Dunkirk Town Cemetery & CWGC Memorial - Image 1
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Dunkirk Town Cemetery CWGC Memorial

4.6
·11 reviews·Coudekerque-Branche, France

A solemn memorial honoring Commonwealth soldiers and civilians lost in Dunkirk, meticulously maintained by the CWGC.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Quiet reflection

CrowdLow
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Dunkirk Town Cemetery & CWGC Memorial - Image 1

Dunkirk Town Cemetery CWGC Memorial

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Quiet reflection

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A solemn memorial honoring Commonwealth soldiers and civilians lost in Dunkirk, meticulously maintained by the CWGC.

4.6
(11 reviews)

"Well kept and very clean. Everybody here was quiet and paid their respects."

Vertical photo
TIP

Dress Respectfully

Modest attire is appreciated. Maintain a quiet and respectful demeanor throughout your visit. :pray:

Allow Time for Reflection

This is a place for solemn remembrance. Give yourself ample time to walk the grounds and reflect. :thought_balloon:

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Commonwealth War Graves

Commonwealth War Graves

Main cemetery grounds

Rows of immaculately maintained headstones honoring fallen soldiers from the Commonwealth forces.

Civilian Graves

Civilian Graves

Integrated within the cemetery

A poignant reminder of the war's broader impact, these graves include civilians who perished.

The Care of the CWGC

The Care of the CWGC

Throughout the cemetery

Witness the impeccable upkeep and dedication of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.

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Planning Your Visit

Respectful Visit

This is a solemn place of remembrance. Visitors should dress modestly and maintain a quiet demeanor out of respect for the fallen soldiers and their families. Photography is permitted, but always be mindful of others.

Understanding the Memorial

The Dunkirk Town Cemetery CWGC Memorial commemorates over 450 Commonwealth servicemen, many of whom died during the Dunkirk evacuation. It also includes civilian graves, reflecting the tragic impact of war on all lives.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Quiet reflection
Crowd
Low
When
Late spring afternoons
Why
Pleasant weather
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Lads lads lads LADS ON TOUR #dunkirk #ww2 #ww2history #history #standup #comedy #thelads #comedian #lads #christophernolan
@miloedwards3
175.9K likes • 1.4M views

Dress Respectfully

Modest attire is appreciated. Maintain a quiet and respectful demeanor throughout your visit. :pray:

Allow Time for Reflection

This is a place for solemn remembrance. Give yourself ample time to walk the grounds and reflect. :thought_balloon:

Photography Etiquette

Photos are allowed, but be discreet and avoid disturbing others. :camerawithflash:

Appreciate the Maintenance

Notice the exceptional upkeep by the CWGC. It's a testament to their dedication. :star:

Tips

from all over the internet

Dress Respectfully

Modest attire is appreciated. Maintain a quiet and respectful demeanor throughout your visit. :pray:

Allow Time for Reflection

This is a place for solemn remembrance. Give yourself ample time to walk the grounds and reflect. :thought_balloon:

Photography Etiquette

Photos are allowed, but be discreet and avoid disturbing others. :camerawithflash:

Appreciate the Maintenance

Notice the exceptional upkeep by the CWGC. It's a testament to their dedication. :star:

What Travellers Say

4.6
(11 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Dunkirk Town Cemetery CWGC Memorial for its immaculate upkeep and solemn atmosphere, highlighting the profound respect shown to both military and civilian lives lost. Many express gratitude for the CWGC's dedication and find the site deeply moving for personal reflection and remembrance.

"My father was an evacuated soldier serving in the coldstream guards, he was seriously wounded but thankfully survived, it was very sad looking at some of the guardsmen who he served with who sadly didn't make it. THANK YOU TO THE PEOPLE OF FRANCE FOR YOUR CARE, AND ALSO THE WARGRAVES COMMISION FOR YOUR IMPECCABLE WORK."

Geoff Dakin

"Well kept and very clean. Everybody here was quiet and paid their respects."

Peter King

"A quiet place where too many people found their final resting place."

