As Found* German ‘S84/98’ Bayonet (Sawback Removed) and Scabbard with Commemorative Inscription ‘Boche Moorseele Oct 1918’ (Two Available). BAYO 563. Bayonets

The word Boche is a derisive term for Germans and ‘Moorseele’ is a town in Belgium where the ‘Moorseele Military Cemetery’ is situated (he village of Moorseele (now spelt Moorsele) was captured by the 15th Royal Irish Rifles on 14 October 1918, after remaining in German hands during almost the whole of the war. The school attached to the Convent of the Holy Family was used by German medical units from October 1914 to October 1918, and they began the cemetery behind the convent in 1915. It was also used in October 1918 by the XIX Corps Burial Officer and the 3rd Australian and 64th Casualty Clearing Stations. After the Armistice, five graves were moved into the cemetery from MOORSEELE CHURCHYARD (which was used by the Germans until October 1917) and in 1929, one from CUERNE CHURCHYARD. In 1930, more than 800 German graves were removed to Mesen. The cemetery contains 98 Commonwealth burials of the First World War. These are standard ‘S84/98 bayonets with sawback removed. There are no visible markings to either blade. However, the grips are inscribed/painted on one side ‘BOCHE MOORSEELE OCT 1918’. The pair were found in his loft by the Grandson of a Royal Garrison Artillery Gunner who served during the Great War, presumably captured by him at Moorseele in Belgium in October 1918 and inscribed as a souvenir. The blades and scabbards are in very nice condition with a nice patina. The bayonets and inscription would benefit from further investigation . The price is each and includes UK delivery. BAYO 563.