Gunners Farm Military Cemetery is located 16 km from Ieper town centre, on a road leading from the N365, connecting Ieper to Wijtschate, Ploegsteert 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. 2 km after passing through the village of Ploegsteert lies the left hand turning onto Witteweg (Chemin de la Blanche). The cemetery lies 1km along the Witteweg on the left hand side of the road.
GPS | N | E | OSM |
---|---|---|---|
Decimal | 50.718196 | 2.896448 | Map |
Gunners Farm Cemetery took its name from a farm which stood on the opposite side of the road and is an example of a regimental cemetery, many of which were made in 1914 and 1915.
The cemetery was begun in July 1915 by the 9th Essex and 7th Suffolk Regiments (Rows A to C), carried on by the 9th Loyal North Lancashire Regiment and the 11th Lancashire Fusiliers (Rows D to J), and the 9th (Scottish) Division (Rows J to Q).
Apart from a small number of later burials, the cemetery was completed by service battalions of the Royal West Kent and Queen’s Royal West Surrey Regiments in May and June 1916.
It was in German hands from 10th April to 29th September 1918. There are now 175 Commonwealth burials of the First World War and four German war graves in the cemetery.
The cemetery was designed by G H Goldsmith.
Private Christopher Wren 9191
7th Bn Suffolk Regiment
Died on 2nd August 1915 aged 17
Son of Walter and Maude Wren
of 139, Clapham Rd., Lowestoft
Grave: A 5
Who dies if England wins
Private William Simon 7268
11th Bn Lancashire Fusiliers
Died on 27th October 1915
Son of Mrs. M. J. Simon
of 25, Grafton St., Liverpool
Grave: E 2
Private Albert Spratt G/11499
11th Bn The Queen’s
Royal West Surrey Regiment
Died on 19th June 1916 aged 19
Son of Mr. S. Spratt
of 31, Doris St., Kennington, London
Grave: R 3
Our son
The nature of your death
Has made you a saint