ground. Soldiers from the British Empire. They fought alongside Australians New Zealanders. Even a German soldier rests here. They found shelter at Ration Farm. It was a haven amidst the chaos. The cemetery itself began in 1915. It was in use until January 1918. It contains 202 Commonwealth burials. Nine of these soldiers remain unidentified. A sobering thought.
Designed by G H Goldsmith the cemetery is a testament to the enduring memory of those who fell. Each headstone bears a name a story. Corporal Stanley Joseph Barrow. A young Australian. He died on July 14 1917. His story is etched in stone. He came from Narrabri NSW but was originally from Leigh-on-Sea Essex. He was just 23. Serjeant Robert Ramsey from Culmore Rasharkin Co Antrim. His life ended on August 23 1916 at the age of 21. These are just a few of the countless stories whispered within these hallowed grounds.
The 80-meter grassy path leads to Ration Farm La Plus Douve Annexe CWGC Cemetery. It’s unsuitable for vehicles. But the journey is worth it. To stand here is to stand on consecrated ground. To remember those who fought and died for their countries. It is to feel the weight of history the profound loss. Yet the peace of this cemetery speaks of resilience and remembrance. Ration Farm La Plus Douve Annexe CWGC Cemetery. It is a place of lasting peace. A place where memory endures. A fitting tribute to the fallen soldiers.