Oxford Road was the name given to a road running behind the support trenches, from a point west of the village of Wieltje south-eastwards to the Potijze-Zonnebeke road. Plot I is the original Oxford Road Cemetery and was used by the units fighting on this front from August 1917 to April 1918. In October 1917, another cemetery, known as Oxford Road Cemetery No.2, was started close by and now forms Plot V of the cemetery as it appears today. After the Armistice, Plots II, III and IV were added when scattered graves from the battlefields east and south-east of Ypres (now Ieper) were brought into the cemetery.
The Memorial to the 50th (Northumbrian) Division, unveiled in September 1927, is located less than 100m from the cemetery.
The cemetery was designed by Sir Reginald Blomfield.
At the eastern end of the village of Wieltje, near the motorway, are a series of bunkers known as Cambrai Redoubt which were taken by the 55th (West Lancashire) Division with heavy casualties on the opening day of Third Ypres.
Cemetery Location
The cemetery is located to the North-East of the town of Ieper. From the station turn left and drive along M.Fochlaan to the roundabout, turn right and go to the next roundabout. Here turn left into M.Haiglaan and drive to the next roundabout. Here turn right into Oude Veurnestraat, this then changes into Diksmuidseweg and Brugseweg drive along this road to the traffic lights. Straight over the lights to the end of the road. At the T junction turn left (still Brugseweg) and continue along this road through the village of Sint Jan (N313). After the village you come to a fork in the road, take the right hand fork and the cemetery is 50 metres along on the right hand side.
(Linesman Map)
Victoria Cross holder buried here
Captain Clement Robertson, 3rd Battalion, The Queen’s (Royal West Surrey Regiment), attached ‘A’ Battalion, Tank Corps. Age 28. Killed in action on 4 October 1917. He is believed to be buried in Grave III.F.7. He was the son of Major John Albert Robertson (late R.A.), and Mrs. Frances Octavia Caroline Robertson (nee Wynne), of Struan Hill, Delgany, Co. Wicklow. An extract from "The London Gazette," No. 30433, dated 14th Dec. 1917, records the following:- "For most conspicuous bravery in leading his Tanks in attack under heavy shell, machine-gun and rifle fire. Capt. Robertson, knowing the risk of the Tanks missing the way, continued to lead them on foot, guiding them carefully and patiently towards their objective although he must have known that his action would almost inevitably cost him his life. This gallant officer was killed after his objective had been reached, but his skilful leading had already ensured successful action. His utter disregard of danger and devotion to duty afford an example of outstanding valour."
FALKIRK AND DISTRICT MEN BURIED HERE
Links to the area
690643 Pte T Turnbull
116th Battalion, Canadian Infantry
Age 29
26.10.17
I.H.9
Son of Thomas & Elizabeth Turnbull, 38 Burlington Street, East Hamilton, Ontario. Native of Polmont
Burials
There are now 851 Commonwealth casualties of the First World War buried or commemorated in this cemetery. 297 of the burials are unidentified and special memorials commemorate three casualties known to have been buried in the cemetery, but whose graves could not be located.
UK – 398
Australian – 74
New Zealand – 37
Canadian – 74
New Foundland – 9
Guernsey – 2
Unnamed 254
German – 2
There are Special Memorials to three British men known/believed to be buried among the unnamed.
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