Fillievres British Cemetery

Historical Information (Source: CWGC)

The cemetery was begun in June 1918 by the 46th Casualty Clearing station, used later by 6th Stationary Hospital, and subsequently completed by the inclusion of graves from French cemeteries and German burial grounds in the area. The cemetery was used again during the Second World War.

The cemetery now contains 81 Commonwealth burials of the First World War (eight of them unidentified) and 19 Second World War burials.

 

Served with

  • United Kingdom (89)
  • Canadian (2)
  • New Zealand (1)

Served in

  • Army (79)
  • Air Force (11)
  • Navy (2)
Fillievres BC
PDF – 22,6 KB

VICTORIA CROSS

Lieutenant Edward Felix BAXTER - 1st/8th Bn. The King's (Liverpool Regiment)

Died 18 April 1916

Country of Service: United Kingdom

Awards: Victoria Cross

Baxter London Gazette
PDF – 111,0 KB

Citation

An extract from "The London Gazette," dated 26th Sept., 1916, records the following:-"For most conspicuous bravery. Prior to a raid on the hostile line he was engaged during two nights in cutting wire close to the enemy's trenches. The enemy could be heard on the other side of the parapet. Second Lieutenant Baxter, while assisting in the wire cutting, held a bomb in his hand with the pin withdrawn ready to throw. On one occasion the bomb slipped and fell to the ground, but he instantly picked it up, unscrewed the base plug, and took out the detonator, which he smothered in the ground, thereby preventing the alarm being given, and undoubtedly saving many casualties. Later, he led the left storming party with the greatest gallantry, and was the first man into the trench shooting the sentry with his revolver. He then assisted to bomb dug-outs, and finally climbed out of the trench and assisted the last man over the parapet. After this he was not seen again, though search parties went out at once to look for him. There seems no doubt that he lost his life in his great devotion to duty." 

Grave Reference: A. 10.

(Source: Wikipedia)


Memorial at the war monument in Blairville.