Étaples Military Cemetery

Étaples Military Cemetery is a war graves site in northern France containing more than 11,500 burials marked by uniform white headstones arranged in ordered rows across carefully maintained grounds. The entire area follows a single organized layout designed to create a respectful and systematic memorial.

The site was established in May 1915 as a burial ground for soldiers who died in the 16 military hospitals located in Étaples during World War I. It became the primary burial location for those who passed away in these medical facilities.

The layout was designed by Edwin Lutyens and reflects the Commonwealth nations whose soldiers are buried here through architectural choices and the arrangement of white headstones. You can observe how the orderly structure honors servicemen from multiple countries in a respectful and unified way.

The site is accessible by car and provides wheelchair access along with parking for visitors who arrive by vehicle. Guided tours are available for those who wish to learn more about the site with expert support.

Among the graves is Katherine Maud MacDonald, a Canadian nurse who became the first female nursing staff member to lose her life through enemy action. Her burial here marks the sacrifice of medical personnel who gave their lives while caring for the wounded.

Location: Étaples

Inception: May 1915

Architects: Edwin Lutyens, George Hartley Goldsmith

Official opening: May 14, 1922

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

GPS coordinates: 50.53528,1.62250

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:42