German War Cemetery, La Cambe, Normandy, France

 [visited 23 September 2006]

The entrance to the German cemetery is almost claustrophobic but gives a striking view of the cemetery’s centerpiece, a large 6-meter high tumulus which is the burial ground for more than 200 unknown dead and another 89 of whom are known by name and listed on plaques around the base. 

The tumulus overlooks the graves of more than 21,000 German soldiers buried beneath small flat crosses, which are laid softly in the grass, surrounded by occasional sets of upright crosses scattered throughout the cemetery. Subtle, perhaps, but powerfully poignant.

For more information visit  The German War Graves Commission.

Beny-sur-Mer Canadian War Cemetery, Normandy, France

 [visited 24 September 2006]

Set in an exceptionally bucolic location just a few miles east of bayeux the Beny-sur-Mer Canadian War Cemetery is set down amidst lush fields and rolling hills. Hard to image that so much horror and suffering once took place near here.

While the American cemeteries are dramatically laid out and generate a feeling of awe in the visitor, the Commonwealth policy was to permit every buried soldier’s family the opportunity to express their final sentiments on the headstone. We felt the policy very civilized and a poignant gesture of respect. 

Maintained by The Commonwealth War Graves Commission.

British Cemetery, Bayeux, Normandy, France

 [visited 23 September 2006]

Located just across from the Normandy Battle Museum (the large tank out front is a giveaway that a museum is close by) the Bayeux War  Cemetery is a wonderful example of the intimacy of Commonwealth war cemeteries. 

Maintained by The Commonwealth War Graves Commission.

American National Cemetery, Colleville-sur-Mer, Normandy, France

 [visited 23 September 2006]

Located on the bluffs overlooking Omaha beach, the American National Cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer is exceptionally dramatic in a strikingly beautiful location. Originally the site of the American Saint-Laurent cemetery opened on 8 June 1844, today it is the final resting place of more than 9,000 American soldiers who died on D-Day and during the ensuing operations.

You'll want to check out the American Battle Monuments Commission website. Oh, and take a look at the Wikipedia page for this particular cemetery where you'll find a list of notable burials, description of the cemetery's layout, history and monuments.

Omaha Beach below the cemetery

part of the Walls of the Missing

 

Giverny, Normandy, France

 [visited 30 September 2016]

Most people come to Giverny to pay homage to Claude Monet, to see where he lived and worked for so many years. But just on the other side of the village, a short 10-minute walk from the museum and Monet's house is the village cemetery. The local church burial ground in Giverny may be small but it's full of surprises. 

First, it is final resting place for Claude Monet and his wife Alice:

It is also the final resting place for seven British airmen who were killed when their  Lancaster bomber crashed on 8 June 1944 in a nearby field. The propeller from the wreck sits as a memorial at the cemetery entrance while their remains are interred together in a common tomb.

Sergeant A. H. Anderson flight engineer

Our beloved son gave the supreme sacrifice. In God’s own time we shall meet again.

Pilot officer H. A. Foster air bomber

They shall mount up with wings as eagles.

J. L. Fyfe wireless operator age 22

May he rest in perfect peace.

Pilot Officer R. P. Maude pilot age 21

May he live evermore in the joy of his resurrection.

K. Penton air gunner age 20

At the going down of the sun and in the morning we will remember him.

R. D. J. Sutherland air gunner age 20

In Loving memory of our dear Robert.” Till the day’s dawn and the shadows flee away.” 

Flying Officer R. W. Tovey navigator

My beloved husband Ron. Love ones pass beyond our sight, God called him and he could not stay.

Just outside the cemetery itself is a French memorial to the local boys who died in World Wars 1 and 2:

And next to that is a dolmen, an ancient tomb, that had been in the same spot since 2,000 BC.

Lastly, there is a very nice portrait medallion of Gerald Van Der Kemp (1912-2001).