Festubert is a village and commune in Pas-de-Calais, 8 kilometres east of Bethune. Take the D171 from BĂ©thune to Armentieres, passing in front of Le Touret Cemetery. After another 2 kilometres turn right on to the D166 and continue into Festubert, approximately 2 kilometres. At the crossroads, take the right hand road (direction Beuvry) and continue for another 1 kilometre. The Cemetery will be found on the right hand side.
GPS | N | E | OSM |
---|---|---|---|
Decimal | 50.54272 | 2.72553 | Map |
Festubert was occupied by Commonwealth forces in October 1914 and on 23rd-24th November, the Indian Corps repulsed a German attack.
The Battle of Festubert (15th-25th May 1915) resulted in a short advance which left the village somewhat less exposed than it had been. Except for an advance which was attempted just to the south of Festubert (the Second Action of Givenchy, 15th-16th June 1915), this sector remained quiet until 9th April 1918 and the beginning of the Battle of the Lys.
Festubert was held by the 55th (West Lancashire) Division against the German assault, and successive attacks lasting through the month were repelled by the 1st and other Divisions. It remained an outpost for Commonwealth forces until the final advance began in September 1918.
Post Office Rifles Cemetery was used in April-June 1915, before and during the Battles of Aubers Ridge and Festubert; it then contained 40 graves, of which 38 belonged to the London Regiment (chiefly the 8th Battalion). It was increased after the Armistice when graves were brought in from the surrounding battlefields, and in particular from the part of the line defended by the 55th Division in April 1918.
The cemetery now contains 400 First World War burials, 272 of which are unidentified.
The cemetery was designed by Charles Holden.
Captain Gerald Mortimer
10th Jats (Indian Army)
Died on 29th November 1914 aged 32
Son of Christian Mortimer, Canon of Lichfield,
and Lucy Mortimer
of Hill End, Woking, Surrey
Grave: II B 1
Private B Thompson 4017
2nd Bn Royal Munster Fusiliers
Died on 21st December 1914
Grave: II A 4
Sapper George Stephenson 5204
1st Field Coy, Canadian Engineers
Died on 15th June 1917
Grave: I A 15
Bugler George Graves 2629
8th Bn London Regiment
Post Offfice Rifles
Died on 18th May 1915 aged 21
Son of Henry and Elizabeth Graves
of 34, Chandos Rd, Tottenham, London
Grave: I D 8