Bayeux CWGC War Cemetery

Bayeux CWGC War Cemetery – from a temporary to a permanent cemetery

The Bayeux CWGC War Cemetery is located southeast of the ring road (Boulevard Fabian Ware – D5) of Bayeux, a town world-renowned for its tapestry depicting the conquest of England by William the Conqueror.

Bayeux CWGC War Cemetery Memorial — Memorial

British forces arrived in Bayeux on June 6, 1944, but the town was not fully captured until the following day. Faced with the narrowness of the medieval streets, which hindered the movement of troops and equipment, the British quickly built a ring road, the current Boulevard Fabian Ware – D5.

In the chaos of war, they also established numerous field hospitals and a temporary cemetery, providing a proper burial for Commonwealth soldiers who fell in combat, airmen, sailors and even German soldiers, as well as those who succumbed to their wounds in hospitals.

After the conflict, France donated a large plot of land to the United Kingdom in perpetuity, in recognition of the sacrifices made by the Commonwealth troops. This gesture allowed for the expansion of the Bayeux CWGC War Cemetery.

There are 18 Commonwealth cemeteries in France (22,000 graves), but with 4,648 graves, the Bayeux CWGC War Cemetery is the largest Second World War Commonwealth cemetery in the country.

Bayeux CWGC War Cemetery – War Memorial

The main entrance to the cemetery is located opposite the War Memorial, on Fabian Ware Boulevard (ring road), while several smaller side entrances provide additional access.

Bayeux CWGC War Cemetery Stone of Remembrance — Stone of Remembrance

The imposing limestone structure pays poignant tribute to all the Commonwealth soldiers who fell between D-Day and the end of Operation Overlord on August 25, 1944.

Its walls bear an engraved inscription evoking William the Conqueror:

“Nos A Gulielmo Victi Victoris Patriam Liberavimus” – “We, once conquered by William, have now set free the Conqueror’s native land.”

The names and regiments of 1,808 Commonwealth soldiers (including 1,537 British, 270 Canadian and 1 South African) with no known burial are also carefully engraved on these walls, thus perpetuating their memory.

Bayeux CWGC War Cemetery

The Bayeux CWGC War Cemetery, including its walkways, is entirely covered with a green lawn.

The main path leads to the Memorial Stone. Carved from limestone, it bears the solemn inscription: “Their Name Liveth For Evermore.”
Two small limestone pavilions, offering a serene setting conducive to contemplation, frame this monument.
Continuing along the path, you reach the Cenotaph, which stands at the intersection of the main paths. Topped with the War Cross – Cross of Sacrifice – Croix de Guerre – Croix du Sacrifice, this imposing monument is visible from all points of the cemetery. It watches over the graves of 4,600 soldiers, airmen and sailors of the Commonwealth forces, as well as those of some German soldiers.

Much like the atmosphere at the Coleville-sur-Mer American War Cemetery, there is no feeling of morbidity when walking among the endless rows of graves.

Each gravestone bears the name, rank, regiment and emblem of the fallen soldier, as well as his date of death and age, thus ensuring that his memory is honoured with dignity and respect. The base of many tombstones is often engraved with moving verses or dedications chosen by the deceased’s family.

“In Memory of Our Dear Son, Blessed the Dead”

“Thy Will Be Done”

“In Memory of Our Son and Brother Who Gave his Life for His Country”

“My Only Child – He Gave His All – ‘Till We Meet Again – Mother”

These inscriptions evoke deep emotions, reflecting the pain and unwavering love of loved ones.

Some headstones mark the graves of unknown soldiers, bearing a simple cross and the inscription:

“A soldier of the 1939-45 War – Known unto God”

For these comrades who fell together, their graves stand side by side, their identities unknown, but their sacrifice forever honoured, their tombs united in a solemn tribute.

The tombstones

At first glance, tombstones may appear uniform, but they have subtle differences. For example, those of the Commonwealth Forces have a slightly rounded top, while those of the Poles have a point. Each stone proudly bears its country’s national emblem.

At the foot of each grave, flowering plants are carefully tended, creating a serene and colourful landscape. From a distance, the graves look like pretty rows of English cottages, each adorned with a small garden.

Throughout the year, and especially on Remembrance Day, families gather at the cemetery to pay their respects. They leave behind tokens of their remembrance: a bouquet, a wooden cross, a poppy from the Royal British Legion, a flag or moving messages. The memory of the deceased remains alive in their hearts, across generations.

Some German soldiers are also buried in the Bayeux CWGC War Cemetery. Their tombstones, marked with a Maltese Cross, bear their names and dates of birth and death. In death, all those who fell during the Battle of Normandy are united, their differences set aside, and they rest together in eternal peace.

For the Fallen

by Laurence Binyon

With proud thanksgiving, a mother for her children,

England mourns for her dead across the sea.

Flesh of her flesh they were, spirit of her spirit,

Fallen in the cause of the free.

Solemn the drums thrill; Death august and royal

There is music in the midst of desolation

And a glory that shines upon our tears.

They went with songs to the battle, they were young,

Straight of limb, true of eye, steady and aglow.

They were staunch to the end against odds uncounted;

They fell with their faces to the foe.

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning

We will remember them.

They mingle not with their laughing comrades again;

They have no lot in our labour of the day-time;

They sleep beyond England’s foam.

But where our desires are and our hopes profound,

Felt as a well-spring that is hidden from sight,

To the innermost heart of their own land they are known

As the stars are known to the Night;

As the stars that shall be bright when we are dust,

Moving in marches upon the heavenly plain;

As the stars that are starry in the time of our darkness,

To the end, to the end, they remain.

Tip: Access to the Bayeux CWGC War Cemetery is quite easy; We did not find a dedicated parking lot (we are not sure if there is one), however, there are many parking spaces on the street along the cemetery wall.

Department of Calvados – Bayeux – Boulevard Fabian Ware – D.5
Coordinates: Lat 49.274076 – Long -0.714095