Bayeux War Cemetery

One of the highlights of our trip around Normandy. We had visited the American cemetery earlier the same day, but for us, this one was even more emotional. Of course, it being commonwealth had a lot to do with that given where I am from, but I loved the way it was laid out, the flowers brightened it up and the care that was taken here was something else. Also loved seeing other nations represented other than the UK

Emotional and poignant experience for all my family (we have several WW2 veterans in our close family). I was most struck by the young age of many of the fallen, many the same age as my daughter who was by my side as we walked down the well flowered aisles. A far more touching and accessible tribute than the American Cemetery.

Absolutely sobering experience. Almost 5000 graves of young people who died here in 1945, during the D Day landings and the push for the liberation of Europe. Immaculately kept by the war graves comission. Do consider donating.

Given that this and other sites are dedicated to those who made the ultimate sacrifice so that I and others can enjoy our lives. As I walk around, I stand in silence. I hope that they believe the sacrifice was not in vain. Given the young age of the soldiers, I know that I have led a full and happy life, all thanks to those who fought so that I did not have to. In sorrow, I look at those graves of the unknown soldiers with a lot of sadness that they are lost and known only to God.

A beautifully well kept cemetery which shows respect for the war dead. We visited the German and American war cemeteries which accounted for the fallen from the Normandy battles and this is very different. It is completely open, the cemetery has the graves of British, Canadian, French, Soviet, Italian and many German graves. It is well worth visiting to walk amongst the fallen.

Essential visit to take a moment to reflect on the horrendous cost of war. Largest Commonwealth cemetery in France, with the dead of many other nations also interred there. The CWGC website has a directory and maps.

My visit to this cemetery in June 2024 during the 80 year remembrance of the D-Day Invasion of Normandy was a chilling and humbling experience. So many lives were shed and paid to bring about peace in the World. May we never have to go through a war like this again. And yet, at this moment the Ukraine is involved in a dragged out war with Russia. And already thousands of children, women & men were killed in Gaza in the war with Israel 😭😭😭 “From Wikipedia …The Bayeux War Cemetery is the largest Second World War cemetery of Commonwealth soldiers in France, located in Bayeux, Normandy.[1] The cemetery contains 4,648 burials, mostly from the Invasion of Normandy. Opposite this cemetery stands the Bayeux Memorial which commemorates more than 1,800 casualties of the Commonwealth forces who died in Normandy and have no known grave.[1][2]” wikipedia

A very moving but a beautiful & peaceful last resting place for those who lost their lives in the Battle for Normandy. I was in tears in front of my teenage son with the enormity of the loss of life and I find it hard for those buried whose name is not known. As I was walking through the cemetery, I noticed a grave with a distinctive surname which is in my family. Without initially realising it, I had discovered the grave of a previously unknown third cousin and it was afterwards when I researched F A Deeming that I realised that Frederick Alfred Deeming was a relation - He has now been added to my family tree so he will continue to be remembered. Free to visit.

A must see: the amount of graves, all crosses - some David-stars - lined up, almost as far as one can see. Wander along one of these lines and read the names, ranks and (young) ages. There's a part with German soldiers lined-up together. Neat that you can't see any difference between graves, concerning friends or enemies. None of these chose to do this, they had to....I guess. The memorial at the other side of the street is actually the grave of another group of victims.