Ors Communal Cemetery
Location
The village of Ors is between Le Cateau and Landrecies. The Communal Cemetery lies to the north-west of the village. It should not be confused with Ors British Cemetery which is 1 kilometre north-east of the church.
Ors British Cemetery
Historical Information
Ors was cleared by the 6th Division on the 1st November 1918. There are now over 60, 1914-18 war casualties commemorated in this site. Of these, a small number are unidentified.
The plot covers an area of 189 square metres.
I have photos of all the graves for this particular cemetery
Most people come to Ors because it is the resting place of the First World War Poet Wilfred Owen, there are however two Victoria Cross winners lying alongside him. Both of the recipents were killed in the same action as Wilfred Owen
James Kirk VC
Second Lieutenant
10th attached 2nd Bn Manchester Regiment
Died: Monday 4 November 1918, aged 21
Son of James and Rachel Kirk, of 530 Edge Lane, Droylesden, Manchester. Born at Cheadle Hulme, Cheshire
Grave: A 22
London Gazette No. 31108, dated 3 January 1919
For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty North of Ors on 4th November 1918, whilst attempting to bridge the Oise Canal.
To cover the bridging of the canal he took a Lewis gun, and, under intense machine-gun fire, paddled across the canal on a raft, and at a range of ten yards expended all his ammunition.
Further ammunition was paddled across to him and he continuously maintained a covering fire for the bridging party from a most exposed position till killed at his gun.
The supreme contempt of danger and magnificent self-sacrifice displayed by this gallant officer prevented many casualties and enabled two platoons to cross the bridge before it was destroyed.
James Marshall VC MC and Bar
Lieutenant Colonel
Attached to 16th Bn Lancashire Fusiliers
Died: Monday 4 November 1918, aged 31
Officier Order of Leopold, Chevalier Order of Leopold, Croix de Guerre (Belgium).
Husband of Edith Marshall, of Lascelles Lodge, Matching Green, Harlow, Essex.
Grave: Top right hand corner of the cemetery
London Gazette No. 31178, dated 13 February 1919
For most conspicuous bravery, determination and leadership in the attack on the Sambre-Oise Canal, near Catillon, on the 4th November 1918, when a partly constructed bridge came under concentrated fire and was broken before the advanced troops of his battalion could cross.
Lt Col Marshall at once went forward and organised parties to repair the bridge.
The first party were soon killed or wounded, but by personal example he inspired his command, and volunteers were instantly forthcoming.
Under intense fire and with complete disregard of his own safety, he stood on the bank encouraging his men and assisting in the work, and when the bridge was repaired attempted to rush across at the head of his battalion and was killed while so doing.
The passage of the canal was of vital importance, and the gallantry displayed by all ranks was largely due to the inspiring example set by Lt Col Marshall.
Wilfred Owen MC
Lieutenant
5th Bn Manchester Regiment
Died: Monday 4 November 1918, aged 25
Son of Mr and Mrs Tom Owen, Monkmoor Rd, Shrewsbury. Native of Oswestry
Enlisted in The Artists' Rifles in October 1915.
Commissioned into the Manchester Regiment in June 1916.
Was a poet of repute, although during his lifetime, only a few of his poems appeared in print.
The Atheneum of December 1919, nominated Owen's work Strange Meeting as the finest of the war.
Grave: A 3
Wilfred Owen at Le Cateau