Sanders Keep
Location
Graincourt-lès-Havrincourt is a village 10 kilometres south west of Cambrai. The Cemetery is signposted at the intersection of the main road from Bapaume to Cambrai (N30) and the Marquion Havrincourt road (D15). 2 kilometres south of the N30 on the D15 towards Havrincourt the Cemetery is signposted to the left where it can be found at the end of a single track leading towards Graincourt.
Historical Information
Sanders Keep was a German fortification 2 kilometres South-West of the village, between the Hermies and Havrincourt roads. It was stormed by the Scots Guards on the 27th September 1918, and after the fight the British and German dead were buried on the battlefield by the Guards Division Burial Officer.
There are now nearly 150, 1914-18 war casualties commemorated in this site. Of these, a small number are unidentified.
Bourlon Wood on the horizon
The cemetery covers an area of 755 square metres and is enclosed by a stone rubble wall.
Guardsman Francis Mills 2980
1st Bn Welsh Guards
Died on 27 September 1918 aged 27
Son of Mr and Mrs F Mills, of Birmingham;
husband of Mattie Mills, of Rhoose, Glamorgan
To an uncle never met.
Grave: I D 2
Guardsman C Ferguson 17899
1st Bn Coldstream Guards
Died on 27 September 1918
Grave: II E 4
Lance Corporal Thomas Jackson 20810 VC
1st Bn Coldstream Guards
Died on 27 September 1918 aged 21
Son of Thomas and Emma Jackson, of 3 Market St, Swinton, Rotherham
An extract from The London Gazette No 31034, dated 26th November 1918, records the following.
For most conspicuous bravery and self-sacrifice in the attack across the Canal Du Nord, near Graincourt. On the morning of the 27th September 1918, Lce. Cpl. Jackson was the first to volunteer to follow Capt. CH Frisby, Coldstream Guards, across the Canal du Nord in his rush against an enemy machine-gun post, with two comrades he followed his officer across the Canal, rushed the post, captured the two machine-guns, and so enabled the companies to advance.
Later in the morning, Lce. Cpl. Jackson was the first to jump into a German trench which his platoon had to clear, and after doing further excellent work he was unfortunately killed. Throughout the whole day until he was killed this young NCO showed the greatest valour and devotion to duty and set an inspiring example to all.
Grave: II D 4