etaples military cemetery

A beautiful and fitting memorial that pays fitting tribute to those that bravely gave their lives fighting for King and Country.

Apparently the largest Commonwealth War Graves Commission war cemetery, parking to visit this very moving site is in a lay by over the road from the (pedestrian) entrance. As with all such cemeteries, it is maintained in absolutely immaculate condition and contains over 11,400 allied soldiers - most of whom died of their wounds during the First World War in the 20 hospitals on what was one of the largest bases in France during the 1914 to 1918 conflict. The fact that it had 22,000 hospital beds as as well as around 100,000 troops en route to the front at any one time gives some idea of the scale if the Etaples base. It is situated just a short drive out of the town on the southern side of the estuary, and is well worth a visit. Sobering but uplifting.

Holding over 11000 war dead, this is a deceptively large and (as ever with the war graves commission) beautifully kept monument to the horrors of war. Park in a lay-by across the road (slightly misleadingly, it looks as though there's a car entrance which isn't there), and there's a main entrance up steps to the actual Lutyens-designed memorial, or there's a wheelchair entrance to the right. Enough local information about the history of war in the area, but not so much that you spend ages reading it. Note that Germans, Allies, Jews etc are all mixed together here, rather than separate sections for each. Well worth a brief visit.

We visited for the first time in October and it was a calming thought provoking experience and well worth making it a destination

Worth a visit if only to get an appreciation of the waste of life that war is. From Ranked officers to medic assistants. Very peaceful and suitable tribute too those who gave their lives for their country. Look out for the register kept in the cupboard on the left as you enter the stone entrance

Well kept and inspirational. This cemetery should be on list of places to visit when you are in the area

mostly the dead from the 1st World War but so many really young. Its beautifully kept and seems always to have people visting. Some of those lost in the last World War also lie here. Sadly 2 of my namesake lie here, but clearly not forgotten!!

If your in the area you need to visit this cemetery, over 10,000 service men and women are laid to rest within. Seeing so many headstones really does bring it home. I also revisited this year and took my 16 year old daughter, she was gob smacked.......

We found the resting place of Sergeant J Fields some years back and have visited his grave many times. From the entrance you don't expect the size and power the simple stones will have. Whether its a family connection like ours or just a name similar to your own a story will reach out and touch you. We have previously only visited during the winter, this was a visit during August and the dignified rows with a scattering of remembrance poppies now were bursting with colour. Hope springs eternal.

Eventually made it to see the grave of my great uncle Billy, Private 3986 W J Dowling who died on 27th October 1916. His grave is in Section 8, Row D, grave 15. Walking into the graveyard takes you up a short path, past a monument and then the view opens up and you are awestruck by the sight of over 11,000 white headstones.I was moved to tears and spent over 3 hours just looking at graves and contemplating the cost of war.The cemetary is immaculately kept by the unsung people who do so on behalf of the CWGC and they are to be thanked and applauded for their work.A very moving experience and one I would recommend to everyone, it puts into perspective the reason for Remembrance Sunday and the wearing of a poppy.Lest we forget.

A very moving experience- especially in2014. We were not looking for family members but found it awe inspiring non the less.

Visited this cemetery in passing. On parking up, there is an unassuming set of steps up to a gateway then boom. The cemetery is laid out below you. Absolutely huge.

A beautiful and thought provoking experience, visiting this beautiful cemetery. It is kept extremely well, such a calm and relaxing place to pause and reflect on the sacrifice made by ordinary men and women.

Etaples military cemetery is the largest in France so it is surprising no buses stop there. Therefore, if like me, you have no car the only way to get there is by shanks pony which takes about 30-45 minutes from the town centre. I walked along cycle tracks which can be nearly as dangerous as being on the road. The cyclists come upon you at great speed and never seem to use a bell to warn you of their approach.The cemetery was designed by Edward Luytens and the entrance is stunning. I visited as I wanted to see the cemetery in any event but there was also a particular grave I wanted to find. This was not of any member of my family but I found the name of George Watson M.M on a gravestone in Toxteth Cemetery, Liverpool which mentioned he was actually buried at Etaples.If you are trying to find a particular grave you can get the reference from The Commonwealth War Graves Commission and you can also download a plan of the cemetery which is a huge help. I found George's grave in about 5 minutes from starting at the entrance!I found it does help if you are able to focus on one individual as it does get overwhelming when you see over 10,000 graves. It is also interesting to see some German graves, also Hindu and Chinese showing we are all equal in death.I thorough recommend a visit here.

we found this cemetry by acident while driving off the peage route. It was fascinating as it was the largest british camp in the Great War (and since according to the history) Very interesting to see a memorial not directly related to a specific conflict & also including nursing staff etc. A very humbling, peaceful place. Especially topical in this centenerary year.