Hawthorn Ridge No 2
Location
Using the D919 from Arras to Amiens you will drive through the villages of Bucquoy, Puisieux and then Serre (approximately 20 kilometres south of Arras). On leaving Serre, 3 kilometres further along the D919, turn left following the signs for Auchonvillers.
At the crossroads in the village centre follow the signs for the Newfoundland Park, Beaumont-Hamel.
Hawthorn Ridge Cemetery No 2 is located within the Park.
The Newfoundland Memorial Park
If you are in the area of Thiepval or Pozières simply follow the signs for the Park, passing the Ulster Tower and good views over the Ancre as you do so.
Historical Information
Hawthorn Ridge Cemetery No 2 is 460 metres south of No 1 (In front of the mine location). It was made by the V Corps (as V Corps Cemetery No 12) in the spring of 1917, and seven isolated graves were brought in after the Armistice.
In the distance is Hawthorn Ridge Cemetery No 1
There are now over 200, 1914-18 war casualties commemorated in this site. Of these, over 50 are unidentified. The great majority fell on the 1st July 1916.
The cemetery covers an area of 1,019 square metres and it is enclosed by a low stone rubble wall.
Four representatives of the fighting
Lance Corporal Hardy Ayling 22764
1st Bn Border Regiment
Died on 1st July 1916 aged 23
Husband of Margaret Ayling, of 26, "C" Block, Sutton's Buildings, City Rd, London
Grave: B 65
Private J Turner 24591
2nd Bn South Wales Borderers
Died on 1st July 1916
The Borderers had been the first wave of troops to attack over the area of the park on the 1st July.
Grave: B64
An Unknown Soldier
Royal Newfoundland Regiment
The Newfoundland Regiment were the second wave of troops to attack over the area of the park on the 1st July. They suffered extremely high casualties and would become the only Regiment during the war to receive the accolade Royal.
Grave: B 63
Private J Penny 3071
1st/5th Bn Gordon Highlanders
Died on 13th November 1916 aged 34
Son of James and Mary Penny, of Fraserburgh
Husband of Annie Penny, of Craiglea, Fyvie, Aberdeenshire.
Private Penny was a member of the 51st Division in one of the last offensives of the Somme and which finally took Beaumont-Hamel.
Grave: B 62
The Somme 1916