Heudicourt is a village in the north-western corner of the Department of the Somme, 13 kilometres north-east of PĂ©ronne and 17 kilometres south-west of Cambrai. The cemetery is signposted at the crossroads of the D58 and D181 and again on the D181 as you approach the village centre.
Three of the graves are at the top end of the cemetery whilst the fourth (Larcombe) is down closer to the Extension.
GPS | N | E | OSM |
---|---|---|---|
Decimal | 50.020145 | 3.081349 | Map |
Heudicourt was captured by Commonwealth forces in March 1917 and remained in our hands until March 1918 when it was lost during the German advance. The village was retaken in September 1918.
The Communal Cemetery contains four Commonwealth burials of the First World War.
The Communal Cemetery Extension was begun at the end of March 1917 and used by fighting units until March 1918. It was then continued by the Germans and Row G contains three Commonwealth burials of September and October 1918. The extension contains 85 Commonwealth burials of the First World War.
Private David Ross 11322
2nd Regiment
South African Infantry
Died on 25th March 1918 aged 14
Son of Mr. C. and Mrs. S. Ross
218, Arcida Mansions, Johannesburg.
Grave: 2
At 14 years and 3 months, David Ross is one of the youngest soldiers killed in the 1914-1918 war.
He is considered to be the youngest (proven) Commonwealth soldier to have died in the war. Having been wounded whilst defending Gauche Wood during the German Spring Offensive of 21st March he was left behind as his Regiment pulled back. The Germans found him and took him to an Advanced Dressing Station where he died of his wounds.
L/Corporal Ronald Sanderson G/68456
23rd Bn Royal Fusiliers
Died on 25th March 1916 aged 19
Son of George and Alice Sanderson
of 8, The Hawthorns, East Boldon
Co. Durham
Grave: 2
Private George Newsum 242070
1st Bn Lincolnshire Regiment
Died on 24th March 1918 aged 21
Son of Thomas and Louisa Newsum
of 69, Capworth St., Leyton, Essex
Grave: 2
L/Corporal Francis Larcombe 26094
2nd Bn Devonshire Regiment
Died on 30th March 1917 aged 33
Son of Mrs. and the late John Larcombe
of Marsh Green, Exeter,
Husband of Ellen Larcombe
of Beech Grove Lodge, Luscombe, Dawlish
Grave: 1