Wulverghem was the stage for a harsh chapter of the First World War. A German gas attack struck here on the night of April 29-30, 1916. The 3rd and 24th Divisions bravely pushed back the assault. Later, on April 14, 1918, the Germans captured the village. But the 30th Division retook it on September 2nd. Now we stand at Pond Farm CWGC Cemetery.
Pond Farm itself sat in the fields. It was about 800 metres east of Packhorse Farm. The cemetery lies on Pond Farm’s northwest side. The 3rd Rifle Brigade and the 8th Buffs started this cemetery in July 1916. Fighting units and field ambulances then used it until October 1917. More burials happened in April and September 1918.
Nearly 300 war casualties from 1914-1918 are commemorated here. This includes a few unidentified soldiers. Special memorials honor men of the 1st/7th Cheshire Regiment. They were buried here in early September 1918. Their exact graves are lost.
The layout of Pond Farm CWGC Cemetery can seem unusual. Rows often have two or even three groups of graves. Today, 296 Commonwealth servicemen of the First World War are buried or commemorated in Pond Farm CWGC Cemetery. There are also special memorials to three casualties of the 1st/7th Cheshires. These soldiers were buried here in early September 1918. Sadly their graves could not be located after the war. The cemetery also holds five German war graves.
The cemetery’s design came from Charles Holden. The cemetery covers 2,123 square metres. A rubble wall encloses it.
Consider Fred Crabtree. He was a Private in the 10th Battalion of the York and Lancaster Regiment. Fred died on July 15, 1917, at age 29. He now rests in Row M, grave 3. Before enlisting, Fred worked as a Loom Overlooker at Coronation Mill. Rev. Simpson Thomas, the Battalion Chaplain, wrote to Fred’s wife. He said that Fred was buried in a quiet British cemetery.
Another story is of Second Lieutenant William Nagle Creagh. He served with the 3rd Battalion of the Leinster Regiment. William died on March 7, 1917, at age 36. He lies in Row K, grave 15.
Then there’s Private William Duncan Nicol. He was with the 33rd Company, Machine Gun Corps. Previously, he served in the 4th Battalion Black Watch. William died on May 29, 1917, aged 32. His headstone bears the inscription “Until The Day Dawns”. He rests in Row O, grave 11.
Also remembered is Captain George Averil Read. He served with the 3rd Battalion. He was attached to the 11th Battalion of the Leinster Regiment. George died on March 8, 1917, aged 30. He is buried in Plot K, grave 14.
As you walk through Pond Farm CWGC Cemetery, notice the careful layout. Stone benches sit inside a stone shelter building at the cemetery’s bottom. All internal paths are grass. The ground is flat.
The cemetery is always open. But remember, it’s on a working farm. Watch out for farm vehicles. Also, the access path is grass. It may not suit all vehicles.
Pond Farm CWGC Cemetery stands as a testament to sacrifice. It is a place of remembrance. The cemetery reminds us of the human cost of war. Each stone tells a story of courage and loss. Take a moment to reflect on these lives. Remember their stories.