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Boulogne Eastern Cemetery CWGC

3.8
·14 reviews·Boulogne-sur-Mer, France

A solemn memorial to WWI and WWII soldiers, featuring thousands of Commonwealth graves and unique flat headstones.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Late morning

Peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
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vista del cementerio

Boulogne Eastern Cemetery CWGC

Best Time

Late morning

Peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A solemn memorial to WWI and WWII soldiers, featuring thousands of Commonwealth graves and unique flat headstones.

3.8
(14 reviews)

"A peaceful and sobering place of remembrance, honoring fallen soldiers from many nations."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Arrive Before Closing

Gates close 15 mins early. Aim to arrive 30 mins before closing to explore fully. :clock1:

🚶‍♂️ Respectful Attire

Dress modestly and behave respectfully. This is a solemn place of remembrance. :pray:

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Commonwealth War Graves

Commonwealth War Graves

Southern part of the communal cemetery

Thousands of Commonwealth soldiers from WWI and WWII lie here, many in flat headstones due to soil quality.

WWI and WWII Burials

WWI and WWII Burials

Main plot

Primarily WWI casualties, with a significant number of WWII burials, including many airmen.

French and Portuguese Plots

French and Portuguese Plots

Separate sections

Smaller, distinct plots dedicated to French and Portuguese military personnel, adding to the international scope.

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Planning Your Visit

Respectful Visitation

This is a Commonwealth War Graves Commission cemetery. Please maintain a respectful demeanor. The cemetery is a place of remembrance for fallen soldiers from WWI and WWII. Visitors often note the peaceful atmosphere and the sobering sight of numerous gravestones.

Gate Closing Times

Be aware that cemetery gates close a quarter of an hour before the official closing time. To ensure you have ample time to explore and exit, plan your visit to arrive at least 30 minutes before closing.

Best Times

When
Late morning
Why
Peaceful atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Early afternoon
Why
Good light for reflection
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Week-end à Boulogne-sur-Mer #nausicaa #aquarium #boulognesurmer #pasdecalais
@gwenn_off
48.3K likes • 690.4K views

🎯 Arrive Before Closing

Gates close 15 mins early. Aim to arrive 30 mins before closing to explore fully. :clock1:

🚶‍♂️ Respectful Attire

Dress modestly and behave respectfully. This is a solemn place of remembrance. :pray:

Today on visite l’aquarium Nausicaa à Boulogne-sur-Mer en famille. 🥳 On a adoré cette visite c’était hyper chouette à faire🐟⛴️ #nausicaa #nausicaaboulognesurmer #aquarium #visite #experience #activite #activitebelgique #CapCut
@elisabruart
42.4K likes • 553.4K views
Nausicaà 🐠 #aquarium #boulognesurmer #fish
@amliemattelet
42K likes • 515.5K views

🔍 Cemetery Layout

Most headstones lie flat due to soil. Note upright headstones for WWII burials and Portuguese plots. :mag:

📜 Burial Registers

If searching for relatives, cemetery staff may assist with burial registers. :memo:

• Nausicaa 🐋🐠 #boulognesurmer #aquarium #pourtoi
@sha20155
23.9K likes • 337.6K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Arrive Before Closing

Gates close 15 mins early. Aim to arrive 30 mins before closing to explore fully. :clock1:

🚶‍♂️ Respectful Attire

Dress modestly and behave respectfully. This is a solemn place of remembrance. :pray:

🔍 Cemetery Layout

Most headstones lie flat due to soil. Note upright headstones for WWII burials and Portuguese plots. :mag:

📜 Burial Registers

If searching for relatives, cemetery staff may assist with burial registers. :memo:

What Travellers Say

3.8
(14 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find the Boulogne Eastern Cemetery CWGC to be a peaceful and well-maintained site of remembrance. The sheer number of graves, particularly the unique flat headstones from WWI, leaves a sobering impression. While the cemetery is generally praised for its upkeep, some visitors have expressed concern over the removal of graves marked 'perpetuity' and the strictness of gate closing times.

"The military extension to the very large Boulogne Eastern Communal Cemetery is in the south-western corner of the southern part of the communal cemetery.

The extension contains about 5800 Commonwealth burials, most of them men who died in one of the many hospitals in the Boulogne area. It also contains smaller French and Portuguese military plots.

It is a long, narrow plot and interestingly, most of the headstones lie flat in ranks two or three deep. This is apparantly because of the quality of the soil. Most of the burials are from the Great War, but there are also 224 Commonwealth burials from the second world war, many of them airmen. Strangely, their headstones and those of the Portuguese are standing upright."

Simon Abercrombie

"Maintained to a high standard in memory of the men who lost their lives in foreign fields. Visited in October 2017 in memory of Thomas Dunn from Derby (UK) but served for the Australian Army in WW1. He was injured in Ypres and died of his wounds in Boulogne before he made in back home. The cemetery is very peaceful and it is very sobering seeing so many gravestones of the fallen from so many countries."

lee Higgins

"Travelled all the way from Australia to search for my dead relatives who lived in Bolougne sur Mer from 1850s - 1865.

The chap at the cemetery was most helpful (full stars to him) in helping me locate 3 out of the 5 names in the burial registers. Found out that two were buried in perpetuity but have since been removed!!

Two young sisters, aged 14 & 15 were buried by their parents, their father being an English Vicar at Trinity Church, (now St. Nicholas' Church in Bolougne sur Mer) for 20+ years, buries his young daughters in perpetuity but their graves have been removed! Worse no record has been kept of where they may have been buried, so I could not even pay my respects to the earth where they were laid to rest in peace & in perpetuity - meaning for all time/forever.

I walked around the cemetery and saw quite a few 'perpetuite', graves much, much older than those of my relatives, so quite puzzled as to why these are still around?!. Could it be because my family's name is not French enough?

