First Step
The Commonwealth Graves Commissioncan supply information on where the soldier in question is buried or commemorated.If you're in France and offline call (03) 21-71-03-24.
The information they gave me was as follows:
REID, 2nd Lt. Bernard Joseph. 9th B. Royal Dublin Fusiliers. Killed in action, 28th of June, 1916. Age 28. Son of Michaeland Sarah Corrigan Reid of Tower Hill, Dalkey, Co. Dublin. Vermelles British Cemetery, Plot 4, Row A, Grave 14.(Actually he was 29 when he died). Here, in any case, are directions tofind the grave, by train or by car. I have included a map; the villageof Vermelles is marked by a dark oblong around its name.
By Train
First piece of advice: rent, steal or manufacture a car if you possiblycan. Going on foot is an adventure which will restore your faithin human kindness--but the fact is that the area is not adequately servedby public transport. Take the TGV north to Bethune then catch the Galaxiebus (Ligne 82) outside the station. Ligne 82 goes all the way toArras, about fifteen minutes beyond Vermelles. The bus will passthrough Noyelles Les-Vermelles. Don't get off! (We did and immediatelyhitched a ride, in the wrong direction, to the wrong graveyard). Be surethat the driver knows you are looking for Vermelles which is thevery next stop. In the village, which will probably be entirely deserted,ask around for the cemetery: it's two minutes walk from the bus stop.
By Car
You're trying to find Vermelles, a small village midway between themajor towns of Béthune and Lens. Blink and you'll miss it though:Vermelles is not much more than a T-junction. Buy a detailed map of NorthernFrance before you go anywhere.
If coming from Paris head to Lens first and thence along the North WesternRoute de Liason to Béthune. Stop at Noyelles Les-Vermelles.Look closely for signs: Vermelles itself is five minutes away along a secondaryroad to the east. Once you get there the cemetery is slightly north ofthe main road. Ask someone for la cimitière militaire.