Lae War Cemetery, Commonwealth War Graves Commission cemetery in Lae District, Papua New Guinea
Lae War Cemetery is a Commonwealth War Graves Commission maintained site holding thousands of marked graves from World War II servicemen. The headstones are arranged in rows and bear names, military units, and often religious symbols.
The cemetery developed as a central burial location following intense military campaigns in Papua New Guinea during the Pacific campaign. Fighting near Lae in 1942 and subsequent operations resulted in significant losses that are documented here.
The cemetery reflects Commonwealth military traditions through uniform headstone designs and personal inscriptions that honor each fallen soldier. The layout shows how different nations shared the responsibility of remembrance at this site.
The cemetery is open to visitors during set hours and provides information about the soldiers interred there. You can research family connections and learn details about individuals by using the registration system available on site.
The site holds fallen service members from several Commonwealth nations including Australia, Britain, and New Zealand, resting together in one place. This multinational burial ground reflects the shared burden of Pacific operations across different armies.
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