Loos Memorial

Historical Information (Source: CWGC)

The name "Dud Corner" is believed to be due to the large number of unexploded enemy shells found in the neighbourhood after the Armistice. 

The Loos Memorial commemorates over 20,000 officers and men who have no known grave, who fell in the area from the River Lys to the old southern boundary of the First Army, east and west of Grenay, from the first day of the Battle of Loos to the end of the war. On either side of the cemetery is a wall 15 feet high, to which are fixed tablets on which are carved the names of those commemorated. At the back are four small circular courts, open to the sky, in which the lines of tablets are continued, and between these courts are three semicircular walls or apses, two of which carry tablets, while on the centre apse is erected the Cross of Sacrifice. The memorial was designed by Sir Herbert Baker with sculpture by Charles Wheeler. It was unveiled by Sir Nevil Macready on 4 August 1930.

 

Served with

  • United Kingdom (20645)

Served in

  • Army (20645)
Loos Memorial
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VICTORIA CROSS

Lieutenant Colonel Angus Falconer DOUGLAS-HAMILTON - Commanding 6th Bn. Cameron Highlanders

Died 26 September 1915 Age 52

Country of Service: United Kingdom

Awards: Victoria Cross

Douglas Hamilton London Gazette
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Citation

An extract from The "London Gazette," dated 18th Nov., 1915, recorded the following:-"For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty when commanding his battalion during operations on 25th and 26th September, 1915, on Hill 70. On the 26th, when the battalions on his right and left had retired, he rallied his own battalion again and again, and led his men forward four times. The last time he led all that remained, consisting of about fifty men, in a most gallant manner and was killed at their head. It was mainly due to his bravery, untiring energy and splendid leadership that the line at this point was enabled to check the enemy's advance."

Grave Reference: Panel 119.

(Source: Wikipedia)


Rifleman George PEACHMENT - R/11941 - 2nd Bn. King's Royal Rifle Corps

Died 25 September 1915 Age 18

Country of Service: United Kingdom

Awards: Victoria Cross

Peachment London Gazette
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Citation

An extract from "The London Gazette", dated 18th Nov., 1915, records the following:-"For most conspicuous bravery near Hulluch on 25th Sept., 1915. During very heavy fighting, when our front line was compelled to retire in order to re-organise, Pte. Peachment, seeing his Company Commander, Captain Dubs, lying wounded, crawled to assist him. The enemy's fire was intense, but, though there was a shell hole quite close, in which a few men had taken cover, Pte. Peachment never thought of saving himself. He knelt in the open by his Officer and tried to help him, but while doing this he was first wounded by a bomb and a minute later mortally wounded by a rifle bullet. He was one of the youngest men in his battalion and gave this splendid example of courage and self-sacrifice."

Grave Reference: Panel 101.

(Source: Wikipedia)


Second Lieutenant Frank Bernard WEARNE - 3rd Bn. attd. 10th Bn. Essex Regiment

Died 28 June 1917 Age 23

Country of Service: United Kingdom

Awards: Victoria Cross, Mentioned in Despatches

Wearne London Gazette
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Citation

An extract from The London Gazette dated 31st July, 1917, records the following:- "For most conspicuous bravery when in command of a small party on the left of a raid on the enemy's trenches. He gained his objective in the face of much opposition and by his magnificent example and daring was able to maintain this position for a considerable time, according to instructions. During this period 2nd Lt. Wearne and his small party were repeatedly counter-attacked. Grasping the fact that if the left flank was lost his men would have to give way, 2nd Lt. Wearne, at a moment when the enemy's attack was being heavily pressed and when matters were most critical, leapt on the parapet and, followed by his left section, ran along the top of the trench, firing and throwing bombs. This unexpected and daring manoeuvre threw the enemy off his guard and back in disorder. Whilst on the top of the trench 2nd Lt. Wearne was severely wounded, but refused to leave his men. Afterwards he remained in the trench directing operations, consolidating his position and encouraging all ranks. Just before the order to withdraw was given, this gallant officer was again severely hit for the second time, and while being carried away was mortally wounded. By his tenacity in remaining at his post though severely wounded, and his magnificent fighting spirit, he was enabled to hold on to the flank."

Grave Reference: Panel 85.

(Source: Wikipedia)


Lieutenant KIPLING, JOHN  -  Died 27/09/1915 Aged 18 - 2nd Bn. Irish Guards

Only son of Rudyard and Carrie Kipling, of Batemans, Burwash, Sussex.

Identified and buried in St. Mary's A.D.S. cemetery, Haines.

 


Captain Fergus Bowes-Lyon (18 April 1889 – 27 September 1915) was a British soldier and older brother of Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, Queen consort of the United Kingdom from 1936 until 1952, and generally known in Britain as the Queen Mother. Bowes-Lyon was killed during World War I. He was a maternal uncle of Elizabeth II.