Sanders Keep Military Cemetery
Location
Graincourt-lès-Havrincourt is a village 10 kilometres south west of Cambrai. The Cemetery is signposted at the crossroads of the main road from Bapaume to Cambrai (N30) and the Marquion Havrincourt road (D15). Two 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.
| GPS | N | E | OSM |
|---|---|---|---|
| Decimal | 50.132161 | 3.088210 | Map |
Historical Information
“Sanders Keep” was a German fortification two 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.
The cemetery covers an area of 755 square metres and is enclosed by a stone rubble wall.
20810 Lance Corporal Thomas Jackson VC
1st Bn Coldstream Guards
Died on 27th September 1918 aged 21
Son of Thomas and Emma Jackson
of 3 Market St, Swinton, Rotherham
Grave: II D 4
The London Gazette 31034
26th November 1918
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.
2nd Lieutenant Alexander Grant
1st Bn Grenadier Guards
Died on 27th September 1918 aged 19
Son of Alexander Grant, K.C
of 1, New Square, Lincoln’s Inn, London, WC2
Grave: I C 1
Stand fast Craigellachie
2nd Lieutenant Edward Willson Crosse
1st Bn Coldstream Guards
Died on 27th September 1918 aged 20
Son of Arthur and Nellie Willson Crosse
of 84, Cornwall Gardens, South Kensington, London
Grave: II C 2
Guardsman George Walker 14885
1st Bn Scots Guards
Died on 27th September 1918 aged 25
Son of George and Jane Walker
of 7, Booth Place, Falkirk. Born at Polmont, Stirlingshire
Grave: I D 9
Guardsman Michael Murphy 12428
1st Bn Irish Guards
Died on 27th September 1918 aged 32
Husband of Mary Anne Murphy
of Myshall, Bagenalstown, Co. Carlow
Grave: I B 9
Guardsman Edward Fitzgerald 2164 MM
1st Bn Welsh Guards
Died on 27th September 1918 aged 25
Son of Richard and Julia Fitzgerald
of 12, Rodney St. Central, Cardiff.
Grave: I D 4
Guardsman Harry Quinnell 1313
4th Bn Guards Machine Gun Regiment
Died on 27th September 1918
Grave: I D 1