“Essex House.” The name echoes softly as we stand here at Calvaire (Essex) Military Cemetery. This cemetery stands as a testament to the battles fought. It also serves as a final resting place for many brave soldiers.
Calvaire (Essex) Military Cemetery is located 16 km from Ieper town centre. It lies on a road connecting Ieper to Wijtschate and Ploegsteert. From Ieper town centre, the Rijselsestraat leads through the Lille Gate. The road then changes to Rijselseweg. After Ploegsteert, a left turn onto Witteweg brings you here.
This land beside Essex House became a regimental cemetery. Many such cemeteries were created in 1914 and 1915. The 2nd Essex and 2nd Monmouthshire Regiments began it in November 1914. Rows A to M of Plot I mark their initial efforts. Later, the 9th Royal Fusiliers and 11th Middlesex Regiment added to Plot I. The 7th Suffolk and 9th Essex Regiments created Plot II. The 6th Buffs established Plot III. The 1/7th and 1/8th Worcestershire Regiment completed Plot IV.
The 11th Queen’s Royal West Surrey and 10th Royal West Kent Regiments completed the cemetery. That was in June and July 1916. The Germans held it from April to September 1918.
Now, Calvaire (Essex) Military Cemetery holds 218 First World War burials. Each grave tells a silent story of sacrifice. Among them lies 2295 Private Raymond Henry Cole of the 2nd Bn Monmouthshire Regiment. He died on 23rd November 1914 aged 19. He was the son of Ebenezer and Mary Ann Cole.
Also here is 3/3105 Corporal John Tippins of the 2nd Bn Essex Regiment. He died on 26th November 1914 aged 27. John was a noted rifle shot and member of the Empire Team. He was the son of Luke R and Rose A Tippins.
Lieutenant George Aked of the 5th Bn Leicestershire Regiment also rests here. He died on 5th March 1915. His final resting place is Plot I H 7. Second Lieutenant Harold Picton Bamkin of the 7th Bn Suffolk Regiment is buried in Plot II. B. 3. He died on 19th July 1915 aged 20. His headstone bears the inscription “Dulwich 1907-’14 Detur Gloria Soli Deo”.
120 Company Quartermaster Serjeant W. J. Allsopp of the 1st/2nd Bn Monmouthshire Regiment rests here. He died on 17th March 1915 aged 39. His headstone reads “He Giveth His Beloved Sleep”.
G. H. Goldsmith designed Calvaire (Essex) Military Cemetery. This cemetery stands as a place of reflection. It reminds us of the human cost of war. Each headstone represents a life cut short. Take a moment to reflect on their stories. Consider their sacrifices. Remember them.