Silent sentinels stand in rows. They watch over the Rue-David Military Cemetery. Have you ever felt the weight of untold stories pressing down on you?
Rue-David Military Cemetery is located near Fleurbaix. It lies to the south-east of the village. This is a place of solemn remembrance. It is a testament to the sacrifices made during the First World War. The cemetery began in December 1914. The 2nd Royal Scots Fusiliers started it. It closed to British burials in December 1917. At that time, it held 220 graves. These graves comprised Rows A to F and part of G of the present Plot I.
After the Armistice, Rue-David Military Cemetery was greatly enlarged. Graves were brought in from the surrounding areas. These areas included Aubers and Fromelles. Many of the 1st Middlesex who died in October 1914 are buried here. Also, soldiers of the 5th Australian and 61st South Midland Divisions who died in July 1916 rest here.
Consider the cemeteries that contributed to Rue-David Military Cemetery. Abbey Wall Cemetery once stood under the north wall of a ruined Chartreux Abbey. Croix-Marechal Military Cemetery was at a crossroads. Orchard of Smith’s Villa was at a crossroads west of Bois-Grenier. Pont-de-Lys Indian Cemetery was by a bridge. Sainghin-en-Weppes Churchyard and Communal Cemetery held more soldiers. Wangerie Post Old Military Cemetery was south of Wangerie Farm.
Today, Rue-David Military Cemetery holds 898 Commonwealth burials. These are commemorations of the First World War. 429 of these burials are unidentified. Special memorials honor four casualties known to be buried among them. Other memorials commemorate eleven casualties. These eleven were buried in Abbey Wall Cemetery. Their graves were destroyed by shell fire. Six men of the Indian forces are also memorialized. The cemetery also contains ten German graves.
Reflect on the individual stories. Sepoy Prag Dutt Dube of the 9th Bhopal Infantry died in 1914. Rifleman Namah Sing Rana of the 4th Gurkha Rifles died the same year. Private Cecil Dykes of the 30th Australian Infantry died in 1916 at age 20. Private William Black of the Wellington Regiment died in 1917. Private Gregory Ugalde of the King’s Liverpool Regiment died in 1917 at age 20.
Notice the headstones. The Hindu soldiers’ headstones read “Honoured Here”. This is because their bodies were cremated according to their customs. In comparison, Rifleman Namah Sing Rana is buried.
Consider the design of Rue-David Military Cemetery. Sir Herbert Baker designed it. His work ensures a serene final resting place.
“Rue-David” is the local name of the road. It runs between La Croix-Maréchal and La Boutillerie. As you walk through this cemetery, remember the name. Remember the road where so many gave their lives.
Take a moment to appreciate the peace. Remember the cost of freedom. Rue-David Military Cemetery stands as a place of respect. It reminds us of those who served. It also reminds us of the enduring impact of war.