The Western Front Today - Oosttaverne Wood Cemetery
Oosttaverne Wood cemetery is adjacent to the memorial to the 19th (Western or 'Butterfly') Division. The cemetery was established in June 1917 during the Messines battle. Following the war many surrounding graves were moved into Oosttaverne Wood Cemetery.
The cemetery contains 913 U.K. burials, 133 Canadian, 43 Australian, 19 New Zealand, 1 French plus an unknown number of German graves. Behind the cemetery are two German bunkers. There are also 117 Second World War burials of British soldiers who fell during the withdrawal to Dunkirk.
Film Footage of Oosttaverne Wood
References:
Before Endeavours Fade, Rose E.B. Coombs, After the Battle 1994
Major & Mrs Holt's Battlefield Guide - Somme, Leo Cooper 2000
A respirator was a gas mask in which air was inhaled through a metal box of chemicals.
- Did you know?
