German Military Cemetery, Cannock Chase - Image 1
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Cannock Chase German Military Cemetery

4.8
·325 reviews·Brocton, United Kingdom

A solemn and peaceful resting place for over 5,000 German and Austrian servicemen from both World Wars, set within the beautiful Cannock Chase.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer visitors, more peaceful

CrowdLow
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German Military Cemetery, Cannock Chase - Image 1

Cannock Chase German Military Cemetery

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer visitors, more peaceful

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A solemn and peaceful resting place for over 5,000 German and Austrian servicemen from both World Wars, set within the beautiful Cannock Chase.

4.8
(325 reviews)

"An extraordinary, sad and very moving place. Visit to ponder the futility of war."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚶‍♂️ Park & Walk

Park at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission cemetery and walk the short lane to the German cemetery.

🤫 Be Respectful

This is a place of remembrance. Keep noise to a minimum and tread lightly.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Rows of German War Graves

Rows of German War Graves

Main cemetery grounds

Thousands of uniform headstones create a powerful visual testament to the fallen soldiers of two world wars.

Reddit
Zeppelin Crew Memorial

Zeppelin Crew Memorial

Separate section

A dedicated area honors German airmen, including those lost in Zeppelin raids during WWI.

Reddit
Tranquil Surroundings

Tranquil Surroundings

Cannock Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

The peaceful natural landscape of Cannock Chase enhances the cemetery's serene and reflective atmosphere.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Respectful Visitation

This is a solemn place of remembrance. Visitors are asked to be respectful, avoid loud noises, and refrain from disturbing the graves. Many find it moving to leave a small token, like a coin, but be aware of the ongoing discussion about this practice. TikTok+1

Historical Significance

Cannock Chase German Military Cemetery is the final resting place for over 5,000 German and Austrian prisoners of war and servicemen who died in the UK during both World Wars. It's a poignant reminder of the human cost of conflict. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer visitors, more peaceful
Crowd
Low
When
Spring and Autumn
Why
Pleasant weather for walking
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

#stitch with @killateraldamage please leave them. They are for the Soldier. #oculusthreeknives #veteran #soldiers #army #11B #Combatveteran #fyp
@oculus_three_knives
3.6M likes • 37.3M views

🚶‍♂️ Park & Walk

Park at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission cemetery and walk the short lane to the German cemetery. Reddit

🤫 Be Respectful

This is a place of remembrance. Keep noise to a minimum and tread lightly. TikTok+1

PLEASE help elevate the voice of PFC Montgomery-Smith & PFC KaRaven. Not one soldier but TWO lives lost in Germany. The families need JUSTICE these soldiers need JUSTICE‼️‼️‼️
@bbbrookeeeee
1.5M likes • 6.7M views
CANNOCK CHASE GERMAN MILITARY CEMETERY
martinchambers5553
0 likes • 110 views

🤔 Coin Tradition

Some visitors leave coins, a tradition with debated meanings. Consider the sentiment before participating. TikTok+1

🌳 Explore Cannock Chase

Combine your visit with a walk or bike ride in the beautiful surrounding Cannock Chase. Instagram

A bike ride to Cannock Chase to see the German military Cemetery #cxbike #bikeride #cannockchase #staffordshire #militarycemetery #justgetoutthere
justgetoutthereguy
10 likes • 256 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚶‍♂️ Park & Walk

Park at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission cemetery and walk the short lane to the German cemetery. Reddit

🤫 Be Respectful

This is a place of remembrance. Keep noise to a minimum and tread lightly. TikTok+1

🤔 Coin Tradition

Some visitors leave coins, a tradition with debated meanings. Consider the sentiment before participating. TikTok+1

🌳 Explore Cannock Chase

Combine your visit with a walk or bike ride in the beautiful surrounding Cannock Chase. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.8
(325 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently describe Cannock Chase German Military Cemetery as a poignant, peaceful, and very moving place. Its well-maintained grounds and tranquil setting within the natural beauty of Cannock Chase are frequently praised. While some find it a brief visit, others appreciate the historical significance and the opportunity for quiet contemplation. Reddit

"A wonderful German war cemetery , featuring graves from both world wars. And a separate grave area for those that died in the zeppelins. A poignant peacefully area full of historical interest. Easy enough to park at the commonwealth cemetery and walk down the lane to this one , should take around 5 minutes"

kevin mills

"Pretty cool if you’re interested in military history like I am."

