Quiet reflection seems to settle over us here. This is Croix-du-Bac British Cemetery CWGC. It stands as a testament to the sacrifices made during the First World War.
Croix-du-Bac British Cemetery CWGC began in July 1916. Field ambulances and fighting units used it until March 1918. The cemetery fell into German hands on April 10 1918. But the 23rd Lancashire Fusiliers retook it on September 2. A few more burials occurred here in October.
After the Armistice, workers completed Plot I. They formed Plots III and IV. This involved concentrating 328 British graves. These graves came from battlefields and a German plot. The German graves were moved elsewhere. One Portuguese grave was also relocated.
Today, Croix-du-Bac British Cemetery CWGC holds the remains of 554 Commonwealth casualties. All died in the First World War. 263 graves are unidentified. Special memorials commemorate 140 casualties. These were known to be buried among the unidentified. Two French war graves also rest here. Sir Herbert Baker designed this solemn place.
Consider the story of 29468 Corporal Walter Tomlinson. He served in the 11th Battalion of the Lancashire Fusiliers. Walter died in action on April 10 1918. He was 28. A special memorial marks his grave. It reads “Sadly missed” and “Remembered by John Tomlinson”.
Reflect on 203281 Private Clifford Ashworth. He belonged to the 9th Battalion of the Loyal North Lancashire Regiment. Clifford died on April 10 1918 aged 20. His special memorial is A. 10. He was the son of Abraham and Betty Ashworth from Blackburn.
Think about 4747 Private Edwin James Bishop. He served in the 56th Battalion of the Australian Infantry A.I.F.. Edwin died on August 3 1916 aged 29. His grave is in Plot I. A. 6. He was a native of Sussex England. Before enlisting, he worked as a labourer.
Remember 20960 Rifleman George Herbert Booth. He was part of the 4th Battalion 3rd New Zealand Rifle Brigade. George died on February 4 1917. His final resting place is Plot I. B. 2. He was the son of Mr and Mrs G. Booth from Auckland New Zealand.
Reflect on 8/1222 Lance Corporal John Cameron Crawford. He served in the 1st Battalion Otago Regiment N.Z.E.F.. John died on January 31 1917 aged 34. His grave is in Plot I. B. 5. He also served at Gallipoli.
Think about 27164 Private Horace Hugh Whatty Gibson. He belonged to the Canterbury Regiment N.Z.E.F.. Horace died on February 6 1917 aged 20. His final resting place is Plot I. B. 1. He was the son of Mr E. G. and Eliza Gibson from New Zealand.
Consider 2/593 Second Lieutenant Arthur Jones. He served with the 13th Battery 3rd Brigade of the New Zealand Field Artillery. Arthur died on November 12 1916. His grave is Plot I. A. 10. He was the husband of Hilda Lewis Jacobs from New Zealand.
Remember 4669 Corporal Frederick Nicholas Weller. He served in the 59th Battalion of the Australian Infantry A.I.F.. Frederick died on July 21 1916 aged 25. His grave is Plot I. A. 4. He sustained shrapnel wounds and died in France.
Croix-du-Bac British Cemetery CWGC is a place of peace and remembrance. It reminds us of the human cost of war. It calls on us to strive for a more peaceful world. The sacrifices of those buried here must never be forgotten.