Brunssum War Cemetery

Brunssum was liberated by American troops in September 1944. The American units were relieved in November 1944 by the British 43rd (Wessex) Division, which established a headquarters in Brunssum. Later the British 52nd (Lowland) Division was stationed in Brunssum.

The military war cemetery in Brunssum was established between 1945 and 1947 by the British Army and the Directorate of Graves Registration and Inquiries. The design is in accordance with the guidelines of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, which ensures that all British war graves (in 140 different countries) are laid out and maintained in the same way.

The Brunssum plot has been laid out to a design by architect Philip Hepworth. Characteristics are the white stone tombstones and the 4 meter high cross of sacrifice, also made of natural stone and equipped with a bronze sword. These elements were placed in the summer of 1950. The wall and other architectural elements were built in the years 1951-1952.

The first soldiers were buried in November 1944. These were soldiers of the 43rd Division who died in fighting in a triangle between the Roer and the Meuse. More graves followed later. For example, 50 soldiers who died when clearing mines on the border with Germany in January 1945. A large group was killed in fighting in and around Geilenkirchen.

A total of 328 British soldiers are buried here. Of these, 327 bodies have been identified. There is one unknown soldier.

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