Bob C

I attended this cemetery on 1st July 1916 for the centenary of the Battle of the Somme. It was well attended by local residents, the mayor, school-children and many others. The village has close ties to the North Midlander Divisions who attacked towards Gommecourt from nearby trenches. Known during the war as Funky Villas, this area was just behind the lines for most of the war with a casualty Clearing Station nearby. Contains 653 British burials including the grave of Captain John Green VC

Fricourt German Military Cemetery is a sad but tranquil place and is nice to see if you are visiting the Somme battlefields. The contrast between the immaculate British cemeteries and the slightly unloved German one is very sad but to the victor goes the spoils. After 4 years of fighting, 17000 dead Germans share an area roughly the size of a football pitch, with few flowers and not many visitors. Of note, the Red Baron von Richthofen was buried here before his remains were removed by his family to Germany. Well worth a visit if you're nearby.