Commonwealth War Cemetery Ryes

Located just outside the town of Arromanches-les-Bains in Normandy, the cemetery was established in June 1944, with the first burials taking place only two days after the D-Day landings of 6 June. It serves as the final resting place for soldiers who fell during the Battle of Normandy, particularly those involved in the assault on Gold Beach.

A significant number of those interred belonged to the 50th (Northumbrian) Infantry Division, which landed on Gold Beach, as well as personnel from the Royal Navy and the Merchant Navy, who played a crucial role in the landings and subsequent supply operations.

Among the graves are those of two brothers, Private Joseph Casson of the Durham Light Infantry and Marine Robert Casson of 45 Commando, who lie side by side. Another notable burial is that of Les Milner, a professional footballer who played for York City before the war.

A number of Canadian servicemen buried here were victims of a widespread murder spree among Waffen-SS soldiers.

Cemetery description:
The cemetery is laid out in the characteristic style of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC). At the entrance, there is a stone gateway with wrought-iron elements, and a small shelter or register box where visitors can consult the cemetery register and plan.

The cemetery is enclosed by low stone walls and surrounded by carefully maintained lawns and flowerbeds. The planting scheme—roses, perennials, and shrubs—was designed to soften the austerity of the stone and create a sense of peace.

Each grave is marked by a Portland stone headstone, identical in size and shape, engraved with the soldier’s name, rank, regiment, date of death, and age (where known). Regimental badges and religious symbols are also included.

Frederick J. Jones
In row VIII.B.1 is the grave of Private Frederick James Jones, B-Cie 2nd South Wales Borderers. He was wounded in the head on 6 June 1944 and died in the Bayeux Field Hospital on 9 June 1944.

During the fighting on 6 June, after Private Jones was wounded in the head, Private Bill Evans bandaged his head and had to leave Private Jones for the medics. It was not until the late 1990s that Bill Evans discovered that Private Jones had actually died of his wounds. From then on, until his death on 23 August 2014, Bill Evans visited Jones's grave every year and sang the Welsh national anthem there. Friends and acquaintances of Bill Evans still visit Private Jones's grave every year and place a cross there in his name.

Do you have more information about this location? Inform us!

Source

• Text: TracesofWar & Cornelis Reijntjes
• Photos: Jente de Roust (1,2,3,4) & Cornelis Reijntjes (5)