The Western Front Today - Martinpuich Cemetery
Updated - Sunday, 8 September, 2002

Martinpuich cemetery is situated in the village of Martinpuich.  Formerly in German hands it was captured by the 15th (Scottish) Division on 15 September 1916 as part of the Somme Offensive.  As with many other local sites it was retaken by the German Army during the great Spring offensive of 1918; it finally fell to the British once more in August 1918.

The cemetery was established in November 1916 and used by local units and field ambulances until June 1917 (and again in August 1918).  In 1931 ten graves were relocated from Martinpuich communal cemetery and relocated to the this cemetery.

The cemetery contains approximately 100 burials.

References:
Before Endeavours Fade, Rose E.B. Coombs, After the Battle 1994
Major & Mrs Holt's Battlefield Guide - Somme, Leo Cooper 2000

"Suicide Ditch" was a term used by British soldiers to refer to the front-line trench.

Original Material © Michael Duffy 2000-09, SafeSurf Rated