Y RAVINE CEMETERY
Beaumont-Hamel
Somme
France
General Directions: Using the D919 from Arras to Amiens you will drive through the villages of Bucquoy, Puisieux then Serre Les Puisieux (approximately 20 kilometres south of Arras). On leaving Serre Les Puisieux, 3 kilometres further along the D919, turn left following the signs for Auchonvillers. At the crossroads in the village centre, follow the signs for 'Newfoundland Park, Beaumont Hamel'. "Y" Ravine Cemetery is located within the Park.
"Y" Ravine runs East and West about 800 metres South of the village, from "Station Road" to the front line of July, 1916; it was a deep ravine with steep sides, lined with dug-outs, and extending two short arms at the West end. The village of Beaumont-Hamel was attacked and reached on the 1st July, 1916, by units of the 29th Division (which included the Royal Newfoundland Regiment), but it could not be held. It was attacked again and captured, with the Ravine, by the 51st (Highland) Division on the 13th November, 1916. The Newfoundland Memorial Park, and the 29th and 51st Divisional Memorials within it, commemorate these engagements, and "Y" Ravine Cemetery is within the Park. The village was later "adopted", with three others in the Somme, by the City of Winchester. The cemetery was made by the V Corps in the spring of 1917, when these battlefields were cleared. It was called originally "Y" Ravine Cemetery No. 1; No. 2 cemetery was concentrated after the Armistice into Ancre British Cemetery, Beaumont-Hamel.
Further Information: As the cemetery is located inside the Newfoundland Memorial Park, it is necessary to leave your vehicle in the car parking area across from the entrance to the park. There is then a 10-15 minute walk across the park before reaching the cemetery, it should also be noted that the surface of the park can be treacherous in inclement weather.
Casualty Details: UK 383, Canada 45, Total Burials: 428
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