Historical Information (Source: CWGC)

Le Quesnel Communal Cemetery Extension was created by the Canadian Corps Burial Officers in August, 1918. Three graves were transferred here from Fresnoy-en-Chaussee Churchyard in 1934 to ensure perpetuity and proper maintenance. 

There are now over 60, 1914-18 and a small number of 1939-45 war casualties commemorated in this site.The Extension covers an area of 486 square metres and is enclosed by a low red brick wall on three sides and by the higher wall of the Communal Cemetery on the forth.

Sergeant Edward Arkell, born in Worcestershire, England, October 10, 1894.  After been in Canada for 12 years he enlisted July 1915, in the 77th Bn (Ottawa) and left for overseas June 1916.  Severely wounded in the knee by shrapnel in the Battle of the Somme October 21, 1916 he spent some time at N° 13 General Hospital in Bologne, France.  After recovering he got transferred to the 23rd Reserve Bn Bramshott Camp and from there to Aldershot, where he successfully passed all the examinations as drill instructor.

August 6, 1917 he won the Middle-Weight Championship at Shoreham Camp. He won the Light-Heavyweight Championship of the Canadian Army held by the Canadians at Shorncliffe early 1918 and March 28, 1918, he won the boxing match in a free-for-all in the Aldershot command. 

He died August 9, 1918, at the age of 23, the date of the retaking of the village of Le Quesnel.

(Info: Toronto Star August 24, 1918)