POST OFFICE RIFLES CEMETERY
Festubert
Pas de Calais
France
General Directions: Festubert is a village and commune in Pas-de-Calais, 8 kilometres east of Bethune. Take the D171 from Bethune to Armentieres, passing in front of Le Touret Cemetery. After another 2 kilometres turn right on to the D166 and continue into Festubert, approximately 2 kilometres. At the crossroads, take the right hand road (direction Beuvry) and continue for another 1 kilometre. The Cemetery will be found on the right hand side.
Festubert was occupied by Commonwealth forces in October 1914 and on 23-24 November, the Indian Corps repulsed a German attack. The Battle of Festubert (15-25 May 1915) resulted in a short advance which left the village somewhat less exposed than it had been, and from then until 9 April 1918 and the beginning of the Battle of the Lys, this sector was quiet. Festubert was held by the 55th (West Lancashire) Division against the German assault, and successive attacks lasting through the month were repelled by the 1st and other Divisions. It remained an outpost for Commonwealth forces until the final advance began in September 1918. Post Office Rifles Cemetery was used in April-June 1915, before and during the Battles of Aubers Ridge and Festubert; it then contained 40 graves, of which 38 belonged to the London Regiment (chiefly the 8th Battalion). It was increased after the Armistice when graves were brought in from the surrounding battlefields, and in particular from the part of the line defended by the 55th Division in April 1918.
Casualty Details: UK 398, Canada 1, India 1, Total Burials: 400
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1965 Rifleman Leonard Steven Stephens 18th Bn. London Regiment (London Irish Rifles) 04/05/1915, aged 21. Son of Kate Broadhead Stevens, of "The Langdales," 5, Epsom Rd., Croydon, and the late Edward Stevens. Plot I. D. 2
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