Masnieres British Cemetery
Location
Marcoing is a village seven kilometres south-west of Cambrai and the village of Masnières is five kilometres south-east of Marcoing. Masnières British Cemetery is three kilometres due east of Marcoing in the middle of fields with access by a small track.
If you are coming from Masnières, follow the CWGC signs towards Marcoing British Cemetery. Continue on remaining on the right of the river. At the railway crossing at Marcoing continue straight across. A short distance further along this road you will see a CWGC Panel taking you off to the right and the track mentioned above.
In effect the track takes you up onto the hill overlooking Masnières.
| GPS | N | E | OSM |
|---|---|---|---|
| Decimal | 50.122999 | 3.199253 | Map |
Historical Information
Masnières was captured by the 29th Division on the 20th November 1917, the first day of the Battle of Cambrai. On the 30th November and the 1st December, Masnières was held by the same Division against repeated attacks, but it was evacuated, under orders, on the night of the 1st-2nd.
It was retaken on the 29th September 1918, by the 62nd (West Riding) Division. Masnières British Cemetery was made by the 3rd Division Burial Officer in October 1918.
Bourlon Wood in the distance
There are now 167, 1914-18 war casualties commemorated in this site. Of these, 17 are unidentified. All fell in September-October, 1918. There are also 59 German burials here, 40 of which are unidentified.
Masnières British Cemetery covers an area of 995 square metres and is enclosed by a stone rubble wall.
On the main road, east of Masnières British Cemetery, is the Masnières Newfoundland Memorial, recalling the share of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment (then part of the 29th Division) in the Battle of Cambrai 1917.
German graves
32827 Lance Serjeant Thomas Neely VC MM
8th Bn King’s Own (Royal Lancaster Regiment)
Died on 1st October 1918 aged 21
Son of James and Agnes Neely
of 91 Claudia St, City Rd, Walton, Liverpool.
Grave: II B 21
The London Gazette 31067
3rd December 1918
For most conspicuous bravery during operations at Flesquières on 27th September 1918. His company was held up during the advance by heavy machine-gun fire from a flank. Cpl. Neely, realising the seriousness of the situation, at once, under point-blank fire, dashed out with two men and rushed the positions, disposing of the garrisons and capturing three machine guns.
Subsequently, on two successive occasions, he rushed concrete strong points, killing or capturing the occupants.
Private Jack Wilson G/75667
4th Bn Royal Fusiliers
(City of London Regiment)
Died on 8th October 1918
Grave: II C 10