Vraucourt Copse Cemetery

Historical Information (Source: CWGC)

Vaulx-Vraucourt was taken in the spring of 1917, lost (after severe fighting) in March 1918, and retaken in the following September. The copse from which it is named lies to the north. The cemetery originally contained 43 Commonwealth graves of 2 and 3 September 1918 (mainly of the 3rd Division) but in 1928, Plots II and III were made when graves were brought in to the space between Plot I and the road from Vaulx A.D.S. Cemetery. This latter cemetery (named from an Advanced Dressing Station) was on low and swampy ground between Vraucourt Copse Cemetery and the villages. It was begun in April and May 1917, used by the Germans in March 1918, and used again by Commonwealth troops in September 1918.

Vraucourt Copse Cemetery now contains 104 Commonwealth burials of the First World War.

 

Served with

  • United Kingdom (65)
  • Australian (33)

Served in

  • Army (98)
Vraucourt Copse
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VICTORIA CROSS

Private Hugh McIVER - 2311 - "B" Coy. 2nd Bn. Royal Scots

Died 02 September 1918 Age 28

Country of Service: United Kingdom

Awards: Victoria Cross, Military Medal and Bar

Mc Iver London Gazette
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Citation

An extract from "The London Gazette," No. 31012, dated 12th Nov., 1918, records the following:-"For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty when employed as a company runner. In spite of heavy artillery and machine-gun fire he carried messages regardless of his own safety. Single-handed he pursued an enemy scout into a machine gun post and having killed six of the garrison captured twenty prisoners with two machine guns. This gallant action enabled the company to advance unchecked. Later he succeeded at great personal risk in stopping the fire of a British Tank which was directed in error against our own troops at close range. By this very gallant action Pte. McIver undoubtedly saved many lives."

Grave Reference: I. A. 19.

(Source: Wikipedia)


Monument to honour McIver at Courcelles-le-Comte