Mindel Trench
Location
St Laurent-Blangy adjoins the north-east side of the city of Arras. Mindel Trench British Cemetery is about 105 metres north of the road from St. Laurent-Blangy to Gavrelle.
The cemetery is signposted up a grass pathway behind the house on your left as you reach the outskirts of St Laurant Blangy. There are a few parking spaces on the opposite side of the road within a short distance.
Wheelchair access would be difficult.
Historical Information
Until 9 April 1917, the Allied front line ran practically through the village of St Laurent-Blangy. The trench (known to the Germans as Mindel Trench and called in 1918 McLaren Trench) was taken by the 9th (Scottish) Division on 9 April 1917, and the cemetery was made by the side of the trench after the battle.
It was used by fighting units and field ambulances until September 1918, and was at times called Stirling Camp and St Laurent-Blangy Forward Cemetery.
Mindel Trench British Cemetery contains 191 burials of the First World War, nine of which are unidentified.
The cemetery was designed by N A Rew.
2nd Lieutenant Henry Godfrey
3rd South African Regiment
Died on 9 April 1917 aged 29
Son of Henry Godfrey, of 8 Reynolds Lane, East London, Cape Province
husband of the late Louisa Godfrey
Grave: A 3
2nd Lieutenant Henry Tyser
8th Bn Black Watch (Royal Highlanders)
Died on 9 April 1917 aged 43
Only son of William Tyser and Amy Tyser.
Educated at Eton and Trinity College, Oxford.
Member of his father's firm, Messrs Tyser & Co up to 31st Dec., 1913.
Elected an Underwriting member of Lloyd's in 1898, resigned January, 1917.
In 1914 retired from business and volunteered for War Service, being gazetted to Black Watch early in 1915.
Born at Vinesgate, Brasted, Kent
Grave: B 1