Consider this a place where the echoes of the First World War still resonate. We stand at Pont-d’Achelles Military Cemetery near Nieppe. This cemetery is a testament to sacrifice and remembrance.
Pont-d’Achelles was within Allied lines for much of the war. Fighting raged nearby. The Royal Newfoundland Regiment and the 1/2nd Monmouths fought here. They continued fighting at Pont-d’Achelles for hours.
This military cemetery began in June 1917. Field ambulances and fighting units used it. They used it until the German advance in April 1918. The Germans then occupied it. They renamed it Papot Military Cemetery. The British resumed its use in September 1918.
Here at Pont-d’Achelles Military Cemetery lie 293 Commonwealth soldiers. There are also 37 German soldiers. In total 330 men are buried here. This site was designed by Sir Herbert Baker.
Among those buried here is Private Dene Edward Baker. He was a 24-year-old Australian. He served with the 43rd Battalion. Dene Baker was wounded at Ploegsteert Wood in Belgium. A shell blew off his legs. He insisted others be treated first. He died at the dressing station in Pont-d’Achelles.
Another soldier buried here is Private James Raymond Baldey. He was 25 years old. James Baldey served with the Australian Machine Gun Corps. He was making tea when a shell killed him instantly. His body was buried at Pont-d’Achelles.
We also remember Private Ralph Denver. He was only 22. Ralph served with the Australian Army Medical Corps. He was killed by a bomb. The bomb dropped from an enemy plane. This happened while he was going to a football match. His headstone reads He Was A True Born Australian Son And For His Country Nobly Died.
Here lies Private George Fleming. He served with the 36th Battalion. George Fleming fought at the Battle of Messines. He was struck in the head by shrapnel. He died at a nearby dressing station.
Also among the fallen is Private Wilfred Owen Gibbons. He was 29 years old. Wilfred Gibbons served with the 42nd Battalion. He was wounded in the trenches at Ploegsteert Wood. An exploding shell caused his wounds. He died at a dressing station.
Sapper Noel Alaric Lahey rests here too. He was 25 years old. Noel Lahey served with the Australian Engineers. He was wounded at Ploegsteert Wood. Suffering multiple gunshot wounds, he died the next day.
Finally we remember Private Ernest Worsley. He was executed for desertion. He had served since 1915.
Pont-d’Achelles Military Cemetery stands as a place of quiet reflection. It honors the lives of those who served. It reminds us of the human cost of war. Let us remember their sacrifices.