Britain's Honored Dead at Normandy | History Traveler Episode 193

Most people who travel to Normandy make it a point to visit the war cemeteries there to pay their respects to the men who gave their lives for the cause of freedom in WWII. For many Americans, the Commonwealth cemeteries may be different or unfamiliar to them. In this episode, we're visiting two of these cemeteries with Paul Woodadge of @WW2TV to explore how these places help us to better understand the history of what took place there during WWII.

Other episodes that you might enjoy:

Help spread history and share this with a friend. And be sure to SUBSCRIBE to catch all of the latest content when it drops. Thanks!

[TheHistoryUnderground]

If you've watched a few episodes and feel like I've earned it, be sure to subscribe so that you don't miss any new content when it comes out.

Also be sure to check out The Gettysburg Museum of History and their store at Thanks!

[Andyb]

As a Brit, may I say God bless this generation that fought me, the freedoms I take for granted today. God bless all the Allies & may you rest in peace. Excellent video thank you so much for doing us proud in remembering.

[patgeorge]

At the Rannville war cemetery there is a very interesting grave. A 9th battalion of the Parachute Regiment soldier who was a dog handler. He and his dog parachuted into France on D day but both were killed a few days later. He and his dog are buried together in the Rannville cemetery

[navydoc]

To my British and Canadian friends, and others I might have missed, as an American, my hat is off to you, and I salute you! You kept our left and right flanks secured and in doing so paid a heavy price. God Bless all of you!

[seadoggozo-fishingguitarsa]

I visited the Bayeaux cemetery several years ago with some friends and our families.
My father fought in WW2 and I am also a (UK) veteran.
My friend had two very young children at the time and as children often do, as we walked the cemetery they played quite happily. They weren't being riotous or overly noisy. Just being kids.
Another visitor questioned why he was allowing his children to play.
I told them that the men lying here would have no concerns about the children playing. Quite the opposite.
They would be very happy to have those children there and playing.

[jakebrowncollection]

The older British gentleman buried you showed are from the merchant Navy they generally would be older as they were experienced seamen and also technically civilians. They did the convoy work and things of that nature. Absolute bravery

[marklittle]

JD, all the Canadian, Commonwealth and British fans of your shows thank you. There is more to winning WW2 than the Band of Brothers and the US Army

[davidmathie]

Visited many of these cemeteries throughout Normandy and Picardy. Never fails to move me. So many were so young who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our tomorrows. RIP.

[safety]

I've never been to a Commonwealth cemetery in Normandy. Thank you for honoring these brave soldiers.

[BARGEWALK]

The Commonwealth War Graves Commission do a fantastic job of maintaining sites like these all over the world. Glad you had Mr Wodadge there to add context. Very good video

[HarryFenton]

I cycle from my Normandy home to the Commonwealth Cemetery near Beny Bocage once a year. I am moved to tears by some of the epitaphs. Things like' forever missed by your Mum', or 'your sweetheart will never forget you'. There are about 900 immaculate graves there in a beautiful peaceful setting. As an ex soldier I am fascinated by the range of Regimental badges and long forgotten names of units I never knew existed. It`s well worth a visit.

[oregonoutback]

The headstones with gardens below is a very nice touch.

[charlieemmarussell]

Great video! Commonwealth War Grave sites are designed to resemble a British style church yard, hence the garden feel of the cemeteries

[ricardoteixeira]

Most fantastic epitafh in Bayeux War Cemetery: "PEACE LAD. YOU PLAYED THE GAME".

[garywebber]

So respectful of all the fallen soldiers.
Thank you again

[davidclarke]

My wife, son, and I stayed in Bayeux near this cemetery and we very much enjoyed walking through it. Thanks for sharing.

[VictorySpeedway]

You could spend a day reading the epitaphs, and shedding more than a few tears.

The Battle of Normandy Museum (right across the street) is one of the best in Normandy. Well worth an extended visit.

Thanks for these videos. For an amateur WWII historian, they're platinum.

[Goblues]

Whenever I travel overseas I always check to see if there is a Commonwealth War Cemetery nearby to where I am and pay a visit. They are such beautiful yet tragic places.

[brianda]

Thanks JD for shining a light on the British and Commonwealth sacrifice along with our American brethren. Really enjoy all your work. All the best from the UK.

[nickcc]

I can't tell you gentlemen how much I appreciate your documentaries. I also appreciate how you not only focus on the allies, but the Germans
Also.