Menin Road South Military Cemetery, Belgium

On Saturday 21st April 2018 a rededication service was held at CWGC Menin Road South Military Cemetery in Ieper, Belgium, for:

Private Cecil Henry Burns, of 46th Battalion Australian Imperial Force

Driver Henry Martin Comerford, of 5th Field Artillery Brigade, Australian Imperial Force

 

The circumstances surrounding Pte Burns death on 19 October 1917, or how he came to be buried as an Unknown Australian Soldier of the 46th Battalion, are unknown. 

 

In early November 1917, the 5th Field Artillery Brigade were based near Westhoek Ridge in Belgium supporting the attacks on Broodseinde Ridge and Passchendaele. At some time during this period, Dvr Comerford was badly wounded and died of his wounds on 7 November 1917. For reasons unknown, Dvr Comerford was buried as an Unknown Soldier of the Australian Field Artillery.

 

In 2015 researchers from the Fallen Diggers organisation pieced together evidence from a variety of sources to confirm that the two unknown soldiers graves in Menin Road South Military Cemetery were in fact the graves of Pte Burns and Dvr Comerford.

 

The service has been organised by the Australian Defence Force (ADF). In attendance will be 15 members of the ADF as well as local dignitaries and volunteers. 

 

Private BURNS, CECIL HENRY  Service Number 2869

Died 19/10/1917 Aged 25  46th Bn. Australian Infantry, A.I.F.

Son of George and Fanny Maria Burns, 109, Ingall St., Mayfield, NSW. Native of Singleton, NSW.

INSCRIPTION: "RESTING IN PEACE IN A FOREIGN LAND REMEMBERED BY THOSE YOU LEFT BEHIND"  III. J. 11

 

Driver COMERFORD, HENRY MARTIN  Service Number 29927

Died 07/11/1917  Aged 28  5th Bde. Australian Field Artillery

Son of John Comerford, of Mintaro, South Australia, and the late Ellen Comerford.

INSCRIPTION: "I ONCE WAS LOST BUT NOW AM FOUND" III. M. 5

 

Menin Road South MC Sat 21Apr2018 Order of Service
PDF – 1,1 MB