Thanks for posting this Ted. I have an interest in Bois Grenier for several reasons, but this cemetery in particular because it may be the last resting place of Lt. Reginald Porter, RAMC who was killed in October 1914 in this area. He was reported as being buried by Neville Talbot of Toc H fame 'at Bois Grenier'. I think that this cemetery is the most likely of the ones in the area to have been the location.

Pete.

Thanks for viewing, Pete!  Being one of the first cemeteries on the Western Front is what drew me to Bois-Grenier.

There are only eight unidentified commonwealth graves here - perhaps Porter is one of them?

Viewing your posts is now part of my forum routine Ted. I've checked the cemeteries in the vicinity and I think it is probable that Reginald Porter is one of the eight. Most of the other cemeteries were started later, and we have a report of the circumstances of his death, a shell landing in the yard of the brigade headquarters which makes me think that he was behind the lines. The headquarters was most likely on the edge of the village, possibly in the school building across the road. White City is closer to the front line on the same road and is also a contender, but on balance I think it is Bois-Grenier Communal.

Although Bois-Grenier was part of what became known as the Nursery sector, Charles Bean's phrase I think two of my footballers were killed in the area. Porter is the great uncle of fellow forum member Helpjpl who has been of huge help to me, and many others beside, and part of the reason why I'm so interested.

Pete.

Just checking what we have on MediaFire for COG and GRRF at Bois-Grenier, and it is very incomplete, Pete.

Just one GRRF for the four unidentified French, and a single Burial Return for the three men in Row K 2-4, Summers, Mills & Baker.

Good clues, if not compelling evidence can be found in these documents - if we could find more of them.

Thanks Ted. This was the end of October 1914 and pre-dating the GRU I doubt if there is any documentation. The area wasn't heavily shelled if the 1916 aerial that I found on the Australian War Memorial is anything to go by. The French liaison officer for the unit Reginald Porter was with documented how he was killed, and the following day the brigade headquarters moved to the other side of Bois Grenier. The school would seem to me an obvious building to use until the Germans came within visual range. It's one of those stories where there are lots of clues but nothing conclusive as you say. I'll honour Reginald there when I next visit anyway.

Pete.

R.I.P. Reginald.