Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery
Gelderland
Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery is a significant World War II military cemetery located near Groesbeek village in Gelderland, the Netherlands. It serves as the final resting place for 2,619 servicemen, primarily Canadian soldiers, who died during the liberation of Northwest Europe, especially in the Rhineland battles. Uniquely, many of the fallen were re-interred here from German battlefields, following General Crerar's order that Canadian soldiers should not be buried on German soil. Designed by architect Philip Hepworth, the cemetery features uniform Commonwealth War Graves Commission headstones and a striking Cross of Sacrifice. Central to the site is the Groesbeek Memorial, consisting of twin colonnaded buildings inscribed with the names of over 1,000 missing Commonwealth soldiers from the campaign between August 1944 and the war's end. The cemetery is actively maintained, with thousands of Dutch children tending the graves annually. It also plays a role in commemorations such as the International Four Days Marches Nijmegen, where military participants honor the fallen during the procession. The site stands as a poignant reminder of sacrifice and international cooperation during wartime.
ヒント: Visitors are advised to avoid leaving valuables visible in their cars due to theft risks at the municipal car park. The cemetery is wheelchair accessible via the main entrance, and contacting the Commonwealth War Graves Commission for further accessibility information is recommended. The best time to visit is during the International Four Days Marches Nijmegen in July when a ceremonial gathering honors the fallen. Advance planning is advised to coordinate visits during commemorations like Poppy Day in November. No specific ticketing is required as the cemetery is open to the public.
興味深い事実
- •The cemetery contains 2,338 Canadian soldiers out of 2,619 total burials, making it predominantly Canadian.
- •It is one of the few cemeteries where soldiers were re-interred across international borders, moved from German battlefields to Dutch soil.
- •The Groesbeek Memorial within the cemetery commemorates over 1,000 Commonwealth soldiers with no known graves from the campaign in northwest Europe.
- •Thousands of Dutch children participate annually in caring for the graves, reflecting local respect and remembrance.
- •The cemetery is part of the route of the International Four Days Marches Nijmegen, where military participants hold commemorations during their march.
歴史
The Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery was established shortly after World War II, with work beginning in the summer of 1945 and its official opening by Queen Wilhelmina on May 4, 1947.
The site was chosen for its proximity to the German border, symbolizing the reburial of Canadian soldiers who had fallen in the Rhineland battles and were moved from German soil to Dutch territory, following orders by General Crerar.
The cemetery's design and layout follow the Commonwealth War Graves Commission's uniform standards, featuring natural stone headstones and a Cross of Sacrifice, which was replaced in 1950 by a stone version.
Over the years, the cemetery has undergone maintenance and upgrades, including replacing wooden and steel crosses with stone markers to ensure durability and dignity.
場所ガイド
Groesbeek Memorial1947
A twin colonnaded structure facing each other across the cemetery's grass forecourt, inscribed with the names of more than 1,000 Commonwealth soldiers missing in action during the northwest Europe campaign from August 1944 to the war's end. The memorial is built of Portland stone and serves as a focal point for remembrance.
Cross of Sacrifice1950
A prominent Portland stone cross with a bronze sword embedded, symbolizing the sacrifice of the fallen soldiers. It is a standard feature in Commonwealth war cemeteries and was installed in its stone form in 1950, replacing an earlier wooden version.
Field of Honour
The main area of the cemetery containing uniform headstones marking the graves of 2,619 servicemen, predominantly Canadian. The graves are arranged in neat rows, reflecting the Commonwealth War Graves Commission's design principles for dignity and equality in death.
連絡先
電話: 024 397 4796