Polygon Wood Cemetery

Polygon Wood Cemetery is a war cemetery in Zonnebeke containing about 108 graves arranged in a distinctive polygonal pattern. The site features a Cross of Sacrifice and memorial walls designed by architect Charles Holden.

The cemetery was established in August 1917 after Australian forces captured the surrounding forest. It was temporarily abandoned during the German Spring Offensive of 1918.

The burial ground holds soldiers from multiple nations, including one German serviceman from World War I. This mix of different nationalities reflects how the conflict brought together people from across the world.

The cemetery is accessible by road with parking available nearby and informational panels on site explaining the location's significance. The surrounding landscape can be explored on foot, making it easy to combine this visit with other nearby heritage sites.

The graves are not arranged in uniform rows but follow the original positions where soldiers were buried during wartime. This irregular layout preserves the conditions of emergency burials from that period.

Location: Zonnebeke

Architects: Charles Holden, Wilfred Clement Von Berg

Operator: Commonwealth War Graves Commission

Part of: Funerary and memory sites of the First World War (Western Front)

Website: https://cwgc.org/find-a-cemetery/cemetery/55100/polygon-wood-cemetery

GPS coordinates: 50.85699,2.99068

Latest update: December 9, 2025 20:21