In Continuing & Grateful Memory — The Ploegsteert Sector

This 502 page book includes profusely illustrated cameos on five hundred

individuals who are commemorated on the Ploegsteert Memorial or buried

in the surrounding twelve cemeteries, together with a detailed tour of

the sector to accompany the text (and a photographic tour of the

inaccessible parts of Ploegsteert Wood); the history of the Christmas

Truce; General Erich Ludendorff’s history of the German Spring

Offensive; and general tourist information to assist the visitor.

The Ploegsteert sector is a fascinating area to visit. It first came to

public prominence as the centre of the Christmas Truce in December 1914

but the desperate fighting that took place prior is often overlooked as

most concentrate on the First Battle of Ypres that raged only a few

miles to the north. The sector was active throughout the war although it

was not involved in a major action until 1917 during the Battle of

Messines and again during the German Spring Offensive in April 1918.

The wide range of individuals I have written about cover the duration of

the war from October 1914 until the last weeks of the war in 1918. A

detailed tour of the area is easy to follow with its accompanying map

that takes the reader (or visitor) from Ploegsteert Memorial to visit

the important points of interest and to the following cemeteries:

Berks Cemetery Extension

Hyde Park Corner (Royal Berks) Cemetery

Lancashire Cottage Cemetery

London Rifle Brigade Cemetery

Mud Corner Cemetery

Ploegsteert Churchyard

Ploegsteert Wood Military Cemetery

Prowse Point Military Cemetery

Rifle House Cemetery

Strand Military Cemetery, Ploegsteert Wood

Toronto Avenue Cemetery

Underhill Farm Cemetery, Ploegsteert

I have written 850 cameos on individuals who are commemorated on the

Memorial or in the cemeteries putting life back into many of the

‘anonymous’ names that commemorate those who made the ultimate sacrifice

during the First World War. Included amongst the cameos are those of

the VC holders, those Shot At Dawn, a range of sportsmen, artists, known

15 and 16 year olds and fascinating stories about soldiers of all ranks

from Private to Brigadier General.

A list of the names of the men who are included in the cameos in the

book can be found on the Home Page.