Historical Information (Source: CWGC)

The cemetery was begun and used by the 3rd Australian and 44th Casualty Clearing Stations when they moved to Poperinghe (now Poperinge), from Brandhoek and Lijssenthoek respectively, in September 1917. Nearly all the burials in Plots I to IX came from these Casualty Clearing Stations, whilst they operated in this area during the 1917 Battle of Ypres, up until December 1917.

Plots X, XI, XIII, XIV and XV cover the dates between the beginning of March, 1918 and the 12th October, 1918, the period of the German offensive in Flanders, the British counter attacks and the final advance of August-September. The burials in these cases were carried out almost entirely by fighting units.

The cemetery contains 1,556 Commonwealth burials of the First World War and 37 German war graves from this period. There are also 22 Second World War burials in the cemetery, all dating from the Allied retreat to Dunkirk in 1940.  The cemetery was designed by Sir Reginald Blomfield.

Capt Moule was (recommended for) Mentioned in Despatches for his actions at Noreuil and Bellecourt, France, from 2 to 11 April 1917 and at Messines from 9 to 11 June 1917 and was later awarded a Military Cross (MC) for his actions near Zonnebeke and Broodseinde, Belgium, from 11 to 18 October 1917. After being wounded in the leg near Zonnebeke on 18 October 1917, he was evacuated to the 44th Casualty Clearing Station where he had his leg amputated. Capt Moule died on 19 October 1917 and was buried at Nine Elms British Cemetery, Poperinge, Belgium.

Between Zonnebeke and Broodseinde on the afternoon of the 18th October. 1917, this officer set a particularly splendid example in gallantry and dogged determination in completing his task.

Military Cross

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. When he was at a forward dump, a heavy hostile barrage was put down in the vicinity. Despite this, he commenced unloading, and although several casualties were sustained amongst the men and horses, he continued until his task was completed, when he was wounded. He set a splendid example of gallantry and dogged determination. On numerous other occasions he rendered most excellent service under heavy fire in getting forward rations and stores.'

Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 185 - Date: 27 November 1918

DCM, DSM, DSO, MC, MM, MSM