Ovillers Military Cemetery

Written by Mike
Ovillers Military Cemetery.  Every Commonwealth War Graves Commission Cemetery includes a Cross of Sacrifice designed by Reginald Blomfield.  At Ovillers, the cross stands at the entrance to the cemetery.  6 October 2002.  (Ref 0203832) Ovillers Military Cemetery. Every Commonwealth War Graves Commission Cemetery includes a Cross of Sacrifice designed by Reginald Blomfield. At Ovillers, the cross stands at the entrance to the cemetery. 6 October 2002. (Ref 0203832)

Ovillers Military Cemetery contains a total of 3,436 graves comprising 3,265 from the United Kingdom, 95 from Canada, 57 from Australia, 13 from South Africa and six from New Zealand.  Of the total, 2,477 graves are unknown – two thirds of the total. 

Ovillers Military Cemetery contains the graves of soldiers from Britain, Canada, Australia, South Africa and New Zealand. 

Ovillers Military Cemetery was started as a battle cemetery behind a Dressing Station and was in use until March 1917 at which time it contained 143 graves. 

After the Armistice graves from Mash Valley Cemetery and Red Dragon Cemetery as well as many other temporary graves in the area were concentrated here.  The great majority of the British graves date from July 1916.

Ovillers Military Cemetery covers an area of 9,475 square metres. 

Ovillers Military Cemetery is west of Ovillers, to the north of the minor road to Aveluy.

Courcelette British Cemetery Fact Panel

Country Known Graves Unknown Graves Total Graves
United Kingdom 907 2,358 3,265
Australia 17 40 57
Canada 27 68 95
New Zealand 1 5 6
South Africa 7 6 13
Total 959 2,477 3,436
Area 9,475 square metres
Mike

Mike

Mike McCormac has been a photographer since about ten years old.  He's a Fellow of the Royal Photographic Society, and lives in a village in the hills near Paphos in Cyprus.

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