Barlin
Location
Barlin is a village about 11 kilometres south-west of Bethune on the D188, between the Bethune-Arras and Bethune-St. Pol roads, about 6.5 kilometres south-east of Bruay. The Communal Cemetery and Extension lie to the north of the village on the D171 road to Houchin.
Historical Information
The extension was begun by French troops in October 1914 and when they moved south in March 1916 to be replaced by Commonwealth forces, it was used for burials by the 6th Casualty Clearing Station.
The French Military Cemetery
In November 1917, Barlin began to be shelled and the hospital was moved back to Ruitz, but the extension was used again in March and April 1918 during the German advance on this front.
The extension contains 1 094 Commonwealth burials of the First World War and a number of French and German war graves.
Memorial and graves from the mining disaster
Some French civilians killed in a colliery accident in 1917 are also buried in the extension.
The extension was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens.
Canadian graves abound
Corporal John Cunningham VC 8916
2nd Bn Leinster Regiment
Died on 16th April 1917 aged 29
Son of Johanna and the late Joseph Cunningham, of Stradavoher St, Thurles, Co Tipperary
The second son lost to a widowed mother in the war
The London Gazette, dated 8th June 1917
For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty when in command of a Lewis Gun section on the most exposed flank of the attack. His section came under heavy enfilade fire and suffered severely. Although wounded he succeeded almost alone in reaching his objective with his gun, which he got into action in spite of much opposition.
When counter-attacked by a party of twenty of the enemy he exhausted his ammunition against them, then, standing in full view, he commenced throwing bombs. He was wounded again, and fell, but picked himself up and continued to fight single-handed with the enemy until his bombs were exhausted. He then made his way back to our lines with a fractured arm and other wounds.
There is little doubt that the superb courage of this NCO cleared up a most critical situation on the left flank of the attack. Corporal Cunningham died in hospital from the effects of his wounds.
Grave: I A 39
Lt Colonel Vernon Eaton
Royal Canadian Horse Artillery
Commanding 8th Bde Canadian Field Artillery
Died on 11th April 1917 aged 46
Son of James Keiller Eaton and Annie, his wife, of Truro, Nova Scotia
husband of Myra Eaton, of 69 Grosvenor St, London, England
Great hearts are glad
When it is time to give
Grave: I H 70
CQMS William Alexander 20726
10th Bn Canadian Infantry
Alberta Regiment
Died on 18th October 1917 aged 37
Shot at Dawn for Desertion
Born in London (England) he enlisted on 24 September 1914 at Valcartier, Québec. He went absent without leave for two days and was charged with desertion.
Grave: II D 43
Arras 1917