Have you noticed the quiet serenity of this place? This is Erquinghem-Lys Churchyard Extension. It is a place of remembrance and reflection. Erquinghem-Lys Churchyard Extension holds a significant place in history. It serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made during the First World War.
The village of Erquinghem-Lys was seized by German forces in October 1914. The 1st Somerset Light Infantry retook it on 16 October. The village remained in Allied hands until 10 April 1918. Then the 101st Infantry Brigade evacuated it during the German offensive. Allied forces finally retook the village in September 1918.
Originally, Commonwealth burials occurred in the churchyard. This was between October 1914 and January 1915. The 27 graves were moved to this extension in 1925. The churchyard was then closed for burials.
The Erquinghem-Lys Churchyard Extension began in April 1915. Units and field ambulances used it until April 1918. The Germans also used the churchyard. They extended it down to the stream in the summer of 1918. Commonwealth forces used it again in September and October 1918.
Today, the Erquinghem-Lys Churchyard Extension contains 558 Commonwealth burials. These are from the First World War. Eight of them are unidentified. There are also 130 German burials. One unidentified Russian serviceman is here as well. In total, there are 690 burials. The extension was designed by Sir Herbert Baker.
Among those interred here is 2384 Corporal Jack Stewart Caswell. He was of the 2nd Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F. Caswell died on 22nd June 1916. He was 19 years old. He was the son of Francis Stewart Caswell and Lauretta Evelyn Caswell. Jack was from New South Wales. Before enlisting, he worked as a bank clerk. Private Slater recounted Caswell’s last moments. Caswell was hit by a machine gun. He said “I’m shot, send for the S. B.” At the clearing station, he said “My poor mother, what will she do?”
Also resting here is 240989 Rifleman James Henthorne. He was with “A” Coy. 2nd/5th Bn. South Lancashire Regiment. Henthorne died on 6th August 1917. He was 38 years old. He was the husband of Elizabeth Ratcliffe.
2177 Private Frank Leslie Keals is buried here. He was with the 28th Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F. Keals died on 21st May 1916. He was 23 years old. He was the son of Fanny Keals.
658 Lance Corporal Hugh Lamont rests here. He was with the 24th Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F. Lamont died on 27th May 1916. He was 25 years old. He was the son of Farquhar and Ellen Lamont.
2302 Private James Henry Paterson is also interred here. He was with the 22nd Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F. Paterson died on 3rd June 1916. He was 23 years old. He was the son of Robert Paterson.
2561 Sergeant William Henry Pearce is buried here. He was with the 14th Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F. Pearce died on 4th July 1916. He was 28 years old. He was the son of Mary Brace Pearce.
R/358243 Private Thwaite Williamson rests here. He was with “A” Coy. 2nd/10th Bn. The King’s. Williamson died on 23rd April 1917. He was 41 years old. He was the husband of Alice Maude Williamson.
Visiting Erquinghem-Lys Churchyard Extension offers a poignant experience. It allows us to reflect on the past. It reminds us of the human cost of war. The cemetery stands as a testament to courage and sacrifice.