James B

"An extraordinary, sad and very moving place. Visit to ponder the futility of war. The fallen of Germany were gathered here from across the UK in the 1960s, so many of these chaps were originally buried in village cemeteries. The fallen include Zeppelin crews from WW1"

HistoryNeedsYou

What People Like

Peaceful and moving atmosphere
Well-maintained grounds
Historical significance

What People Dislike

Can be a brief visit

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The cemetery is located within the Cannock Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Staffordshire, UK. Many visitors park at the nearby Commonwealth War Graves Commission cemetery and walk the short distance. Driving is the most common method, with local signage guiding visitors. Reddit

While there isn't extensive dedicated parking directly at the German Military Cemetery, visitors can typically find ample parking at the adjacent Commonwealth War Graves Commission cemetery, from which it's a short walk. Reddit

Public transport options to the immediate vicinity of the cemetery can be limited. It's advisable to check local bus routes, but driving or cycling is generally more convenient for reaching this specific location. Instagram

Cannock Chase is a popular area for cycling, and the cemetery is accessible via the network of paths and roads within the Chase. Many cyclists make it a stop on their routes. Instagram

The paths within the cemetery are generally well-maintained, but it is a natural landscape. Access from the parking area at the Commonwealth cemetery is relatively straightforward. It's always a good idea to check for any specific accessibility updates before visiting.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, there is no entrance fee to visit the Cannock Chase German Military Cemetery. It is a place of remembrance and is freely accessible to all visitors. Reddit

The cemetery is generally open daily from dawn until dusk, allowing visitors to experience its peaceful atmosphere throughout daylight hours. Specific times may vary slightly, so checking with the Commonwealth War Graves Commission is advisable if you have precise timing needs.

No booking is required to visit the cemetery. It's an open-access site for quiet reflection and historical interest. Reddit

Photography is generally permitted for personal use, but visitors are reminded to be respectful of the solemn nature of the site. Avoid intrusive photography that might disturb other visitors or disrespect the graves. Instagram

Visitors often leave small tokens, such as coins, at the graves. While this is a common practice, some feel it's best to leave the graves undisturbed. Flowers are also sometimes left. TikTok+1

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The cemetery is described as poignant, peaceful, and very moving. The tranquil surroundings of Cannock Chase contribute significantly to its serene atmosphere, making it a place for quiet contemplation. Reddit

Most visitors find that 1-2 hours is sufficient to walk through the cemetery, reflect on the history, and appreciate the surroundings. Some may wish to spend longer if combining it with a walk in Cannock Chase. Reddit

The cemetery primarily commemorates German and Austrian servicemen who died in the UK during World War I and World War II, including prisoners of war and those who died in air raids. Reddit

Direct facilities at the German Military Cemetery are minimal. However, the adjacent Commonwealth War Graves Commission cemetery may offer some basic amenities. It's advisable to be prepared for a natural setting. Reddit

Leaving coins on graves is a tradition in some cultures to signify that you visited. For military cemeteries, it can also represent a soldier paying respects to another. However, there's a discussion among veterans about whether this practice is appropriate. TikTok+1

📸 📸 Photography

The long, orderly rows of headstones offer striking photographic opportunities. The Zeppelin crew memorial also provides a unique subject. Capturing the cemetery within its natural landscape can also be very effective. Instagram

Yes, photography for personal use is generally acceptable, but always with respect. Avoid intrusive shots and be mindful of other visitors who are there for solemn reflection. Instagram

Any camera or smartphone can capture the essence of the cemetery. Consider a wide-angle lens for the rows of graves and a telephoto lens for details. Natural light, especially during the golden hours, can enhance the mood. Instagram

Themes could include the symmetry of the graves, the contrast between the uniform headstones and the natural surroundings, or the quiet solitude of the memorial. Instagram

Early morning or late afternoon often provides softer light and fewer crowds, creating a more atmospheric and respectful setting for photography. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Children

Visiting Cannock Chase German Military Cemetery can be a valuable educational experience for families, offering a tangible connection to history and the consequences of war. It's important to approach the visit with sensitivity, explaining to children that this is a place of respect for those who lost their lives. The orderly rows of graves and the peaceful surroundings can be easier for younger visitors to comprehend than complex historical narratives. Reddit