WürzburgER

What People Like

Impeccable maintenance
Solemn atmosphere
Respect for all lives

What People Dislike

Limited amenities

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The cemetery is located in Dunkirk, France. It is accessible by car, with parking available nearby. Public transport options may include local buses; check schedules in advance. Reddit

Yes, it is generally well-signposted within Dunkirk. Using a GPS or map application is recommended for precise directions. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, entry to the Dunkirk Town Cemetery CWGC Memorial is free. It is a public cemetery maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. Reddit

The cemetery is typically open daily from dawn until dusk, allowing visitors ample time to visit. Reddit

Absolutely. Visitors are welcome to explore the cemetery independently and pay their respects at their own pace. Reddit

🎫 compass Onsite Experience

The atmosphere is one of quiet solemnity and remembrance. Visitors often describe it as peaceful and deeply moving, a place for quiet contemplation. Reddit

Basic facilities like pathways are maintained. It's advisable to bring water, especially during warmer months, as amenities are limited. Reddit

Yes, visitors are welcome to leave flowers or small, respectful tributes at the graves. Reddit

The main paths are generally well-maintained, but some areas might be uneven. It's best to check accessibility details if you have specific mobility concerns. Reddit

📸 📷 Photography

Yes, photography is permitted. However, visitors are asked to be discreet and respectful of other mourners and the solemn nature of the site. Reddit

The long, neat rows of Commonwealth headstones offer striking photographic opportunities. The overall symmetry and the peaceful setting are also very photogenic. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

Families and Descendants

For families and descendants of those who served or lived in Dunkirk during the war, this cemetery is a deeply personal place of pilgrimage. It offers a tangible connection to their ancestors' history and a chance to pay respects. The well-maintained graves and the quiet atmosphere provide a respectful environment for remembrance. Reddit

It's advisable to research any specific individuals you are looking for beforehand, though the CWGC website can be a helpful resource. The cemetery's accessibility and free entry make it a feasible visit for those tracing their family history. The care shown by the CWGC ensures a dignified experience for all visitors seeking to connect with their past. Reddit

History Enthusiasts

History enthusiasts will find the Dunkirk Town Cemetery a significant site for understanding the broader context of the Dunkirk evacuation and its aftermath. The cemetery serves as a physical testament to the events of 1940 and the subsequent occupation. It offers a quiet space for reflection on the human cost of war and the resilience of the town. Reddit

Visiting this cemetery can complement visits to other historical sites in the Dunkirk area, providing a more complete picture of the wartime experience. The uniformity of the Commonwealth graves and the presence of civilian burials offer unique insights into the different facets of wartime loss. It’s a place that encourages contemplation on the sacrifices made and the enduring peace that followed. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Significance of the CWGC

The Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) is responsible for maintaining the graves and memorials of Commonwealth servicemen and women who died during the First and Second World Wars. Their work at the Dunkirk Town Cemetery is a testament to their dedication, ensuring that every fallen soldier is remembered with dignity and respect. The meticulous upkeep of the headstones and grounds reflects a deep commitment to honoring sacrifice. Reddit

Visitors often remark on the impeccable condition of the cemetery, noting how clean and well-maintained it is. This attention to detail creates a powerful sense of peace and reverence, allowing visitors to connect with the history and the individuals laid to rest here. The CWGC's efforts are frequently praised by those who visit, highlighting the importance of their ongoing mission. Reddit

A Place of Dual Remembrance

The Dunkirk Town Cemetery holds a unique significance as it commemorates not only Commonwealth soldiers who died during the critical Dunkirk evacuation but also includes civilian graves. This dual aspect underscores the widespread tragedy of war, which impacted all segments of the population. The presence of civilian burials alongside military headstones serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of conflict. Reddit

Many visitors find the inclusion of civilian graves particularly moving, as it broadens the scope of remembrance. It’s a place where the sacrifices of soldiers and the suffering of civilians are acknowledged side-by-side. This integrated approach to remembrance makes the cemetery a comprehensive memorial to the devastating effects of war on the town and its people. Reddit

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