Hedge Row Trench Cemetery
Location
Hedge Row Trench Cemetery is located 4 km south east of Ieper town centre, on the Verbrandemolenstraat a road leading from the Komenseweg, connecting Ieper to Komen (N336).
From Ieper town centre the Komenseweg is located via the Rijselsestraat, through the Rijselpoort (Lille Gate) and crossing the Ieper ring road, towards Armentières and Lille. The road name then changes to Rijselseweg.
1 km along the Rijselseweg lies the left hand turning onto Komenseweg. 2.5 km along the Komenseweg lies the right hand turning onto the Vaartstraat. 900 metres along the Vaartstraat lies the left hand turning onto the Verbrandemolenstraat. 400 metres along the Verbrandemolenstraat a short distance from the road is the cemetery.
Visitors to this site should note the 100 metre grassed access path leading to the cemetery which is not accessible by vehicle.
| GPS | N | E | OSM |
|---|---|---|---|
| Decimal | 50.81937 | 2.91383 | Map |
In other words ! Coming out of Ieper follow the N336 until you turn left immediately before the railway line, following numerous CWGC Panels including Railway Dugouts which you will pass shortly on your right.
Just after this you will see Blauwepoort Farm Cemetery to your right and within a kilometre you will turn right following the CWGC panels for this group of cemeteries.
A short distance later as you turn left into the trees you keep going straight on at the next intersection and within a few hundred metres you will come to a small parking bay and panels guiding you to the three cemeteries in this locality.
The grass path splits within a hundred metres. Straight on will bring you to Woods Cemetery. Taking the path to your right will bring you to the 1st DCLI Cemetery. Continuing along the front of that cemetery (passing its gate) and then turning right will bring you to Hedge Row Trench Cemetery.
Historical Information
The commune of Zillebeke contains many Commonwealth cemeteries as the front line trenches ran through it during the greater part of the First World War. Hedge Row Trench Cemetery was begun in March 1915 and used until August 1917, sometimes under the name of Ravine Wood Cemetery.
Three haversacks along the front of the cemetery
Items pertaining to Gunner James Banks
The cemetery suffered very severely from shell fire, and after the Armistice the positions of the individual graves could not be found or reconstructed. The headstones are therefore arranged symmetrically round the Cross of Sacrifice.
The cemetery contains 98 First World War burials.
The cemetery was designed by J R Truelove.
11th Bn Royal Scots
Died on 15th October 1915 aged 28
Husband of Isabella Black,
of Dargall Cottage, Buckhaven, Fifeshire
11th Bn Royal Scots
Died on 15th October 1915
Grave: Special Memorial A 6
Grave: Special Memorial A 7
8th Bn The Buffs (East Kent Regiment)
Died on 4th November 1915
8th Bn The Buffs (East Kent Regiment)
Died on 4th November 1915 aged 19
Son of Mrs Sarah Puckett,
of 73 Armitage Rd, East Greenwich, London
Special Memorial E 6
Special Memorial E 7
Gunner James Banks 650321
C Bty 86th Army Bde,
Royal Field Artillery
Died on 28th July 1917 aged 21
Son of Walter and Jane Banks.
Native of Edinburgh.
Special Memorial B 5
Other cemeteries in the area
You will already have passed 1st DCLI Cemetery and may now wish to visit Woods Cemetery.
Return by the same route by which you have arrived (Via 1st DCLI), continuing straight down along the forest path may seem quicker but it actually brings you out on the far side of the parking bay and in an area that can get very muddy underfoot.
If you insist because it is sunny ! Just after the pond take the laneway to your left and turn left again at the barrier. You now pass the back of Woods Cemetery and should be able to see your vehicle and the pathway back up to the three cemeteries.