Nieppe-Bois (Rue-Du-Bois) British Cemetery, Vieux-Berquin, Nord

The Battle of Hazebrouck (one of the Battles of the Lys), including the Defence of Nieppe Forest, lasted from 12 to 15 April 1918. The line east of Nieppe Forest was defended against overwhelming forces by the 29th and 31st Divisions, the latter including the 4th Guards Brigade. Although Vieux-Berquin village was lost on 13 April, the rest of the line was held until the 1st Australian Division had detrained and arrived on the field. The cemetery was used from April until September 1918. The grave of one British officer who fell in 1915 was brought to this cemetery after the Armistice. The cemetery was used again during the Second World War for the burial of casualties of the battles covering the withdrawal to Dunkirk in May 1940. Nieppe-Bois (Rue-du-Bois) British Cemetery contains 70 First World War burials and 33 from the Second World War.