Anywhere you go north of France, you will inevitably bump into a war cemetery, whether from the First or Second World War. The most important Second World War British cemetery is in Bayeux. Every Commonwealth cemetery is built on the same plan: a large grass alley leads to the Stone of Remembrance (sort of open air altar) and the Cross of Sacrifice. Around, rows and rows of white stones... It's sad to say but it is a beautiful sight. I hope soldiers feel better to live eternity in such a pretty grave.
What struck me the most is how young the soldiers were. The youngest I saw was 17 years old and the oldest 42. The majority were aged between 20 and 25. I just started to cry, wondering why they had to die so young, while I will probably live to see my 80th birthday. The inscription on each stone chosen by relatives to their lost ones is heartbreaking. Stones are glued together when the bodies of two soldiers were impossible to seperate.
On the other side of the street, a monument honours the name of every Commonwealth soldiers whose body was never recovered.
Bring tissues.