The possible whereabouts of the graves of those with no known grave

The possible whereabouts of the graves of those with no known grave

1922 - 1927

There are a number of likely locations for the graves of those soldiers of the Royal Irish Regiment who fell at Le Pilly and who have no known grave. They are suggested by the location of the graves of those who were originally buried at, or near to, where they were killed in action and who were subsequently exhumed, identified and then reburied in military cemeteries: Privates Edward Byrne 10896, Daniel Cronin 10888, John Murphy 8804 and Patrick Sweeney 6645 were originally buried close to (it is assumed) where they fell at Le Pilly by the Germans – approximately where D Company were positioned on the battalion’s right flank (see image and map in ‘images’). The CWGC concentration form gives the co-ordinates of the location where their bodies were found (36.T.5.b.30.05.) along with 2 other unknown British soldiers. They were buried together "in one grave and are believed to be proper German Burials". Four out of the six bodies were identified as soldiers of the Royal Irish Regiment (through clothing, boots, G.S.buttons, numerals and discs). The bodies were exhumed in April 1927 and reburied in Bailleul Road East Cemetery, St Laurent Blangy. It is possible that others were similarly buried close to where they fell but that their bodies were not discovered. Private Joseph Dempsey 10766 was originally buried very close to the station in Le Pilly along with at least three other unidentified British soldiers (one of which was identified as a Lieutenant of the Royal Irish Regiment) The CWGC concentration form gives the co-ordinates of the location of their graves as 36.T.5.d.60.85. They were exhumed in 1922 and reburied in Rue Petillon Military cemetery. The close proximity of the original site of their graves to the station (actually in the garden next to the building) suggests that they may have been among those wounded who were treated by Lieutenant Jackson of the RAMC between October 20th and 23rd who subsequently died and were then buried nearby. Privates Patrick Doyle 5938, Robert Morrissey 6388 and William Roberts 10941 were buried by the Germans in Fournes-en-Weppes German Military Cemetery, a short distance from Le Pilly, in October 1914 (co-ordinates 36.O.31.d.8.2 – see image and map in ‘images’). After the war, their bodies were exhumed and reburied in Cabaret-Rouge British Cemetery along with at least 32 other unidentified British soldiers from the same location, two of whom were officers of the Royal Irish Regiment. It is reasonable to assume that these men are some of those who fell at Le Pilly. It is also possible that others were not discovered and exhumed and so remain in Fournes-en-Weppes German Military Cemetery. It is to be hoped that with time and more attention given to the matter, the location of the graves of those many others still unaccounted for will become clear.

Created by: , Patrick63223

  • Profile picture for Michael Griffin

    Born 1882

    Died 1914

    British Army 4892 Private Royal Irish Regiment 4th Battalion (Reserve)

    British Army 4892 Private Royal Irish Regiment 3rd Battalion (Special Reserve)

    British Army 6212 Private Royal Irish Regiment 2nd Battalion