Annoeullin Communal Cemetery and German Extensions

Historical Information (Source: CWGC)

The German Extension on the South-East side of the Communal Cemetery was begun in October, 1915, and enlarged by the French after the Armistice, when 23 British graves were removed to Cabaret-Rouge British Cemetery, Souchez.

It now contains 1,600 German graves. There is now 1, 1914-1918 war grave in this site, that of Capt. Albert Ball, VC.


VICTORIA CROSS

Captain Albert BALL - 56th Sqdn. Royal Flying Corps

formerly 7th (Robin Hood) Bn. Sherwood Foresters (Notts and Derby Regiment)

Died 07 May 1917 Age 20

Country of Service: United Kingdom

Awards: Victoria Cross, Distinguished Service Order and 2 Bars, Military Cross, Mentioned in Despatches

Ball London Gazette
PDF – 127,1 KB

Citation

An extract from the "London Gazette" dated 8th June 1917, records the following:- "For most conspicuous and consistent bravery from the 25th of April to the 6th of May, 1917, during which period Capt. Ball took part in twenty-six combats in the air and destroyed eleven hostile aeroplanes, drove down two out of control, and forced several others to land. In these combats Capt. Ball, flying alone, on one occasion fought six hostile machines, twice he fought five and once four. When leading two other British aeroplanes he attacked an enemy formation of eight. On each of these occasions he brought down at least one enemy. Several times his aeroplane was badly damaged, once so seriously that but for the most delicate handling his machine would have collapsed, as nearly all the control wires had been shot away. On returning with a damaged machine he had always to be restrained from immediately going out on another. In all, Capt. Ball has destroyed forty-three German aeroplanes and one balloon, and has always displayed most exceptional courage, determination and skill."

Grave Reference: Grave 643.

(Source: Wikipedia)