Signeulx - site of old military cemetery

[SteveMarsdin]

Good afternoon from a wet and grey Ardenne (Gaume),

I visited the old "disinterred" military cemetery at Signeulx today, the overgrown trees dominate the site:

The soldiers were re-interred at other local cemeteries some years ago

[Roger H]

Atmospheric shots Steve. The top one almost has a ghostly quality.

Roger

[SteveMarsdin]

Thanks Roger,

It's the last time I'm in Belgium before the GWF Conference; I haven't forgotten your request !

This is the site of the ossuary at the back of the cemetery:

and looking westward towards Bleid;

[roel22]

Wow. How long ago were the soldiers re-interred?

Roel

[SteveMarsdin]

Hi Roel,

Many years ago, I'm not certain exactly when. Nothing remains other than the perimeter and ossuary walls:

This blog by a local WW1 enthusiast has further photos (it's an interesting site generally too): http://musee50bornes.skyrock.com/52.html

This is another "ex" cemetery near Neufchateau:

[Roger H]

Steve

Are the sites cleared at regular intervals or just left to nature? From the photos you have posted,it looks as though there has been some "maintenance".

Oooh - the request...!

Roger

[SteveMarsdin]

Are the sites cleared at regular intervals or just left to nature?

Roger

Hi Roger,

I don't know for certain, I also don't know who owns them now. I think they are just left to nature, despite the lack of "vigorous" undergrowth.

[Roger H]

Steve

I know nothing of that area . Could you give me some idea of location in terms of larger places so that I can look up on a map?

Roger

[SteveMarsdin]

Roger this is the google earth reference of the Signeulx cemetery: 49 33 22 56 N 5 38 55 97 E. Scroll out and you'll see Arlon and Luxembourg to the east and south-east; if you scroll out further you'll see to the west and north west the two great bands of forest the French Army had to advance through (towards Neufchateau)

[roel22]

Are the disused cemeteries all French? The Germans had some now cleared cemeteries here as well.

Roel

[SteveMarsdin]

Are the disused cemeteries all French? The Germans had some now cleared cemeteries here as well.

Roel

No, Roel,

The one at Neufchateau was German, many of the "old" sites (like several that still exist as cemeteries) were mixed nationality.

[Roger H]

Roger this is the google earth reference of the Signeulx cemetery: 49 33 22 56 N 5 38 55 97 E. Scroll out and you'll see Arlon and Luxembourg to the east and south-east; if you scroll out further you'll see to the west and north west the two great bands of forest the French Army had to advance through (towards Neufchateau)

Many thanks Steve.

Roger