So take note that 'perpetuite' means nothing to this cemetery & so much so for the dead resting in peace!

Gina
Melbourne,
Australia."

Gina

What People Like

Peaceful atmosphere
Well-maintained grounds
Historical significance

What People Dislike

Early gate closure
Grave removal concerns

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The cemetery is located in the south-western corner of the southern part of the Boulogne Eastern Communal Cemetery. Public transport options to Boulogne-sur-Mer are available, and from the town center, local buses or a taxi can take you to the cemetery. Driving is also an option, with parking likely available nearby.

Yes, while specific bus routes need to be checked locally, Boulogne-sur-Mer is well-connected. From the town, local buses or taxis can provide access to the cemetery area. It's advisable to check current local transport schedules upon arrival.

From the town center, you can take a local bus service that goes towards the southern part of Boulogne, or opt for a taxi for a more direct route. Walking is also an option if you enjoy a stroll and are aware of the distance.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, as a Commonwealth War Graves Commission cemetery, there is no entrance fee. It is a place of remembrance open to the public.

The cemetery has specific opening hours, but it's crucial to note that the gates close a quarter of an hour before the official closing time. Visitors are advised to arrive at least 30 minutes before closing to allow sufficient time for their visit.

The cemetery is open during daylight hours, but always check the official closing times and be mindful of the early gate closure. It's a place for quiet reflection, so visiting during less busy periods is recommended.

No, tickets are not required for entry to the Boulogne Eastern Cemetery CWGC as it is a public memorial site.

🎫 compass Onsite Experience

The cemetery is described as very peaceful and sobering, offering a place for quiet reflection. Visitors often feel a sense of solemnity remembering the fallen soldiers from various countries.

You'll see approximately 5800 Commonwealth burials, primarily from WWI, with a notable number from WWII. You'll also find French and Portuguese military plots. Many headstones are flat due to soil conditions, a unique feature of this cemetery.

Information on specific facilities like restrooms is not widely detailed, but as a CWGC site, it is generally well-maintained. It's advisable to be prepared for a visit focused on remembrance and reflection.

Yes, the cemetery staff can sometimes assist with burial registers if you are looking for specific individuals. However, records for older graves, even those marked 'perpetuity,' may have been removed or altered over time, as noted by some visitors.

The flat headstones are a result of the soil quality in the area, which is not conducive to upright monuments for many of the burials. This is a distinctive characteristic of the cemetery.

📸 📷 Photography

Photography is generally permitted in Commonwealth War Graves cemeteries, but it should be done respectfully. Avoid intrusive photography and always be mindful of the solemn nature of the site.

Early morning or late afternoon often provide softer light, which can be ideal for capturing the atmosphere of the cemetery. Consider the weather as well, as overcast days can lend a more somber mood.

While there are no explicit bans, always exercise discretion and respect. Focus on the memorial aspects and avoid any photography that could be seen as disrespectful to the fallen or their families.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

While the Boulogne Eastern Cemetery CWGC is a place of solemn remembrance, families can use it as an educational opportunity to discuss history and the importance of peace. It's a chance to teach children about the sacrifices made by soldiers. Ensure children understand the need for quiet and respectful behavior throughout the visit. The flat headstones might be less intimidating for younger children than towering monuments, and the open space allows for a calm walk.

🇦🇺 Australian Visitors

For visitors from Australia, the cemetery holds particular significance as it contains graves of Australian soldiers who fought in WWI. Some visitors have traveled great distances, like from Melbourne, to search for relatives. While cemetery staff can sometimes assist with burial registers, be aware that records and grave locations can change over time, as some visitors have experienced with graves marked 'perpetuity' being removed. It's a place to connect with Australian history abroad.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

History and Significance

The Boulogne Eastern Cemetery CWGC serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made during World War I and World War II. It is the military extension to the Boulogne Eastern Communal Cemetery and primarily contains the graves of Commonwealth soldiers who died in the numerous hospitals established in the Boulogne area during the Great War. The sheer number of burials, over 5800 Commonwealth graves, underscores the critical role Boulogne played as a casualty evacuation point.

Beyond the Commonwealth plots, the cemetery also features smaller, dedicated sections for French and Portuguese military personnel, highlighting the international nature of the conflict and the shared burden of loss. A significant portion of the burials are from WWI, but the cemetery also holds 224 Commonwealth burials from WWII, many of whom were airmen. Interestingly, the headstones for these WWII casualties and those of the Portuguese soldiers are upright, contrasting with the predominantly flat headstones of the WWI soldiers.

The cemetery is maintained to a high standard by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, ensuring that the memory of those who lost their lives is honored. Visitors often remark on the peaceful and sobering atmosphere, finding it a place for deep reflection and remembrance of the fallen from many nations.

Unique Grave Features

One of the most striking features of the Boulogne Eastern Cemetery CWGC is the arrangement of its headstones. A large majority of the Commonwealth graves, particularly those from World War I, have flat headstones that lie in ranks, sometimes two or three deep. This unusual presentation is attributed to the quality of the soil in the region, which is not ideal for supporting upright monuments over the long term.

This contrasts with the headstones of the 224 Commonwealth burials from World War II and the Portuguese military plots, which are standing upright. This difference in monument style can offer a visual cue to the different periods of conflict and the specific burial practices or conditions at the time. It's a detail that many visitors find noteworthy and adds to the cemetery's unique character.

Some visitors have noted a discrepancy regarding graves marked 'perpetuity,' expressing confusion when older 'perpetuity' graves remain while some of their own relatives' graves, also marked as such, appear to have been removed. This has led to personal reflections on the meaning and application of 'perpetuity' in cemetery management over time.

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