KEMMEL CHATEAU MILITARY CEMETERY

Heuvelland

West-Vlaanderen

Belgium

GENERAL DIRECTIONS: Leave Ieper via the Lille Gate, and take the signs for Armentieres (N365), after 900m just before the railway crossing turn right onto Kemmelseweg. Upon reaching the village of Kemmel the first right turn leads into Reningelstraat, a further 600m along this road is a right turn into Nieuwstraat, the cemetery is on the right.

Kemmel Chateau was north-east of the village and this cemetery was started on the north side of the chateau grounds in December 1914. It continued to be used by divisions fighting on the southern sector of the Belgian front until it fell into enemy hands in April 1918. The cemetery was finally retaken later in 1918, but in the meantime had been badly damaged by shellfire and the chateau itself destroyed.

Shot at Dawn: Private S. Stewart, 2nd Bn. Royal Scots Fusiliers, executed for desertion 29/08/1917, Row G. 66. Private J. Smith, 17th Bn. King’s Liverpool Regiment, executed for desertion 05/09/1917, Row M. 25.

CASUALTY DETAILS: UK 1030; Canada 80; Australia 24; New Zealand 1; Total Burials: 1135