Étaples Military Cemetery

Cemetery in Calais

CC BY-SA 2.0 / Wernervc

The Étaples Military Cemetery is the largest Commonwealth War Graves Commission cemetery in France, located near Étaples, about 27 kilometers south of Boulogne. It holds over 11,500 burials, primarily from World War I, with a smaller number from World War II. The cemetery was established due to the presence of reinforcement camps and military hospitals in the area, which treated thousands of wounded soldiers. Designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, it serves as a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made during both world wars.

During World War I, Étaples was a major hub for the British Army, housing 16 hospitals and a convalescent depot. At its peak, the area accommodated 100,000 troops, making it a target for German aerial bombing raids. The cemetery contains 10,771 Commonwealth burials from the First World War, with 35 unidentified graves. In World War II, the site was used again, with 119 burials, though the hospitals were only operational from January to May 1940 before the British withdrawal.

The cemetery also includes 662 non-Commonwealth burials, mostly German soldiers, along with a few graves from other nationalities. The layout features the Stone of Remembrance and the Cross of Sacrifice, common elements in Commonwealth cemeteries. The rows of white headstones, set against the peaceful landscape, create a deeply moving atmosphere for visitors. The cemetery was officially recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2023, as part of the Western Front memorial sites.

Visitors can access the cemetery daily, with wheelchair access available near the car park. It is a place of reflection and remembrance, honoring those who lost their lives far from home.

The Étaples Military Cemetery appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Calais!

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