The
village of Mesnil was close to the British front line until September
1916 and again in 1918.
The
Cemetery has over 300 burials of soldiers, sailors and airmen for
Britain, Canada and New Zealand, of which nearly 100 are "known
only unto God".
For
more information about Mesnil see http://www.silentwitness.bravepages.com/cemeterym/mesnilcom.htm
The
largest number of fallen from any of the Regiments represented here
is from The Royal Naval Division. It is somewhat surprising to find
so many graves showing the emblem of the Naval Anchor, so far from
the sea. This is explained by the fact that in 1914, there were
some 20,000 Royal Naval Reservists. It was decided to form Royal
Naval Divisions, who although fighting as soldiers, would still
be classed as the Senior Service. The RND saw active service in
many areas of fighting, from The Dardanelles to The Somme. They
were without doubt a formidable force, and won many battle honours
throughout World War 1.