Givenchy-en-Gohelle Canadian
Location
The Canadian Cemetery stands on the western slopes of Vimy Ridge above the village of Souchez. The Cemetery is best reached by car or by foot from the village of Souchez, which is situated on the D937 Arras-Bethune road. Starting from the village square, the cemetery is signposted by CWGC directional signs and is approximately 3 kilometres outside of the village.
So says the CWGC. The road is absolutely dreadful — a collection of washed out pot-holes held together by will power that would give a tracked vehicle difficulty. Don’t bother, go up to the Canadian Memorial.
From the Canadian Memorial Park continue past the monument’s car park for a few hundred metres. There is a riding club and stables on your left and you can park out the front. Walk down the lane way on the left of the riding club. It may well be muddy under foot and you have about a ten minute walk in front of you.
| GPS | N | E | OSM |
|---|---|---|---|
| Decimal | 50.38425 | 2.75864 | Map |
You will eventually reach Givenchy Canadian Cemetery.
Historical Information
Givenchy-en-Gohelle was taken by the 2nd Canadian Division on the 13th April 1917 and remained in British hands during the rest of the War.
The Canadian Cemetery was begun by the Canadian Corps, under the name of CD 20, in March 1917, and used until May; two further graves were added in March 1918. At this time the Canadian Corps Burial Officer did not, as a rule, name cemeteries but had them serially lettered and numbered.
There are now over 150, 1914-18 war casualties commemorated in this site. Of these, nearly one-fifth are unidentified and special memorials are erected to 15 Canadian soldiers believed to be buried among them.
The cemetery covers an area of 308 square metres and is enclosed by a low rubble wall.
32nd Bn Canadian Infantry
British Columbia Regiment
Died on 9th April 1917 aged 22
Son of Harry and Maude Eamer-Goult,
of 471. 18th Avenue West, South Vancouver
Native of London, England
42nd Bn Canadian Infantry
Québec Regiment
Died on 9th April 1917 aged 18
Son of William and Christina MacMichael,
of East Galloway, Kent Co.
New Brunswick
Grave: Grave: B2
Grave: Grave: B4
78th Bn Canadian Infantry
Manitoba Regiment
Died on 9th April 1917
78th Bn Canadian Infantry
Manitoba Regiment
Died on 9th April 1917 aged 28
Grandson of George Dargie,
of Mylnefield Fens, Invergowrie, Scotland
Grave: Grave: B3
Grave: Grave: B5
A Soldier of the Great War
78th Bn Canadian Infantry
Manitoba Regiment
Other cemeteries in the area
The wooded area behind the cemetery is private hunting ground, but walking along the track you can still see the ravages of war and if the vegetation is clear enough the vestiges of the Crosbie Group of craters can be seen.
The cemetery is not far from the Pimple. You could continue past the cemetery to the intersection and turn right. A few hundred metres later there is an entrance into a field from which you can see the top of the Canadian Memorial. If you enter the field and look down the track leading along the left-hand side you will see a small monument.
Alternatively go back to your car and drive/walk from the other side.