The Western Front Today - Lone Tree Cemetery
Lone Tree cemetery, containing 88 British burials (including 6 unknown burials), was established in the wake of the opening of the successful British Battle of Messines in early June 1917.
Many of those buried in the cemetery were from the Royal Irish Rifles (36th) Division killed during the mine explosions (having left their trenches too early) which heralded the start of the attack.
The cemetery is sited nearby the preserved Spanbroekmolen mine crater, originally referred to as Lone Tree Crater and since renamed the Pool of Peace.
References:
Before Endeavours Fade, Rose E.B. Coombs, After the Battle 1994
Major & Mrs Holt's Battlefield Guide - Ypres Salient, Leo Cooper 2000
A 'Woolly Bear' comprised a German shrapnel shell, which burst with a cloud-like explosion.
- Did you know?
