Villers-Guislain: First World War memorials

First World War memorials

The First World War memorials connect Villers-Guislain with several specific places of remembrance. These include the Indian War Memorial and the Gauche Wood, Meath, Villers Hill and Targelle cemeteries. Their locations, historical dates and respective commemoration figures differ. When planning a stay, it is worth considering these aspects together with the route conditions for each cemetery.

Memorial and cemeteries

The Indian government erected the Indian War Memorial in Villers-Guislain as a First World War memorial. It is located south of the village on the D89 (Rue de la Somme). Its construction and dedication provide historical context for the memorial; the road reference indicates its location. The cemeteries have additional points of reference: their periods of establishment or use, and the figures for burials and commemorations.

Gauche Wood Cemetery is located in Bois Gauché in Villers-Guislain and contains 48 First World War burials and commemorations. The last 200 metres to the cemetery are along an unpaved farm track that is unsuitable for vehicles. Take this restriction into account when travelling there. As rural route conditions can change, check the state of the farm track in advance.

Meath Cemetery contains 125 First World War burials and commemorations. It is located on a communal road near the place name “Le champ des pavillons”. A two-kilometre farm track leads from the main road to the cemetery; it may be difficult to drive on after wet or icy weather. The information describes two different route references: the communal road and place name locate the cemetery, while the farm track describes the access route from the main road. When planning, bear in mind that the track’s passability may depend on the weather.

Villers Hill British Cemetery is also located on a communal road. It was begun on 3 October 1918 and used until mid-October. Its former name was Middlesex Cemetery, Gloucester Road. The cemetery contains 732 First World War burials and commemorations for members of the Commonwealth. The start date and period of use are distinct here: the October date marks the beginning, while use continued until mid-month.

Targelle Ravine British Cemetery was established in September and October 1918. It is located about 1.5 kilometres south of Villers-Guislain, on the northern side of a shallow valley. It commemorates 114 First World War casualties, including seven unidentified casualties. This combines an approximate location, a period of establishment and a specific commemoration figure.

Historical details compared

For a comparison over time, it is worth distinguishing establishment from use: Targelle was established in September and October 1918; for Villers Hill, the start date is given as 3 October and use continued until mid-October. The commemoration figures also do not all refer to the same type of information. Gauche Wood, Meath and Villers Hill contain burials and commemorations, whereas the number of casualties is given for Targelle. These differences help put the history of each cemetery into context, rather than treating the figures as a single combined total.

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