Historical Information (Source: CWGC)

Beuvry village was largely occupied during the War by Royal Engineers, Supply units and Artillery horse-lines. It remained in British possession even during the German offensive of April, 1918.

The Cemetery Extension was begun in March, 1916, and used by units and field ambulances until October, 1918. After the Armistice graves were concentrated into it from the battlefields of 1914-18, North and East of Bethune. The Extension covers an area of 846 square metres and is enclosed on two sides by a rubble wall. There are now 206 Commonwealth burials of the 1914-18 war, 32 being unidentified, commemorated here. There are a further 18 Commonwealth burials of the 1939-45 war commemorated in this site. There is 1 unidentified French soldier of the 1914-18 war buried here. The burials in the adjacent Communal Cemetery are subject to a separate register entry.

Citation

The following details were given in the London Gazette supplement of October 18th, 1918. Sjt. Edward Smith, D.C.M., Lancashire Fusiliers, while in command of a platoon, personally took a machine gun post with rifle and bayonet, killing at least six of the enemy, regardless of the hand grenades they flung at him. Later he led his men to the assistance of another platoon he saw in difficulties, took command, and captured the objective. During the counter attack next day he led forward a section and restored a portion of the line. His personal bravery, skill and initiative were outstanding, and his conduct throughout an inspiring example to all.

Grave Reference: I. B. 7.

(Source: Wikipedia)