Aubigny Communal Cemetery Extension

Historical Information (Source: CWGC)

Before March, 1916, Aubigny was in the area of the French Tenth Army, and 327 French soldiers were buried in the Extension to the West of what is now Plot IV. From March 1916 to the Armistice, Aubigny was held by Commonwealth troops and burials were made in the Extension until September 1918. The 42nd Casualty Clearing Station buried in it during the whole period, the 30th in 1916 and 1917, the 24th and 1st Canadian in 1917 (during the capture of Vimy Ridge by the Canadian Corps) and the 57th in 1918.

 

The Extension now contains 2,771 Commonwealth burials of the First World War and seven from the Second World War. There are also 227 French burials made prior to March 1916, and 64 German war graves. The Extension was designed by Sir Reginald Blomfield.

 

Served with

  • United Kingdom (2068)
  • Canadian (666)
  • German (63)
  • South African (50)
  • Australian (4)
  • New Zealand (2)

Served in

  • Army (2723)
  • Air Force (78)
  • Navy (52)
Aubigny Com Cem Ext
PDF – 49,7 KB

VICTORIA CROSS

Private Claude Joseph Patrick NUNNEY - 410935 - 38th Bn. Canadian Infantry

Died 18 September 1918  Age 25

Country of Service: Canadian

Awards: Victoria Cross, Distinguished Conduct Medal, Military Medal

Nunney London Gazette
PDF – 129,2 KB

Citation

An extract from the "London Gazette" Supplement (No. 31067, of 13th Dec., 1918) records the following:-"For most conspicuous bravery during the operations against the Drocourt-Queant line on Sept. 1st and 2nd, 1918. On Sept. 1st, when his battalion was in the vicinity of Vis-en-Artois, preparatory to the advance, the enemy laid down a heavy barrage and counter-attacked. Pte. Nunney, who was at this time at company headquarters, immediately on his own initiative proceeded through the barrage to the company outpost lines, going from post to post and encouraging the men by his own fearless example. The enemy were repulsed and a critical situation was saved. During the attack on Sept. 2nd, his dash continually placed him in advance of his companions, and his fearless example undoubtedly helped greatly to carry the company forward to its objectives."

Grave Reference: IV. B. 39.

(Source: Wikipedia)