Bény-sur-Mer War Cemetery, Reviers, France

Bény-sur-Mer was created as a permanent resting place for Canadian soldiers who had been temporarily interred in smaller plots close to where they fell. As is usual for war cemeteries or monuments, France granted Canada a perpetual concession to the land occupied by the cemetery. The graves contain soldiers from the Canadian 3rd Division and 15 Airmen killed in the Battle of Normandy. The cemetery also includes four British graves and one French grave, for a total of 2049 markers. Bény-sur-Mer contains the remains of 9 sets of brothers, a record for a Second World War cemetery.

A large number of dead in the cemetery were killed in early July 1944 in the Battle for Caen. The cemetery also contains soldiers who fell during the initial D-Day assault of Juno Beach. The Canadian Prisoners of War illegally executed at the Ardenne Abbey are interred here. It also contains the grave of Rev. (H/Capt) Walter Brown, chaplain to the 27th Armoured Regiment (Sherbrooke Fusiliers) and the only chaplain killed in cold blood in World War 2. Rev Brown was murdered on the night of June 6/7 by members of III/25th SS Panzer Grenedier Regt near Galmanche, but his body was not found until July 1944. Canadians killed later in the campaign were interred in the Bretteville-sur-Laize Canadian War Cemetery.

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Adv Decals (2 years ago)
On a piece of land gifted by France to Canada near Bény-sur-Mer, the final resting place for Canadian soldiers who gave their lives for the liberation of France. The grounds are immaculately maintained. Reading the names and ages on the headstones is a poignant reminder of the tremendous sacrifice of the Greatest Generation. There's a large parking lot adjacent to the cemetery with a large Canadian flag painted on the ground. A must visit for everyone, especially Canadians.

Alex Neate (2 years ago)
Stumbled upon this cemetery by accident and really glad that we did. It is incredibly well kept and beautiful set out. Beautifully poignant.

Douglas Johnson (2 years ago)
Visited here by accident, but was much gratified. Contrast styles of Canadian, British, German, and American headstones. Did not visit French Cemeteries on this trip, but note they too are different.

R. McCubbing (3 years ago)
Just completed a Vimy 100 tour visiting many of the Canadian cemeteries in Normandy and Belgium. As a young teen I delivered newspapers to the veterans home, many of whom landed on the beaches on D-Day and in the weeks following. They suffered from 40 year old injuries, shell shock, etc. To see many of their friends and colleagues that never made it home was a very emotional experience. The cemetery is on a rise with a view of the surrounding villages and the ocean, the land they fought and died to free. As all war cemeteries it is immaculately kept and has a small building on which you can climb stairs to get a greater view out over all the headstones. A must see for Canadians.

Jerry Kenney (5 years ago)
One of the most peaceful places I have ever been to in my life. Hallowed ground. It is located in some of the most beautiful countryside on earth. As an American, I thank God for the brave heroes who are buried there. We owe our freedom to them. I was in Normandy to see the place where my dad and his twin brother jumped in as part of the 101st Airborne. We drove to the Canadian Cemetery because my friend's dad is buried there. I am so glad I did. It is a deeply moving experience.

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