Pause here for a moment. This is Ninth Avenue Cemetery, Haisnes. It is a place of quiet reflection near the village of Haisnes. This cemetery stands as a testament to the First World War. It lies three kilometers south of Haisnes. The cemetery is also one kilometer southwest of Hulluch.
Ninth Avenue Cemetery got its name from a trench. This trench ran across its north end. The cemetery consists of one large grave. The village of Haisnes was held by German forces until 1918. British troops gained parts of the commune in the Battle of Loos.
The cemetery is enclosed by a flint wall. It covers 242 square meters. The headstones of the Cameron Highlanders form a square. This square surrounds the cemetery.
Over 40 war casualties are commemorated here. They all date from 1914 to 1918. A small number of these casualties remain unidentified. The cemetery was designed by George Hartley Goldsmith.
Consider James Hennessey. He was a Private in the 1st Battalion, Cameron Highlanders. Hennessey died on September 29th, 1915. He was 25 years old. His headstone reads: “The Moon Has Arisen It Shines On That Path Now trod By The Gallant And True.”
Think about Donald John MacLeod. He was also with the 1st Battalion, Cameron Highlanders. MacLeod died on September 28th, 1915.
Remember Robert McArthur. He was a Lance Corporal in the same battalion. McArthur died on September 28th, 1918.
Ewart Shemwell was a Private. He was 21 years old. Shemwell also served in the 1st Battalion, Cameron Highlanders. He died on September 28th, 1915. His headstone bears the inscription: “His Deeds Will Never Die.”
Note that the cemetery is accessible via a gravel track. This track can be muddy. Especially after heavy rain. The cemetery is always open. There is no register box here.
Take a moment to appreciate the sacrifices made. Remember the soldiers. Reflect on the history held within these walls of Ninth Avenue Cemetery.