Within this quiet field lies a story etched in stone. It’s the story of Chapelle-d’Armentières New Military Cemetery. This cemetery stands as a testament to the lives lost during the First World War.
La Chapelle-d’Armentières is a village. It is located a short distance west of Armentières in northern France. The Chapelle-d’Armentières New Military Cemetery began in October 1915. This was when the Old Cemetery nearby closed. It remained in use for just three months. One grave was moved here in 1927. It came from Roubaix Communal Cemetery.
Imagine this village in wartime. From October 1914, Commonwealth forces held La Chapelle-d’Armentières. They held it until Armentières fell on 10 April 1918. Allied forces retook it that following October. During the Allied occupation, the village was dangerously close to the front lines. Chapelle-d’Armentières New Military Cemetery became a final resting place. Fighting units and field ambulances created it during the early trench warfare days.
Today, over 70 war casualties are commemorated at Chapelle-d’Armentières New Military Cemetery. These men died between 1914 and 1918. A small number remain unidentified. The cemetery is relatively small. It covers 507 square metres. A rubble wall encloses the grounds. The cemetery was designed by William Harrison Cowlishaw.
Consider the stories behind these graves. Take Private H Statham for example. He was just 17 years old. He served in the 4th Battalion East Yorkshire Regiment. He died on 26th October 1915. He was the son of Thomas and Jane Statham from Hull. He now rests in Grave A 9 at Chapelle-d’Armentières New Military Cemetery.
Then there’s Lieutenant Eyre Wilkinson. He served in the 1st Battalion London Regiment. He also served in the 1st Squadron Royal Flying Corps. Eyre Wilkinson died on 12th January 1916 aged 25. He was the husband of Elizabeth Wilkinson of London. His grave is B 3.
We also remember Private John Olivant. He was part of the 8th Battalion Lincolnshire Regiment. He died on 8th December 1915 aged 35. He was the son of Richard and Elizabeth Olivant from Lincoln. His final resting place is Grave D 8.
Another is Lieutenant Norman Ayris. He served with the 98th Field Company Royal Engineers. He died on 31st December 1915 aged 24. He was the son of Henry Crowquill Ayris and Fanny Ayris. His headstone bears the inscription “In Loving Memory.”
Reflect on Private Leopold Charles Le Bas. He was with “A” Squadron South Irish Horse. He died on 22nd December 1915 aged 19. He was the son of Albert Le Bas from Dublin. His headstone poignantly reads “Gone But Not Forgotten.”
Finally, ponder Private George Mitchell. He served in the 4th Battalion Middlesex Regiment. He died on 15th December 1915 aged 21. He was the son of Mr and Mrs George Mitchell. His headstone bears the inscription “There Is A Link Death Cannot Sever Love And Remembrance Last For Ever”.
Chapelle-d’Armentières New Military Cemetery is more than just a burial ground. It is a place of remembrance. It is a place of reflection. It is a place where we honour those who gave their lives. They fought bravely during a terrible war. Their stories live on in this quiet corner of France.