Somer Farm Cemetery
Location
Somer Farm Cemetery is located 6.5 km south of Ieper town centre on the Hollebekestraat, a road leading from the Rijselseweg (N365), connecting Ieper to Wijtschate and on to Armentières.
From Ieper town centre the Rijselsestraat runs from the market square, through the Lille Gate (Rijselpoort) and directly over the crossroads with the Ieper ring road. The road name then changes to the Rijselseweg.
On reaching the village of Wijtschate, Hollebekestraat is reached by turning left from the N365. The cemetery itself is located 70 metres along the Hollebekestraat on the right hand side of the road.
| GPS | N | E | OSM |
|---|---|---|---|
| Decimal | 50.790450 | 2.889770 | Map |
Historical Information
Wytschaete (now Wijtschate) was taken by the Germans early in November 1914. It was recovered by Commonwealth forces during the Battle of Messines on 7th June 1917, but fell into German hands once more on 16th April 1918. The village was recovered for the last time on 28th September 1918.
Somer Farm Cemetery (also known as Somer Farm Cemetery No.1 – the burials in Somer Farm No.2 were removed to Wytschaete Military Cemetery) was begun in June 1917. It was used until March 1918 and again in October 1918.
The cemetery contains 91 First World War burials.
The cemetery was designed by W H Cowlishaw.
Private George Hill 3234/B
53rd Bn Australian Infantry
Died on 1st March 1918 aged 20
Only son of Rowland and Charlotte Hill
of “Isis,” 45, Tupper St., Marrickville,
New South Wales. Native of Sydney
Private Stanley Mears 3189
53rd Bn Australian Infantry
Died on 1st March 1918 aged 20
Son of George and Elizabeth Mears
One of two
Who gave his life
Of four brothers
Who served their country
Percy Mears, aged 21, is buried in Ypres Reservoir Cemetery : I H 20
Grave: A 12
Private A Mott 16349
8th Bn Gloucestershire Regiment
Died on 5th August 1917 aged 26
Son of Amos and Caroline Mott
of Church St., Eckington, Pershore, Worcs
Grave: B 26
Private Merion Moriarty 1949
55th Bn Australian Infantry
Died on 12th March 1918
Grave: Special Memorial 3