The Cannock Chase German Military Cemetery is the primary resting place in Great Britain for German and Austrian military personnel and civilian internees who died during both World Wars. It was founded following an agreement between the United Kingdom and West Germany signed on 16 October 1959, and officially opened/dedicated on 10 June 1967. It is managed today through a partnership of the Volksbund Deutsche Kriegsgräberfürsorge (German War Graves Commission) and the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.
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| Views of the Graves |
Nearly 5,000 graves (around 4,700 to 4,929 total), including 2,143 from World War I (such as WWI Zeppelin crew members) and roughly 2,786 from World War II. Most casualties died while in captivity or internment camps in Britain. In addition, there are crew members from downed fighter planes as well as those whose bodies were washed ashore.
The cemetery is superbly laid out and landscaped and has several unique features to remember the fallen.
Childrens' Art Work
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| "Created by young people from Germany and Staffordshire commemorating 55 years of working together in the spirit of peace and friendship, 1962-2017" |
Zeppelin Crews' Burial Plot
Cannock is the the final resting place of the crew members of the four Zeppelins were shot down on bombing missions over the UK.
"Fallen Warrior" Sculpture
Housed inside the cemetery's Hall of Honor, is a stark, un-idealized bronze sculpture of a corpse draped in shroud by the eminent German sculptor Professor Hans Wimmer (1907–1992). It serves as a transition statement leading visitors to the terraced graves.
In September 2026, Princess Anne (above) opened the cemetery's new “History Center,” which features a bilingual, multimedia exhibition. It also provides space for gatherings and educational activities. Among other things, the exhibition traces the development of aerial warfare in the 20th century.
Source: Archaeo Death, 25 February 2024; Commonwealth War Graves Commission
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