Ocracoke British Cemetery
A solemn memorial to four British WWII seamen, this unique cemetery is technically on British soil, offering a poignant historical connection.
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Best Time
Peaceful and reflective
Ocracoke British Cemetery
Best Time
Peaceful and reflective
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A solemn memorial to four British WWII seamen, this unique cemetery is technically on British soil, offering a poignant historical connection.
"A touching memorial to British seamen, offering peace and a unique piece of history."
Respectful Visit
This is a solemn memorial. Please be quiet and respectful of the gravesites and the history they represent. :pray:
Combine with Lighthouse
Many visitors pair a stop here with the nearby Ocracoke Lighthouse for a historical tour. :camerawithflash:
Highlights
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The Four Graves
Ocracoke British Cemetery
The resting place of four British WWII seamen whose ship was sunk off the coast. A powerful reminder of wartime sacrifice.
A Symbol of International Friendship
Ocracoke British Cemetery
The land is perpetually leased to the British Commonwealth, making it a unique, albeit symbolic, piece of British territory.
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A Slice of British Soil
Quiet Reflection
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Respectful Visit
This is a solemn memorial. Please be quiet and respectful of the gravesites and the history they represent. :pray:
Combine with Lighthouse
Many visitors pair a stop here with the nearby Ocracoke Lighthouse for a historical tour. :camerawithflash:
Off-the-beaten-path historic places worth visiting in the Outer Banks?
Annual Ceremony
An annual memorial ceremony is held on May 11th, honoring the fallen seamen. Check local listings if you wish to attend. :calendar:
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Respectful Visit
This is a solemn memorial. Please be quiet and respectful of the gravesites and the history they represent. :pray:
Combine with Lighthouse
Many visitors pair a stop here with the nearby Ocracoke Lighthouse for a historical tour. :camerawithflash:
Annual Ceremony
An annual memorial ceremony is held on May 11th, honoring the fallen seamen. Check local listings if you wish to attend. :calendar:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Ocracoke British Cemetery to be a touching and historically significant site, offering a peaceful place for remembrance. Many appreciate the unique aspect of it being on British soil and the solemn tribute to fallen WWII seamen. Some wish for more interpretive signage, but the overall sentiment is one of respect and quiet contemplation.
"A bit of history and remembrance from WWII.
"These gravesites contain the bodies of four British seamen. Their ship, the armed trawler HMS Bedfordshire, was on loan to our Navy by Great Britain to help protect our shores during the early days of World War II.
On May 11, 1942 the Bedfordshire was torpedoed and sunk by a German sub. All hands were lost and these four were the only bodies recovered.
This cemetery is maintained by Ocracoke Coast Guard Station personnel.""
Michael
"Solitude and amazing history. Be sure to visit to not let these sacrifices be forgotten. Would love to be there to see the annual ceremony."
Mike Pulaski
"Touching memorial to the British seamen whose bodies washed ashore on Ocracoke Island beaches. The memorial ceremony was touching and memorable."
Julie Diebolt Price
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Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Ocracoke British Cemetery is located on Ocracoke Island, accessible by ferry. Once on the island, it's a short drive or bike ride from the village. It's often visited in conjunction with the Ocracoke Lighthouse.
Limited parking is usually available near the cemetery, especially when combined with visits to the lighthouse. Arrive early if possible. :car:
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no entrance fee to visit the Ocracoke British Cemetery. It is a public memorial site. :ticket:
The cemetery is generally accessible during daylight hours. As it's an outdoor memorial, there are no strict opening or closing times. :clock:
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The cemetery commemorates four British WWII seamen from the HMT Bedfordshire, which was sunk by a German U-boat. Their bodies washed ashore and were buried here, on land perpetually leased to the British Commonwealth.
Yes, you can take photos, but please do so respectfully. It's a place of remembrance, so avoid intrusive or disrespectful photography. :camerawithflash:
The cemetery is relatively small and flat, making it generally accessible. However, paths may be uneven, so caution is advised. :wheelchair:
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning or late afternoon light can offer a more serene and atmospheric setting for photographs. The quiet solitude enhances the mood. :sunriseovermountains:
You can capture poignant shots of the graves, the surrounding natural beauty, and the small, symbolic nature of the site. Focus on capturing the sense of remembrance. :camera:
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The Story Behind the Graves
In a remarkable gesture of gratitude and respect, the residents of Ocracoke provided a small plot of land for their burial. This land is unique as it is perpetually leased to the British Commonwealth, making it, in essence, a small piece of British soil on American shores. This symbolic gesture underscores the shared sacrifices and international cooperation during the war.
Each year, on the anniversary of the sinking, a memorial ceremony is held at the cemetery. This event is attended by representatives from the U.S. Coast Guard, the British Royal Navy, and Canadian forces, serving as a solemn tribute to the men who died defending American waters. Visitors often find the cemetery to be a deeply moving and reflective site, a quiet place to remember their sacrifice.
Visiting Ocracoke Island
Getting to Ocracoke involves a ferry ride, which is an experience in itself, offering scenic views of the Pamlico Sound. Once on the island, transportation options include walking, biking, or using the island's shuttle service. The pace of life here is slower, encouraging visitors to relax and soak in the coastal ambiance.
For those interested in history, Ocracoke offers more than just the British Cemetery. The island has a rich past tied to pirates, shipwrecks, and maritime heritage. Exploring the village and its shops, or simply enjoying the pristine beaches, provides a well-rounded Ocracoke experience.
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