Auchonvillers Military Cemetery
Location
Auchonvillers is approximately 20 km south of Arras.
Using the D919 from Arras to Amiens you will drive through the villages of Bucquoy, Puisieux then Serre-les-Puisieux. On leaving Serre-les-Puisieux, 3 km further along the D919, turn left following the signs for Auchonvillers. At the crossroads in the village centre follow the CWGC signs for Auchonvillers Military Cemetery which is on the outskirts of the village on the right hand side.
From the Newfoundland Memorial Park follow the road in to Auchonvillers and turn left at the crossroads following the sign for Mailly-Maillet. As you round the next right-hand corner the cemetery is on your right at the edge of the village. It is easier to park on the left — but do not block the farm vehicles.
| GPS | N | E | OSM |
|---|---|---|---|
| Decimal | 50.080549 | 2.627074 | Map |
Historical Information
From the outbreak of the war to the summer of 1915, this part of the front was held by French troops, who began the military cemetery in June 1915. It continued to be used by Commonwealth field ambulances and fighting units, but burials practically ceased with the German withdrawal in February 1917. After the Armistice, 15 of the graves (Plot II, Row M, Graves 4-18) were brought in from scattered positions east of the cemetery.
The cemetery now contains 528 Commonwealth burials of the First World War, the French graves having been removed to other burial grounds.
The cemetery was designed by Sir Reginald Blomfield.
Able Seaman
William Davies WZ 1809 MM & Bar
Drake Battalion
Royal Naval Division
Died on 13th July 1918 aged 21
Son of William and Mary Davies
of 5, New St., Swansea
Grave: II M 1
Private John Monaghan 9727
1st Bn Royal Irish Fusiliers
Died on 16th July 1916
Grave: II F 2
Private William Perran 1690
1st Bn Newfoundland Regiment
Died on 1st July 1916 aged 19
Son of Thomas and Elizabeth Perran
of St. John’S, Newfoundland
Grave: II E 3
Corporal John Dunlea 9349
2nd Bn Royal Dublin Fusiliers
Died on 31st October 1915 aged 34
Son of Charles and Elizabeth Dunlea
of 112, Lower Gardiner St., Dublin
Grave: I A 6
An Irish Volunteer
He died for the freedom
Of small nations
Private Harry Kinder 18443
2nd Bn Lancashire Fusiliers
Died on 28th September 1915 aged 17
Son of Harry and Fanny Kinder
of Hooley Hill, Manchester
Grave: I B 1
Private Patrick Kirby 4832
2nd Bn Royal Irish Regiment
Died on 29th January 1916aged 26
Brother of Mr. J. Kirby
of Thomastown, Golden, Co. Tipperary
Grave: I A 1
Private Richard Lovett 2426
16th Bn Middlesex Regiment
Died on 1st July 1916 aged 46
Youngest son of Col. Thomas
and Cecil Elizabeth Lovett,
He left his coffee estate in India and
returned to serve in the war.
Grave: II E 5
Serjeant William Lynn 5700
1st Bn Royal Irish Fusiliers
Died on 17th July 1916 aged 21
Son of James and Elizabeth Lynn
of Mousetown, Coalisland, Co. Tyrone
One of four brothers who died on service
two are buried in Belgium,
one in France and the fourth in Israel
John, R Inniskilling Fus, Lijssenthoek Cemetery
Robert, RFA, Hop Store Cemetery
James, RASC, Haifa Memorial
Grave: II F 4