Hangard Wood British Cemetery
Location
Hangard is a village between Domart and Démuin. The road to Villers-Bretonneux goes due north from the village, up a steep hillside. After 2 kilometres it passes between the two portions of Hangard Wood, and Hangard Wood British Cemetery will be found at this point.
| GPS | N | E | OSM |
|---|---|---|---|
| Decimal | 49.83699 | 2.50768 | Map |
Historical Information
At the end of March 1918, Hangard was at the junction of the French and Commonwealth forces defending Amiens. Between 4th and 25th April, the village and Hangard Wood were the scene of incessant fighting, in which the line was held and the 18th Division were particularly heavily engaged.
In July 1918, the site of the cemetery was in German hands, but it was cleared by the Canadian Corps early on 8th August 1918, and the Corps Burial Officer began this cemetery later in the month. A number of graves of April 1918, as well of those of August, were brought in, and after the Armistice other graves of April 1918, were concentrated from Villers-Bretonneux, and of October 1916, from other parts of the Somme battlefield.
The cemetery now contains 141 Commonwealth burials of the First World War, 39 of which are unidentified. There are also 14 French burials in the cemetery.
Hangard Wood directly behind the cemetery
445312 Private John Croak VC
13th Bn Canadian Infantry
Canadian Scottish
Died on 8th August 1918 aged 26
Son of James and Cecelia Croak
of New Aberdeen, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia
Born at Little Bay, Newfoundland
Grave: I A 9
Do you wish
To show your gratitude
Kneel down and pray
For my soul
The London Gazette 30922
24th September 1918
For most conspicuous bravery in attack when having become separated from his section he encountered a machine gun nest, which he bombed and silenced, taking the gun and crew prisoners. Shortly afterwards he was severely wounded, but refused to desist. Having rejoined his platoon, a very strong point, containing several machine guns, was encountered.
Private Croak, however, seeing an opportunity, dashed forward alone and was almost immediately followed by the remainder of the platoon in a brilliant charge. He was the first to arrive at the trench line, into which he led his men, capturing three machine guns and bayonetting or capturing the entire garrison.
The perseverance and valour of this gallant soldier,who was again severely wounded, and died of his wounds, were an inspiring example to all.
Private E McLoughlin 5598
2nd Regiment South African Infantry
Died on 12th October 1916 aged 32
Son of Arthur and Maria McLoughlin
of 13, Zareba St., Port Elizabeth, South Africa
Grave: II D 13
Private John Walker 799926
15th Bn Canadian Infantry
48th Highlanders of Canada
Died on 8th August 1918 aged 19
Son of John and Hannah Walker
of 115, Bingham Avenue, Toronto, Ontario.
Grave: I B 8
Private Andrew Gibson 193062
15th Bn Canadian Infantry
48th Highlanders of Canada
Died on 8th August 1918 aged 28
Son of Mr. and Mrs. John Gibson
of Scotland
Husband of Jeannie Gibson
of 576, John St. North, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
Native of Blairgowrie, Scotland
Grave: I B 10
To the memory of a loving
Husband and Daddy
Son and Brother
Captain Norman Maclean
13th Bn Canadian Infantry
Canadian Scottish
Died on 8th August 1918 aged 27
Son of Roderick and Isabella Maclean
of Clifton Lodge, Inverness, Scotland
Two other brothers also fell
Grave: I A 1
Caporal Max Petermann
Régiment de Marche de la Légion étrangère
Born in Germany 7th November 1885
Died on 26th April 1918
Grave: II B 13