Morval British Cemetery
Location
From Bapaume, take the RN17 direction Peronne. On arrival at the village of Le Transloy turn right onto the RD19 and signpost indicates Morval 5 kilometres. Travelling through Les Boeufs take RD74 to Morval. At Morval, the long Cemetery access is clearly indicated on the right at the roadside.
| GPS | N | E | OSM |
|---|---|---|---|
| Decimal | 50.031853 | 2.869953 | Map |
Historical Information
Morval was captured by the 5th Division on 25th September 1916, and remained in the hands of the Allies until 24th March 1918 and the German advance.
It was regained by the 38th (Welsh) Division, after fierce fighting, on 1st September 1918.
The cemetery was made by V Corps in the same month.
Morval British Cemetery contains 54 Commonwealth burials of the First World War, one of which is unidentified. All died between 26th August and 6th September 1918.
The cemetery was designed by Sir Reginald Blomfield.
Private Charles Belcher 55707
14th Bn Welsh Regiment
Who died on 1st September 1918
Grave: A 9
Corporal John Price 16456
15th Bn Welsh Regiment
Who died on 1st September 1918 aged 23
Son of Caroline Pauney of 14, Herman Rd, Bridgend, Glamorgan, and the late John Price
Husband of Rachael Price, of 16, Beach Terrace, Dowlais, Glamorgan
Grave: A 10
Private Sam Procter 57983
B Company 13th Bn Royal Welsh Fusiliers
Died on 31st August 1918 aged 19
Son of Mary and the late Samuel Procter, of Newton Heath, Manchester
Grave: A 11
Private Benjamin Morris 57051
C Company 14th Bn Welsh Regiment
Who died on 1st September 1918 aged 28
Son of Lewis and Mary Morris, of Trefeurig, Bow Street, Cardiganshire
Husband of Margaret Morris, of Salisbury Rd, Maesteg, Bridgend, Glamorgan
Grave: A 12
The village bells
Within the village you will see this unusual campanile on the site of the old church.
The church had not been terribly well re-constructed after the First War, and by the end of the Second was badly in need of extensive repairs. These turned into such a burden on the community that it was eventually decided in 1985 that demolition was the only solution.
In 1987 a team was brought in to demolish the church, but the bells were brought down and kept safe.
The largest of the bells weighs 800 kilos.
The village is thus rare in not having a church. On occasions of joy or sadness however the bells are rung as in former times. The spirit lives on.