Cannock Chase German Military Cemetery is the only German military cemetery on British soil. It contains 2143 burials from the First World War and 2786 from the Second World War, mainly German and Austrians.
An agreement between the UK and West Germany in 1959 led to the establishment of the cemetery, which is maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. It was first opened to the public on 10 June 1967. Once inaugurated, the remains of German war dead buried in various locations across the UK were transferred to Cannock Chase and reburied there.
Most of those who lie in the cemetery died whilst interned in prisoner of war camps. Others were airmen who were killed when their airships and aircraft were brought down or crashed, or sailors who died at sea whose bodies were washed ashore. Also buried there are victims of the sinking of the Arandora Star which was torpedoed whilst transporting internees and refugees in 1940.
This new exhibition has been created to interpret the history of this memorial site and to remember the victims of war whilst spreading a message of peace and reconciliation. The museum is delighted to have the opportunity to display this fascinating exhibition in advance of its installation on site at the cemetery.
Please note the Museum is closed on a Sunday and Monday.
An agreement between the UK and West Germany in 1959 led to the establishment of the cemetery, which is maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. It was first opened to the public on 10 June 1967. Once inaugurated, the remains of German war dead buried in various locations across the UK were transferred to Cannock Chase and reburied there.
Most of those who lie in the cemetery died whilst interned in prisoner of war camps. Others were airmen who were killed when their airships and aircraft were brought down or crashed, or sailors who died at sea whose bodies were washed ashore. Also buried there are victims of the sinking of the Arandora Star which was torpedoed whilst transporting internees and refugees in 1940.
This new exhibition has been created to interpret the history of this memorial site and to remember the victims of war whilst spreading a message of peace and reconciliation. The museum is delighted to have the opportunity to display this fascinating exhibition in advance of its installation on site at the cemetery.
Please note the Museum is closed on a Sunday and Monday.
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