Within the serene grounds of Pont-de-Nieppe Communal Cemetery, stories of courage and sacrifice whisper through the ages. This cemetery is located 4 kilometers northwest of Armentieres. It sits east of the village and 500 metres north of the Armentieres-Bailleul road.
The bridge at Pont-de-Nieppe saw action. The 1st Hampshires seized it on 16 October 1914. The village remained within Allied lines until 11 April 1918. The 34th Division was driven out of neighboring Nieppe after heavy fighting. The 29th Division recaptured Nieppe on 3 September 1918.
During the First World War, Pont-De-Nieppe Communal Cemetery served various purposes. Commonwealth field ambulances and fighting units used it from October 1914 to March 1918. German troops also used it during the summer of 1918. Commonwealth forces used it again from September to November 1918. German graves were later moved to the adjacent German cemetery.
Today, Pont-de-Nieppe Communal Cemetery holds 135 Commonwealth burials from World War I. Eleven of these are unidentified. There are also two burials from the Second World War dating back to May 1940.
Consider the story of Major Peter Martin Connellan. He was 32 years old. He served with the 1st Battalion Hampshire Regiment. Connellan was mentioned in despatches twice. He died on 20th October 1914. His headstone reads: Blessed Are The Pure In Heart For They Shall See God.
Reflect on the life of Second Lieutenant George Young Blair. He was the son of Mary Y Blair. Blair was only 21. He served in B Battery, 63rd Brigade Royal Field Artillery. He died on 24th July 1915.
Think about Private John James Craddock. He was a member of the 15th/17th Battalion, West Yorkshire Regiment. Craddock died on 26th October 1918 aged 19. His headstone says Rest In Peace In God’s Keeping.
Remember Private Arthur Darnton of the 2nd Battalion South Lancashire Regiment. He died on 21st January 1917.
Serjeant Joseph Thomas Fellows rests here too. He served with the 6th Battalion South Wales Borderers. Fellows died on 31st October 1918 aged 26. His headstone bears the inscription: Till The Day Breaks.
Private William Charles Hazzard is also buried here. He served with the 41st Battalion Australian Infantry. Hazzard died on 26th March 1917.
Consider Private Robert Henson of the 6th Battalion South Wales Borderers. Henson died on 1st November 1918 aged 26.
Lieutenant Horas Tristram Kennedy is another soul resting here. He served with the 2nd Battalion Royal Scots Fusiliers. Kennedy died on 6th June 1917 aged 28. His headstone says: With Thee Is The Well Of Life And In Thy Light Shall We See Light.
Private Archibald Livingstone is buried here. He was a member of the 42nd Battalion Australian Infantry. Livingstone died on 6th June 1917 aged 37. His headstone simply reads: He Did His Duty.
Private John Lewis McKenny rests in this cemetery. He served with the 43rd Battalion Australian Infantry. McKenny died on 5th April 1917 aged 25. His headstone says: His Duty Nobly Done.
Rifleman Frederic Charles Reading McClure is buried here. He served with the 16th Battalion London Regiment. McClure died on 28th October 1918 aged 27.
Private Frank Cecil Postlethwaite rests here too. He served with the 43rd Battalion Royal Fusiliers. Postlethwaite died on 6th November 1918 aged 21. His headstone bears the inscription: Until The Day Break.
Remember Private Mark Roberts. He served with the 41st Battalion Australian Infantry. Roberts died on 25th April 1917 aged 20. His headstone says: Rest Dear, Sweetly Rest. They Miss You Most Who Loved You Best.
Second Lieutenant Joseph Henry Banks Thornton rests in Pont-de-Nieppe Communal Cemetery. He served with the Labour Corps. Thornton died on 28th September 1918 aged 28. His headstone bears the inscription: Women Received Their Dead Raised To Life. This My Hope Is Laid Up In My Bosom.
Pont-de-Nieppe Communal Cemetery stands as a reminder of the human cost of war. It honours the courage and sacrifice of those who served. Take a moment to reflect on their stories. Remember their names.