ENGLISH CAMP BRITISH MILITARY CEMETERY, San Juan Co., WA The US GenWeb Archives provide genealogical and historical data to the general public without fee or charge of any kind. It is intended that this material not be used in a commercial manner. All submissions become part of the permanent collection. Burial list of English Camp Cemetery on San Juan Ialand has been submitted by Kevin Fraley and Gabrielle Fraley August, 2000. Both above notices must remain when copied or downloaded. Swimref@cmc.net ---------------------------------------------------------------------- English Camp British Military Cemetery San Juan Island, San Juan County, Washington T36N R4W Section 25 This cemetery belonged to the garrison of the British Royal Marines who occupied a military base here from 1860 to 1872 during a boundary dispute between the United States and Great Britain over the San Juan Islands. When the British forces were evacuated in 1872 they main- tained ownership of this military cemetery, and taxes have been paid to this day by the British and Canadian governments. The cemetery is considered to be an overseas campaign military cemetery. The entire English Camp, together with the American Camp at the other end of the island that was occupied from 1859 to 1874, form the San Juan Island National Historical Park. This boundary dispute, the so-called "Pig War," was the last time that US and British or Canadian military forces were ever deployed anywhere in opposition to each other. Please note that, despite the polite language of the plaque placed a century later, there were no boundary negotiations whatsoever during this period, only an armed standoff eventually resolved by binding mediation of the German Emperor. All transcribed inscriptions are shown exactly as inscribed. The following plaque is found beside the cemetery flagpole: "English Cemetery In memory of seven members of the Royal Marine Light Infantry and one civilian who died, here, during Boundary Negotians 1860-1872 Erected by the University Naval Training Divisions Royal Canadian Navy for the Maritime Museum of B.C. August 1964" Graves shown left to right, all inside a neat white picket fence. Thomas Riddy (no stone) "In memory of G.E. Stewart Corp. Royal Marines L.I. who suddenly departed this life June 1, 1865 Aged 28 years Native of Derby England" "In memory of Jos. Ellis and Thos. Riddy Privats R.M.L.I. who were accidently drowned Jany. 4th. 1863 This tabblet is erected by their comrads In the midst of life we are in death 'R. Trendell'" "Sacred to the memory of William Davis Pte. 109 Co. R.M.L.I. who was accidentally drowned May 7th 1868 aged 26 years this tablet is erected to his memory by his surviving comrades 'Foster'" "Sacred to the memory of William Taylor aged 31 years who was accidentally shot by his brother Jany. 26th. 1868 this tablet is erected by his sorrowing brother 'Foster Victor Jr.'" (n.b. the National Park Service transcription provided gives the inscribed age incorrectly as 34) "In memory of 109th. Co. Charles Wood Pte. who died Jan. 8th. 1869 aged 28 years and 27th. Co. James Wensley Pte. who was accidentlly drowned in the adjacent harbour April 7th. 1869. His body was not found "Therefore be ye also ready" Erected as a mark of esteem by their fellow comrades of the above Cos. of the R.M.L.I. 'Foster'" Charles Wood (no stone) Burials in alphabetical order: Davis, Private William, 109th Co. May 7, 1868 Ellis, Private Joseph Jan 4, 1863 Riddy, Private Thomas Jan 4, 1863 Stewart, Corporal G.E. Jun 1, 1865 Taylor, William Jan 26, 1868 Wensley, Private James, 27th Co. Apr 7, 1869 (body not in grave) Wood, Private Charles, 109th Co. Jan 8, 1869