Consider making it part of a larger outing to Cannock Chase, incorporating a walk or picnic in the natural surroundings to balance the solemnity of the cemetery visit. This can help children engage with the area in a more relaxed way. Discussing the coin tradition beforehand can also prepare them for what they might see and encourage respectful observation. TikTok+1

🚶‍♂️ History Enthusiasts & Military Buffs

For those with a keen interest in military history, Cannock Chase German Military Cemetery is a must-visit. It offers a unique perspective on the aftermath of both World Wars, showcasing the consolidation of enemy war dead from across the UK. The presence of graves from both conflicts, including the specific memorial for Zeppelin crews, provides rich historical context. Reddit

Take time to read any available information panels and reflect on the sheer scale of loss represented here. The cemetery is a testament to the efforts made in post-war reconciliation and remembrance, a crucial aspect of understanding 20th-century European history. Reddit

🚴‍♀️ Outdoor Adventurers & Cyclists

Cannock Chase is a renowned destination for outdoor activities, and the German Military Cemetery is easily incorporated into a cycling or walking route. The cemetery's location within the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty means you can combine a visit with exploring the extensive network of trails. Instagram

Many cyclists use the cemetery as a point of interest on their rides through the Chase. The peaceful atmosphere offers a moment of reflection amidst an active day out. Remember to be mindful of other visitors and maintain a respectful demeanor even while enjoying your outdoor pursuits. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The History of Cannock Chase German Military Cemetery

Cannock Chase German Military Cemetery is a significant site of remembrance, housing the remains of over 5,000 German and Austrian servicemen who died in the United Kingdom during both World War I and World War II. Many of these individuals were originally buried in smaller, isolated plots across the country, often in civilian churchyards. In the 1960s, the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, under the authority of the German War Graves Commission (Volksbund Deutsche Kriegsgräberfürsorge), undertook the task of consolidating these scattered burials into a central, well-maintained cemetery. TikTokReddit

The cemetery's establishment reflects a post-war effort to provide a dignified and unified resting place for fallen enemy combatants, acknowledging their sacrifice and the shared human cost of war. This consolidation aimed to ensure that all German war dead in the UK would be properly cared for and remembered. The site itself was chosen for its peaceful, natural setting within the Cannock Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, offering a serene environment for reflection. Reddit

Among the graves are those of airmen who perished in Zeppelin raids during World War I, a unique aspect of the cemetery's historical narrative. The presence of these individuals underscores the far-reaching impact of aerial warfare even in its early stages. Visiting the cemetery offers a profound opportunity to reflect on the futility of war and to pay respects to all those who fell, regardless of nationality. Reddit

The Coin Tradition: A Modern Debate

A common sight at many military cemeteries, including Cannock Chase, is the presence of small coins left on headstones. This practice, while seemingly a simple gesture of respect, has become a topic of discussion, particularly within military communities. The tradition often signifies that a visitor has paid their respects, with the coin representing a symbolic 'drink' or a marker of a visit. TikTok+1

However, some veterans and active service members express reservations about this practice. Their concerns often stem from the idea that the graves should be left as they are, a pure memorial, or that the tradition is not universally understood or applied respectfully. Some TikTok creators have voiced strong opinions against removing coins or leaving them without understanding their significance, emphasizing that these are soldiers' resting places. TikTok+1

When visiting, you may observe coins on some of the headstones. It's a personal choice whether to participate in this tradition. If you do, consider the sentiment behind it and ensure it's done with the utmost respect for the fallen soldiers and the solemnity of the cemetery. TikTok+1

Cannock Chase: More Than Just a Cemetery

The Cannock Chase German Military Cemetery is situated within the expansive and beautiful Cannock Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This designation highlights the significant natural and scenic value of the area, making it a popular destination for outdoor activities. Visitors often combine their solemn visit to the cemetery with a walk, hike, or bike ride through the surrounding woodlands and heathlands. Instagram

The Chase offers a network of trails and open spaces, providing a stark yet complementary contrast to the ordered rows of the cemetery. The natural tranquility of the area enhances the reflective experience of visiting the graves, offering a space for both remembrance and rejuvenation. It’s a place where history meets nature, creating a unique and memorable visit. Reddit

Beyond its natural beauty, Cannock Chase also holds other historical layers, including its past as a military training ground and its association with local folklore, such as the legend of the Black Eyed Children, though this is separate from the cemetery's primary purpose. For those interested in military history, the proximity to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission cemetery also adds to the historical significance of the area. TikTok

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