Zantvoorde British Cemetery

History Information (Source: CWGC)

On 30 October 1914, the village of Zantvoorde (now Zandvoorde) was held by the 1st and 2nd Life Guards, numbering between 300 and 400 men. It was bombarded for over an hour with heavy guns and then taken by the 39th German Division and three attached battalions. The whole front of the 3rd Cavalry Division was driven back to the Klein-Zillebeke ridge. The village could not be retaken and remained in German hands until 28 September 1918. The Household Cavalry Memorial, unveiled by Lord Haig in May 1924, stands on the South side of the village at the place where part of the Brigade was annihilated in 1914. Zantvoorde British Cemetery was made after the Armistice when remains were brought in from the battlefields and nearby German cemeteries. Many were those of soldiers who died in the desperate fighting round Zantvoorde, Zillebeke and Gheluvelt in the latter part of October 1914.

 

There are now 1,583 servicemen of the First World War buried or commemorated in the cemetery. 1,135 of the burials are unidentified. Special memorials commemorate 32 soldiers buried in two of the German cemeteries whose graves could not be found on concentration.

 

The cemetery also contains one Second World War burial. The cemetery was designed by Charles Holden.

 

Served with

·         United Kingdom (444)

·         Canadian (5)

·         Australian (1)

·         Indian (1)

Served in

·         Army (447)

·         Air Force (4)

Zantvoorde British
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VICTORIA CROSS

Captain James Anson Otho BROOKE - 2nd Bn. Gordon Highlanders

Died 29 October 1914 Age 30

Country of Service: United Kingdom

Awards: Victoria Cross, Mentioned in Despatches

Brooke London Gazette
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Citation

An extract from "The London Gazette," dated 16th Feb., 1915, records the following:-"For conspicuous bravery and great ability near Gheluvelt on the 29th October, in leading two attacks on the German trenches under heavy rifle and machine-gun fire, regaining a lost trench at a very critical moment. He was killed on that day. By his marked coolness and promptitude on this occasion Lieutenant Brooke prevented the enemy from breaking through our line, at a time when a general counter-attack could not have been organised."

Grave Reference: VI. E. 2.

(Source: Wikipedia)


Serjeant Louis McGUFFIE - 240693 - 1st/5th Bn. King's Own Scottish Borderers

Died 04 October 1918 Age 24

Country of Service: United Kingdom

Awards: Victoria Cross

Mc Guffie London Gazette
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Citation

An extract from "The London Gazette," dated 13th Dec., 1918, records the following:-"For most conspicuous bravery and resourceful leadership under heavy fire near Wytschaete on 28th September, 1918. During the advance to Piccadilly Farm, he, single-handed, entered several enemy dugouts and took many prisoners, and during subsequent operations dealt similarly with dugout after dugout, forcing one officer and twenty-five other ranks to surrender. During the consolidation of the first objective he pursued and brought back several of the enemy who were slipping away, and he was also instrumental in rescuing some British soldiers who were being led off as prisoners. Later in the day, when in command of a platoon, he led it with the utmost dash and resource, capturing many prisoners. This very gallant soldier was subsequently killed by a shell.

Grave Reference: I. D. 12.

(Source: Wikipedia)