Recently updated on January 23rd, 2020 at 10:49 pm
November marks a time for the world to remember all of the members of the armed forces who have died in the line of duty since World War I. At this time, we remember the sacrifice, courage and service of the thousands of men and women around the world who sacrificed their lives for our freedom, and we honour them by never forgetting. Here are some of the most beautiful memorial sites in Europe worth visiting, no matter where you’re from.
Vimy Memorial
Located in France, Vimy Memorial was designed by Canadian architect Walter Seymour Allward. Taking 11 years to be built and constructed out of limestone, the outside of the monument’s enclosing walls contain the names of 11,285 Canadians who were killed in France and whose final resting places are unknown. Vimy Memorial is a tribute to all of the Canadians who fought in the First World War.
Caribou Memorial Sites
After the First World War, five Caribou monuments were built in Belgium and France in honour of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment for their efforts and sacrifice. The five caribou were placed in Beaumont-Hamel, Gueudecourt, Monchy-le-Preux, Masnieres and Courtrai (Kortrijk). A sixth caribou was placed in Bowring Park in St. John’s, Newfoundland.
Ranville War Cemetery
Located in Calvados, France, Ranville War Cemetery is the third largest Second World War Commonwealth War Cemetery. The village of Ranville was the first to be liberated in the D-Day landings. Immaculately kept, the cemetery contains the graves of more than 2,200 Commonwealth servicemen and also holds the graves of some 320 German servicemen and several Belgium, French and Polish soldiers.
Tyne Cot Cemetery
Designed by Sir Herbert Baker, the Tyne Cot Cemetery received its name by the Northumberland Fusiliers to a group of German blockhouses (pillboxes), which stood near the level crossing on the Passchendaele-Broodseinde road. The Tyne Cot Memorial bears the names of 35,000 officers and men whose graves are not known.
Essex Farm Cemetery
It was at Essex Farm Cemetery in Belgium that Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae wrote the immortal poem, “In Flanders Fields,” in May 1915. Designed by Sir Reginald Blomfield, visitors to the Essex Farm Cemetery are often surrounded by blooming poppies, the flower of remembrance.
Image credits: Cover photo of Essex Farm Cemetery, poppies at Essex Farm Cemetery, Tyne Cot Cemetery, and a monument at Essex Farm Cemetery © Katherine Chin.