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Almost 5,000 German and Austrian war dead, 2,143 from the First World War and 2,797 from the Second, lie in peace in Cannock Chase, an area of outstanding natural beauty in rural Staffordshire. Some died trying to kill our parents or grandparents from the skies; others were washed ashore from ships; and some were prisoners of war who never made it home; 95 are unbekannte – unknown, or unidentifiable. The burials include crews of four Zeppelin flying ships shot down over Britain, who are all buried together.
It is an odd feeling, meandering through this tranquil setting, looking at the names, reflecting on the people they once were. Old enemies, sure; but there is always another perspective and it’s a stark reminder that war takes the young. Every one of these men would have had grieving parents, wives, girlfriends, drinking buddies – and many years left to them. Then the mischievous devil in me wonders whether the cemetery’s location in the West Midlands, rather than closer to the North Sea ports and easier for German visitors to get to, was intentional – the decision of some civil servant with a grudge, or a warped sense of humour.
The Deutsche Soldatenfriedhof was established by an agreement between the UK and what was then the Federal Republic of Germany in 1959, which provided for a central cemetery in Britain for German nationals who had died here during either world war. The German War Graves Commission (Volksbund Deutsche Kriegsgräberfürsorge) arranged to transfer graves from scattered burial grounds throughout the kingdom and the cemetery was inaugurated on 10th June 1967. Unlike the dark and sombre German cemetery at Langemark in Belgium, which I have visited, Cannock Chase is full of light and, somehow, beautiful – though, as in Belgium, many graves are multi-occupancy. The entrance is by a hall of honour, in the centre of which is an arresting bronze sculpture of a fallen warrior by Hans Wimmer.
Just before you reach the Deutsche Soldatenfriedhof, there’s a Commonwealth War Graves cemetery where a further 286 German servicemen are buried.
It was all so long ago and we’ve come such a long way.
I have been here many times, its so beautiful there and its nice how people keep it clean. Its such a shame though with all these wars, innocent people forced to fight and die. Thank you for writing this i was told that nobody was buried there if someone can clarify this it would help i was thinking of taking flowers up there
Absolutely – as the article says, there are almost 5,000 burials.
Thank you will be going there with flowers. Done some research on a few of the men who were killed by their own side, so i will be putting flowers on their graves
Good.
It’s funny. I started reading this with jocular thoughts of Dad’s Army’s Jonesie trotting out catch phrases like – They don’t like it up em, etc. But then as you say a visit and real experience of such places reinforces the realization that there were human stories behind each of them. Young lives cut short. Plans and dreams and aspirations that never had a chance. And sad memories that live on in the hearts of family left behind.
German aircrew 1939-1945: And the moaning of the wind shall be the mourning in their hearts and the rain from every cloud their tears eternal.
Located here are also the graves of the airmen who lost their lives in the 4 airships shot down over Britian in WWI
That’s right. There’s a separate memorial to them near the entrance – though I’m not sure if that marks their graves. Thanks for dropping in,
So true Mike, we tend to only think of our own but those young men were only following orders too!
It is sad to see such young lives terminated this way whatever country they come from.
I had no idea such a place existed. It was very interesting to read about and made me thought about how ennemies are just human beings, something we seem to remember when wars are over, so we provide burial sites for them. Like Achilles giving Hector’s body back to his father after killing him…
These cemeteries are so beautifully maintained. I think they are a very moving reminder and monument to those who died. On either “side”.
I had no idea…
thanks for a beautiful and moving post!
Cemeteries hold a fascination and attraction for me that is hard to explain. In this case, there is none of the sense of belonging, of being buried in the same community where a person was born, baptized, got married, had children and eventually died, none of the history one finds in the older graveyards in villages and towns.
As you say, it is beautiful and sad at the same time.
Have we really come a long way? Maybe (most of) the people of the UK and Germany have, but there is still enough hatred around to start up another world war. Let’s hope things won’t go so horribly wrong again in our lifetime.
You’re right, there is certainly so much hatred in the world and, amazingly, dangerous political posturing. But I think the achievements since 1945 outweigh the negatives – I have to believe we progress. Possibly the greatest achievement is the more widespread recognition of the value of people. If we can just keep spreading that…
It is a lovely spot. I wonder how often it is visited by relatives of those buried there?
Good question. I should have checked the visitor book – there wasn’t another soul around when I was there.
What strikes me is the differences between these and the Commonwealth war graves.
Yes – somehow we manage to preserve perceptions of nationality, even in death.
Hi Mike – I too would like to visit Cannock Chase – how interesting and sad to see – but I’m glad the lost have been buried with respect …
Thanks for sharing this cemetery … it’s good to know about – Hilary
It is a very respectful kind of place. And I think you’d like Cannock Chase.
One cemetery I would like to visit when I get a chance if only to visit the graves of two airmen who’s cross I found in a church in Wales and for the poor airman who lost his life on the downs near Blewbury.
I understand that not all burials have been transferred – but I don’t know why.
So interesting. The grounds are beautiful. The sculpture is sobering.
Yes, that sculpture is designed for impact!