The cemetery was begun in readiness for the British offensives in the Salient in 1917. It was located next to a Dressing Station and was in use from June 1917 to December 1917. Of the graves, 148 are men from the Guards or the Guards Machine Gun Regiments. Two graves were added after the Armistice and the French graves were removed. There are nine World War Two graves. Elverdinge village was a major centre for British railways, hospitals, supply depots and camps, and a light railway ran along the road from the village to the front line. Elverdinge Chateau, until it was accidentally burnt down by British cooks, was a headquarters used by several units.
Son of an MP Buried Here
The only son of Rt Hon. Edward Shortt, KC Liberal MP for Newcastle upon Tyne West, 1910 to 1922 and Home Secretary in David Lloyd George’s cabinet from 1919 to 22
Shot at Dawn
There are three graves of men who were court martialled for offences committed during Third Ypres. Private Thomas Hawkins, 7th Battalion Queen’s, 55th Brigade, 18th (Eastern) Division. He was already under a suspended sentence of death when he deserted. He was shot at dawn on 22 November 1917. Private Arthur Westwood, 8th Battalion East Surreys, 55th Brigade, 18th (Eastern) Division. He was shot at dawn on 23 November 1917 for desertion during the Battle of Poelcappelle. Private Frederick W Slade, 2/6th (2nd City of London Rifles) Londons, 174th Brigade, 58th (2/1st London) Division. He was shot at dawn on 14 December 1917 for disobedience having refused to go into action during the Battle of Passchendaele.
Cemetery Location
The cemetery is located to the west of the village of Elverdinge, north of Ieper, on the Elverdinge – Boezinge Road. It is next to the farm where the Dressing Station was located.
(Linesman Map)
FALKIRK DISTRICT MEN BURIED HERE
Denny & Dunipace
18521 Pte David W Halket
2nd Battalion, Coldstream Guards
24.9.17
I.E.44
Burials
UK – 437
Canadian – 1
New Foundland – 1
South African – 3
German – 1
World War Two - 9
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