Ration Farm (La Plus Douve) Annex
Location
Ration Farm (La Plus Douve) Annex is located 10.5 km south of Ieper town centre on a road leading from the Rijselseweg (N365) which connects Ieper to Wijtschate, 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. On reaching the town of Mesen the first right hand turning leads onto the Nieuwkerkestraat (N314). 2 km along the Nieuwkerkestraat lies the left hand turning onto Plus Douve.
The cemetery lies 500 metres along Plus Douve on the right hand side of the track.
| GPS | N | E | OSM |
|---|---|---|---|
| Decimal | 50.75363 | 2.86449 | Map |
You will think that you are driving into a farmyard. Parking near the large hangar allows you to easily visit both cemeteries on foot.
La Plus Douve Farm Cemetery on the far side of the farm
Historical Information
In the valley of the river Douve, north of Ploegsteert Wood, were two farms. ‘La Petite Douve’ was the object of a successful raid by the 7th Canadian Infantry Battalion in November 1915 and ‘La Plus Douve’, which was generally within the Allied lines, was used at times as a battalion headquarters. It was also known as Ration Farm because battalion transport could approach it at night with rations.
Ration Farm (La Plus Douve) Annexe was begun in January 1915 and used until January 1918. It contains 202 Commonwealth burials of the First World War.
The cemetery was designed by G H Goldsmith.
Lance Corporal Henry Bird S/14835
11th Bn Rifle Brigade
Died on 22nd July 1916 aged 22
Son of Charles Bird
of 92, Cornwall Rd, Notting Hill, London
Grave: III B 2