A haven of peace, a place of rest for many young fallen.
A beautiful cemetery located on Maple Avenue. This avenue of maple trees more or less follows the former second British line. The entrance to this cemetery is monumental. The columns create a status of respect for those who rest here. This collective cemetery contains the graves of 1,990 Commonwealth soldiers. The cemetery itself, located more or less just behind the former second British line, was originally a frontline cemetery that was already in use from May - August 1915. The oldest graves are located around the Cross of Sacrifice. Lieutenant Gilbert Walter Lyttelton TALBOT also rests near the Cross of Sacrifice. The Talbot house in Poperinge was named after him. Talbot house in Poperinge is also worth a visit.
Also resting on this cemetery is a German Knight Aviator, Hans Roser, who was shot down in the vicinity of this site on 12 July 1915. He has been given a place against the rear wall, in the shadow of the Cross of Sacrifice. On the street side there is also a Celtic cross monument to the missing Second Lieutenant Thomas Keith Hedley Rae. He was one of the casualties of the first German flamethrower attack on 30 July 1915 at Hooge Crater.
This private monument originally stood at Hooge Castle Park, but it was moved to this location due to neglect.
Yet again a place of reflection on so many young lives that have passed away too soon.