Consider this. Here at Cabin Hill CWGC Cemetery, lie stories of courage and sacrifice from a brutal war. This serene place holds the remains of 67 identified casualties from the First World War. Let me share some of the history of Cabin Hill Cemetery.
Cabin Hill Cemetery was started by the 11th Division in June 1917. It served as a front-line cemetery until March 1918. The village of Wytschaete, now known as Wijtschate, was a key location during the war. The Germans seized it in November 1914. Commonwealth forces reclaimed it during the Battle of Messines in June 1917. The Germans retook it in April 1918 but Allied forces finally recovered it in September.
The cemetery’s layout was designed by N A Rew. Among those buried here are soldiers from the United Kingdom and Australia. Specifically, 42 from the United Kingdom and 25 from Australia.
Allow me to introduce you to some of the fallen. Walter Edwin Stephens was a sergeant. He served in the 59th Battalion Australian Infantry. He died on November 29, 1917 aged 24. Walter was the son of Robert George and Martha Alice Stephens. His headstone reads: “Dearly Loved Son Of Mr. & Mrs. R. Stephens Of Neerim, South Victoria.” Before enlisting, Walter was a schoolteacher. A shell killed Walter and another soldier named Campbell. A fellow soldier reported they were killed instantly by concussion. They were buried next to each other. Murdock Cameron Prentice Campbell now rests in Row C. 11.
Then there is Private Frederick William Bartlett. He also served in the 59th Battalion Australian Infantry. Frederick died on March 13, 1918 aged 29. Before the war, he worked as a gardener. He also volunteered for nine years at the Garrison Artillery in Geelong.
Another soldier buried here is Second Lieutenant Frank Mewburn Dunn. He served in the 10th Battalion Durham Light Infantry. Frank died on September 23, 1917 aged 27. He was the son of Robert and Mary I. Dunn from British Columbia.
Lastly, let me tell you about Private Albert Hart. He served in the 6th Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment. Albert died on July 24, 1917 aged 38. He lived in Studham and was married to Jane Rance. Before enlisting, he worked as a bricklayer.
Cabin Hill Cemetery covers 380 square meters and is enclosed by a curb. Visiting this cemetery involves a short walk. A small grassed path leads to the site. It’s a peaceful place for reflection. It reminds us of the human cost of war. As you leave Cabin Hill Cemetery, remember the stories of these men. Remember their sacrifices. Let their memory inspire us to strive for peace.