Hamburg Commonwealth War Graves Commission Cemetery facts for kids
The Hamburg Commonwealth War Graves Commission Cemetery is a special place where soldiers from different countries are buried. It's a war cemetery looked after by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC). This cemetery is part of the much larger Ohlsdorf Cemetery in Hamburg, Germany. Here, you'll find the graves of 676 soldiers from World War I and 1,889 from World War II. They were all from countries that were part of the Commonwealth.
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Remembering World War I Soldiers
During World War I, a part of Ohlsdorf Cemetery was set aside. It was used to bury over 300 soldiers from the Allied Forces. These soldiers had died as prisoners of war.
In 1923, the CWGC decided to create four main war cemeteries. These cemeteries would be for all soldiers from Commonwealth countries. They included those who died in battle or were victims of the war. Ohlsdorf Cemetery in Hamburg became one of these important sites. It was then known as the Hamburg Commonwealth War Graves Commission Cemetery.
Later, many soldiers were moved here. They came from about 120 smaller, temporary cemeteries. These older sites were in different parts of Germany. In total, 708 people from World War I are buried here or remembered on special tables. This includes three prisoners of war whose graves could not be found. Also, 25 sailors from the submarine HMS E24 are buried here. Their submarine sank in 1916 near Helgoland. Their remains were found in 1973.
Remembering World War II Soldiers
After World War II, 1,466 soldiers from Commonwealth nations were buried here. Many of them were Air Force crews whose planes had been shot down. Some were also part of the forces that occupied Germany after the war.
Later, another 378 people from Commonwealth countries were buried in this cemetery. There are also 14 graves for soldiers from other nations. In total, 1,889 Commonwealth soldiers from World War II are buried here. There is a list of their names.
About the Gravestones and Gardens
The cemetery is designed and cared for according to CWGC rules. You can see many rows of graves when you look across the cemetery. In the distance, there is a Hall of Remembrance. This cemetery was designed by Robert Lorimer.
A special Cross of Sacrifice stands in a direct line of sight. After that, you'll see the Stone of Remembrance. It has the words "Their Name Liveth For Evermore" carved into it.
The white gravestones are made of limestone. Each stone shows the symbol of the soldier's military unit. It also lists their death date, religion (if known), name, and military rank. Often, there are also words of remembrance from their families. Beautiful roses are planted in front of each grave.
Visitors can find a guest book in one of the two small buildings at the cemetery.
Famous People Buried Here
- Lieutenant-Colonel Neville Elliott-Cooper VC DSO MC (1889–1918), a British soldier from World War I. He received the Victoria Cross, a very brave award.
- Sergeant Pilot James Allen Ward VC (1919-1941), a New Zealand soldier from World War II. He also received the Victoria Cross for his bravery.
