Bergen-op-Zoom War Cemetery

Unit/ Formation: Memorial Location: Bergen-op-Zoom Period/ Conflict: World War II Year: 1944 Date/s: 1 - 8th November 1944 Bergen-op-Zoom War Cemetery contains 1,284 Commonwealth burials and commemorations of the Second World War. 116 of the burials are unidentified. Laid to rest include men from 41, 47, 48 Commando and Royal Marine Landing Craft Crews.

Bergen-Op-Zoom War Cemetery

Many of the casualties are as a result of the Battle for Walcheren (Operation Infatuate), at the beginning of November 1944. Walcheren was an island that dominated the the entrance to the River Scheldt, which the Germans fortified to prevent the allies gaining access to the vital deep water port at Antwerp.

After a hard fought battle, that principally involved units from the 52nd (Lowland) Division, the 5th Canadian Infantry Brigade and the 4th Special Service Brigade, the island was secured on the 8th November 1944.

There are also seven First World War burials (one airman and six unknown sailors) and 21 war graves of other nationalities.

A Royal Marine of the 1939 - 1945 War - Known unto God

More related Royal Marines History 'Dits'

1. I Was There! - I Saw the Royal Marines Go In at Walcheren

2. Operation Infatuate - The Battle of Walcheren

3. Landing Craft Support Squadron - Operation Infatuate

4. 47 Cdo - Training for Operation Infatuate

5. 47 CDO RM - Attack on Battery W11 Walcheren

6. Neutralizing W17 battery - Operation Infatuate

7. Sgt Robert Greer LCG 1 - Walcheren

8. Sinking of LCF 37 - Walcheren

References/ further reading:

1. Commonwealth Graves Commission