Commonwealth War Graves Dunkirk
France
On entering the cemetery through the columns of the Dunkirk Memorial, we start with the edged glass inside the Memorial, and then go and see a few graves from the WWII plot
Contents
8 sections · tap a section for its opening lines1Commonwealth War Graves Dunkirk
Welcome to the Dunkirk Memorial and Cemetery (pronounced Dun-kehrk), a 'remarkable little war cemetery' that serves as a 'time capsule' from the earliest days of World War II. We are standing in the northern part of France, at…
Listen in the app2The Memorial Columns — Names in Stone
The centerpiece of this site is the Dunkirk Memorial itself, where thousands of names are inscribed on the walls. This follows the 'first principle' of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission: that 'every name will be remembered,'…
Listen in the app3The Grave of the Unknowns
Beyond the memorial walls, you will find rows of headstones, many of which are inscribed with the words 'Known unto God'. These are the graves of 'unknown soldiers,' men whose remains were recovered but could not be identified…
Listen in the app4International Contingents — Polish and Czech
Dunkirk was an international effort, and this is reflected in the diverse nationalities buried here. You will find sections dedicated to 'Polish' and 'Czech' soldiers who fought alongside the British and French. …
Listen in the app5The RAF Memorial and New Zealand Pilots
Special attention is given to the 'Royal Air Force' personnel who provided the vital 'tonic to the whole nation' by engaging the Luftwaffe over the beaches. You will find graves of pilots from as far away as 'New Zealand,' men…
Listen in the app6The Cross of Sacrifice
In every Commonwealth war cemetery, you will find the 'Cross of Sacrifice,' a stone cross with a bronze sword mounted upon it. This universal symbol was designed as a 'guardian' for the 'fallen heroes' and is meant to provide a…
Listen in the app7The French War Graves — Neighboring Comrades
Adjacent to the Commonwealth section, you will see 'thousands of graves of French troops' who died in Dunkirk in 1940 and throughout the war. While separate, they are 'comrades' who fought the same 'stubborn, disciplined retreat'. …
Listen in the app8Closing
As we leave the Commonwealth War Graves in Dunkirk, we carry with us the 'poignant' inscriptions and the memory of the thousands of men who 'rest in peace' here. Whether they are 'known unto God' or have their names 'up here for…
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What is Commonwealth War Graves Dunkirk?
Commonwealth War Graves Dunkirk is a place in France with 8 story sections on Tellby. You can read the opening of each section on this page; the sound plays in the app.
| Location | France |
|---|---|
| Type | Heritage |
| Story sections | 8 |
| Text language | English |
| Coordinates | 51.0304, 2.3895 |
| Last updated |
