Discover the History of Cambridge American Cemetery

The Cambridge American Cemetery and Memorial site in England, 30.5 acres in total, was donated by the University of Cambridge.

It lies on a slope with the west and south sides framed by woodland. The cemetery contains the remains of 3,811 of our war dead; 5,127 names are recorded on the Walls of the Missing. Rosettes mark the names of those since recovered and identified. Most died in the Battle of the Atlantic or in the strategic air bombardment of northwest Europe.

From the flagpole platform near the main entrance, the great mall with its reflecting pools stretches eastward. It is from the mall that the wide, sweeping curve of the burial area across the lawn is best appreciated. Along the south side are the Walls of the Missing, and at the far end is the memorial with a chapel, two huge military maps, stained glass windows bearing the state seals and military decorations, and a mosaic ceiling memorial honoring the dead of our air forces.

A new, 4,000-square-foot center visitor center opened in May 2014. Through interpretive exhibits that incorporate personal stories, photographs, films, and interactive displays, visitors will gain a better understanding of this critical campaign that contributed to the Allied victory in Europe during World War II.

Cambridge American Cemetery is situated three miles west of the university city of Cambridge, England.

After preventing a German invasion in 1940, the United Kingdom became the center of Allied offensive operations in Europe. The arrival of American forces—by sea, air, and ground—transformed Britain into a vital staging ground for the war.

The Eighth Air Force, based in Britain, carried out strategic bombing missions that severely weakened German war power. Meanwhile, Allied forces launched campaigns from the UK into North Africa, Sicily, and Italy before preparing for the massive D-Day invasion in 1944.

By the time of the Normandy landings, 1.6 million American troops were stationed in Britain, with 1.2 million joining the battle on the continent within three months. More than 3 million Americans passed through the British Isles during the war, forging lasting bonds between the two nations.

The Cambridge American Cemetery stands as a lasting tribute to the sacrifices made and the enduring partnership between the U.S. and the UK.